I could insert any number of cheesy phrases here such as “I had a feeling, that tonight was gonna be a good night” or “Boom boom pow! That Black Eyed Peas show was amazing!” but that would only degrade how great the show actually was. Black Eyed Peas are nothing short of pop megastars right now, with four of the songs off their new record selling extremely well and playing throughout every major sporting event across the country. Paired with a superstar in his own right, Ludacris, this show was set up to not only be something special, but easily one of the biggest tours of the year. The question though, is when the rubber met the road, was it really all it was cracked up to be? I’d definitely say so. It exceeded my expectations, which were already pretty lofty.

LMFAO were the first group to take the stage. While I wasn’t particularly fond of their music, they did a nice job of setting the pace, getting everyone on their feet, and warming up the crowd for two big acts that were to follow. I can only imagine what it must be like for them to tour around with Black Eyed Peas and Ludacris. I see it as a blessing and a curse. It would be tough to compete with two huge acts like that, especially if concert goers show up late and miss half of your set. On the flip side though, it could also be a shot of adrenaline to your success. Touring arenas with two big names like that will get you lots of exposure.

As I said, they did a nice job of getting everyone on their feet and active. All of their songs are very upbeat full of energy. If you came to the show because you like a fusion of hip-hop and pop, then chances are you liked LMFAO, since they were a nice blend of both genres. Only time will tell if they are about to be the next big thing, or another one-hit-wonder, soon to fizzle.

This man needs no introduction, and could have easily been headlining this very tour five years ago. Between songs from his own albums and featured tracks he did with other artists for theirs, Ludacris has a huge selection of hits to pull from that easily exceeded the time he had for his set. Nearly all of the audience knew most of his songs and were singing/rapping along to hit after hit.

Ludacris aka Chris Bridges has been taking it easy on rapping lately and pursuing a career in acting, doing nine movies in the last six years. During that time, while he may have fallen outside the radar for music buffs, he was still very active in the celebrity scene. With two singles coming out in the last couple months, and this tour with Black Eyed Peas, it looks as if he is on the rise again.

With will.i.am and Fergie each having successful solo careers during the group’s downtime, Black Eyed Peas has almost become a supergroup of sorts. Fergie had a ton of hit songs off her solo album, while will.i.am just had his big screen debut in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. On top of their strong solo careers, the Black Eyed Peas’ lastest album, The E.N.D. (The Energy Never Dies), has exploded on the charts, earning them Grammy awards, performance spots on Oprah and the Victoria Secret Fashion Show, and making them easily one of the biggest artists of the past two years.

It’s no surprise that the Black Eyed Peas put on an amazing concert. As teased in their performances on various shows, they had extremely elaborate costumes, lighting, dancers and stage design, which turned out to be the full package. Fergie at times looked like she was channeling her inner Lady Gaga; having an elaborate transforming mirror dress that sprawled in every direction, while will.i.am channeled his inner masquerade with various masks he wore throughout their set. Overall, not only did they put on a great show, but they seemed to love what they were doing. It’s always nice to see the artist enjoying themselves, and really helps to get the crowd to enjoy themselves as well. As will.i.am said (paraphrasing), “We have never been to Kentucky before, but after seeing how crazy and fun you all are, I’m sure we will be back soon.”

Following the Black Eyed Peas show, and an after party meet-and-greet, will.i.am headed over to Buster’s Billiards & Backroom, a bar/club and music venue about a block away from Rupp Arena on Manchester Street. Although he is known for his role in Black Eyed Peas, and as the mastermind behind the tracks on their albums, he has a passion for DJing. When time allows, he will do DJ sets at local clubs and venues. As he said following his set, “That other stuff I do is fun and all, and how I make money. This though, is what I love to do.” It was definitely more than just a hobby for him. He strung together an amazing line of beats and tempos into his own masterpiece. He spun some remixed versions of Black Eyed Peas songs, doing his own vocals when the parts came, and even premiered a new song they are planning on releasing in the future. One of the members of LMFAO joined him on stage for a couple remixed versions of their songs, as well as some freestyle scatting to some of the beats. It was a real treat to see will.i.am in a more intimate setting, doing something that you could tell he really enjoyed.

Although the night was long and I didn’t get home until well past my preferred bed time, it was definitely one to remember. There were huge scaled stage shows by some of the biggest artists out there today, and a small, intimate DJ set by a passionate mixer. I have no problem sacrificing a little shut-eye for something like that.

Blogged by: Paul Hooper
Photography by: Matt Goins (unless stated otherwise)

This was no ordinary hunt. We weren’t tracking quail on a farm or clicking plastic Nintendo guns at ducks bouncing around the TV. This was a hunt for the ‘Now Generation,’ involving Facebook, Twitter, and a willingness to decipher clues to get a pair of tickets to one of the hottest shows this year. After being given the chance to do a fun giveaway for Black Eyed Peas tickets, we decided to engage our social media followers, who tend to interact with us on a daily basis. It was a nice way to reward them, while giving them something fun to do. While free tickets are free tickets, who wouldn’t want to decipher a clue, race your peers, and find a hidden pair? It’s much more exciting and satisfying than getting them in the mail.

The general locations were picked: (2) Pair at University of Kentucky, (2) Pair at Eastern Kentucky University, (1) Pair at Transylvania University, and (1) Pair in Winchester, KY. It was a broad enough radius to test the waters, and narrow enough to be able to do it in two afternoons.

EKU was the first location on the schedule. We decided to hide them on the back of a marble bench in a courtyard with a fountain. The clue was “First pair of Black Eyed Peas tickets hidden behind one of these benches near the fountain at EKU. First to find them, gets them,” attached to a photo of the set of benches. While the location in relation to the bench was specific, which set of benches was the challenge. The courtyard was lined with around 12 sets of almost identical benches. It didn’t take long though, before someone tracked them down and snagged the envelope taped to the back. For the second location at EKU, we headed to The Ravine, an outdoor stone and grass amphitheater located in a high-traffic area. We wedged the tickets under a branch in one of the trees, and took a photo which obviously showed the tickets in the foreground, and a bit of the stage in the background. Using the photo, and the vague clue (”Second pair of Black Eyed Peas tickets are in a tree in the Ravine at EKU.”), people had to figure out which tree had the stage in the background, then hunt down where the tickets were located on that tree. Students began filing out of nearby dorm buildings with cell phone in hand, scouring the grounds for the mysterious tree that housed the tickets. It wasn’t long before someone snagged them from their spot.

The next morning, we headed to Winchester, KY in search of a spot to hide the tickets. We found the Leeds Theatre, a recognizable classic in downtown Winchester, and tucked the tickets away behind a column on the outside of the building. It wasn’t hard to see the tickets in the photo, but was more of a foot race to see who could get there to claim them first. The beauty of social sites is that there is always someone in the area and checking Facebook or Twitter, so not long after we left the Theatre, someone came and grabbed them.

With Winchester done, we hit the road to head back to Lexington and to the Transylvania University campus. After a quick walk around, we found The Kissing Tree, a famous big tree on campus with a bench going around it. We pointed people to the exact location, but not where it was hidden. Before long we saw someone jogging toward the tree, with a huge grin on her face. With help with a couple friends, they began kicking around dirt, looking on the tree and under the bench. Haydon’s search paid off when one of her friends spotted the ticket envelope taped in the back under one side of the bench.

After a short drive, we arrived at UK’s campus, easily the most active of the ticket locations. As we began to walk around, classes let out so there were lots of students roaming around campus, ready for the hunt. We stopped in the White Hall Classroom Building and managed to find an empty classroom (the kind that seats around 300 people). We found a random seat, pulled the fold-up table out, taped the tickets to the bottom, then folding it back down. As soon as the tickets were taped we sent out our clue, along with a photo of the entrance to the building: “1st pair Black Eyed Peas tix, room 106 row G of classroom building at UK.” Within 30 seconds of sending it out, people already started to come into the classroom and search up and down row G. We dodged out of sight as to not reveal ourselves. When we swung back by the entrance, there were easily 10 or 12 people searching every seat in row G. Nate was talking to someone on his phone who was on Facebook and happen to be at the right place at the right time. He was the first to the scene and first to find the tickets.

We didn’t have a specific place in mind for the last pair of tickets, so we started wandering around campus. Eventually we found a staircase in the back of a building that looked promising. We planned to tape the last pair of tickets on the support pole facing the building. We waited as people passed by, poised to tape them up when the coast was clear. One person caught on to us and was watching what we were doing, so we had to abort the location, and flee to another spot. We got back in the car, drove around campus some more, and then found a nice home for the tickets underneath a bridge connected to one of the buildings. We stashed the ticket envelope underneath a drain pipe, and then watched from afar as someone looked under the bridge and claimed the tickets.

Although the hunt is over for now, we definitely learned a lot from this and plan to do it again for more events in the future. Thanks to everyone who participated in finding the tickets, commenting on Facebook and Twitter, and being fans/followers of Rupp Arena in the first place. We can’t ever thank you enough for you support. Also, thanks to AEG for hooking us up with tickets to give away in the first place.

We will be back for other shows, and go to more places. The fun has just begun…

As you may have seen yesterday on our Facebook or Twitter, we announced that Carrie Underwood is coming to Rupp Arena on June 13, 2010. She’ll be joined by special guests Craig Morgan and Sons of Sylvia for her first big headlining tour, “Play On Tour.” Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 12 at 10:00am. There will also be a pre-sale this week. In order to get your pre-sale password and info, be sure to sign up for Rupp Arena’s First In Line.

On February 1st, 2010 in Lexington, KY there was only one place to be; Rupp Arena. Those lucky to be in attendance witnessed an event that fits in perfectly with the great history of Rupp. People from all over the Bluegrass and the surrounding states came ready to rock out to the three groups performing; Flyleaf, Breaking Benjamin, and Three Days Grace.

Flyleaf kicked off the three hour show with a bang, starting with their second single “Fully Alive” from their debut album. If you haven’t seen them live, then figure out where they’re going to be playing and drive yourself to see them. As an opening band, and in charge of getting the crowed pumped and ready for the next two groups (Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace), Flyleaf did an amazing job. Throughout their entire set they showed just what makes them a great live band. They bring an amount of energy seldom seen, which transfers to the crowd very easily.

The surprising thing with Flyleaf are the members of the band which tend to be the center of attention. Traditionally, the lead vocals in the band is usually the performer with the most energy and stage presence. With Flyleaf however, that is not the case. Their bassist, Pat Seals, seemed to be the life of the band. He was running around, jumping off speakers, head banging, and everything that a vocalist normally does. Lacey Mosley, the lead vocalist, still did move around and have good stage presence, but the energy of the other members adds so much to the overall experience of Flyleaf live. While really enjoying watching and listening to Flyleaf play their hits and songs from their new album, “Memento Mori”, there was one thing that was hindering their entire performance from being even better. Sameer Bhattacharya, one of Flyleaf’s very talented guitarists, has no rhythm in him, at least when it comes dancing to the music. His moving was almost a distraction. While you try to avoid looking at him to watch the overall performace, you couldn’t help it – your eyes were drawn to him.

Flyleaf played a great show which included all of their biggest songs. I’ve never listened to them before except for when they get played on the radio station I listen to. I always heard that they’re good, but have never given them the chance to wow me. Flyleaf is great live, and I really enjoyed all their songs they played in their set. If you get a chance, go see them and pick up their albums as well.

Breaking Benjamin took the stage after a brief pause following Flyleaf. Before the stage lights came on, you could see four people walking out onto stage, and the crowd started to erupt. Right as they started playing their opening song “I Will Not Bow,” the lights came on and the crowd grew even louder. Watching the crowd on the floor was like watching a field of tall grass sway in the wind; heads, arms and bodies all moving in one rhythmic motion to the beat of Breaking Benjamin’s songs. As a little surprise for people who had not seen the set list from other shows, Breaking Benjamin at the mid point of their set did their own rendition of “Dream On” with images of different musical legends that had died before their time flashing on the screen behind them. I started getting very excited when Burnley (lead singer) started talking about their first CD, Saturate, and hoped they would be playing a song from my favorite CD of theirs. They answered my prayers by playing “Polyamorous.”

Breaking Benjamin finished their set with their two huge singles, “Breath” and “Diary of Jane,” both from their third CD. I knew both of these songs were big hits for them, but I didn’t realize that people in their 50s knew the songs as well. I can understand that there were parents at the concert with their kids, but to see couples there that are old enough to be my parents enjoying the music and singing along was really strange to see. What makes it strange for me is that my whole life my parents have never liked the music I listen to, so seeing people the same age as my parents enjoying hard rock is a real treat for me, but still a little out of the ordinary.

With the completion of this concert, I’ll have seen Breaking Benjamin a total of ten times. All of the chances I have had to see them have taken places in small venues, where the crowd only goes to about 300 people. I saw them at the first Rock on the Range in Columbus, OH and now Rupp Arena. Being a huge Breaking Benjamin fan, I have never been disappointed with their performances. They always put on a great show. I do prefer seeing Breaking Benjamin in a small concert venue though. Their talents shine even more at smaller venues, not quite the size of Rupp Arena. That said, they put on a great show at regardless the size of venue; big or small.

With the roar of a siren, Three Days Grace took the stage and started their set with “Break,” the first single off their new album. After finishing one of my favorite drumming songs of all time, “Bitter Taste,” the band left the stage except for their drummer, Neil Sanderson, and he jumped right into an intense drum solo. He started out with something no one was expecting; techno music. He was standing up playing a techno beat on a keyboard. I’ve never been a techno fan, because quite frankly, that music really annoys me for some reason. So as this techno beat continued I was a little confused and disappointed. I didn’t want to hear this at a rock concert. Just as I was starting to get upset, the drummer started banging on a bongo. As the bongo drumming continued over the techno beat, I found myself bobbing my head to the beat and really enjoying it. Then with both of those beat continuing on without him playing, he turned and grabbed his drum sticks and started a great drum solo. While at first I was a bit confused, I really like how it all panned out.

As I’m sure any Three Days Grace fan knows, Adam Gontier performed with Apocalyptica in the song, “I Don’t Care.” The band had cleared the stage after finishing up “Home” and the arena was thrown into darkness. After a few minutes, a lone spot light illuminated Gontier, standing in the middle of the pit by the mix boards on top of a box. With that they began playing “I Don’t Care” and as they played the song, Gontier slowly walked up to the stage through the crowed till the big ending of the song. Just as Breaking Benjamin did with “Dream On”, Three Days Grace covered a song that wasn’t theirs, doing their own version of “In The Air Tonight,” but seamlessly transforming it into “Just Like You.” 3DG finished their set, and the concert, with “Animal I Have Become.” The first rock concert of 2010 for Rupp was a great show, and if it is any indicator of what to expect for the year, then get ready for a year of some great rock.

Guest Blogged by: Kyle Jessee
Photography by: Paul Hooper

I was long over due for a country get-a-way from all the chaotic stresses of the home. I was lucky enough to attend the “American Saturday Night Tour” with Brad Paisley on January 21st with my mother-in-law. Finally, I was able to let go of all that built up financial grief that the holiday’s, along with a new marriage, can come with, and enjoy a great show.

After anxiously waiting in the crowded line, we shuffled in, and sat down in our little blue seats, prepared for a nice concert evening. After scanning the arena we started to fear, since it was 7:30pm and half the place was empty. We were hoping that more people would show, since the crowd is an important ingredient to a great concert. As time slowly ticked on and seats began filling in, minute by the minute, and before we knew it the whole arena was packed. First up on stage was Justin Moore. I had only heard a few of his songs, but learned to really appreciate him as he sang more and more through out his performance. Not too shabby for someone I had not heard much about. He was energetic, and also had a great down to earth personality!

The real crowd warmer was special guest Miranda Lambert, who’s true home is definitely the south. There’s no better way to feel right at home, then when you admit your a whiskey drinking, deer hunting gal. Following her proclaimation, the crowd showed their support with applause and screams. To top off the cake, her closing song blew away the crowd when she introduced surprise guest Blake Shelton to the stage to sing a duet with her. Everyone I could see (and myself) were overwhelmed with excitement! I had never seen so many flashes of cameras in my life! What a total surprise and great way to get the crowd on their feet for Mr. Brad Paisley.

Ah, Brad Paisley, a man of many great songs! Bravo, and hats off for an outstanding performance, if I do say so myself. We were lucky to get the whole package: fancy lights, great videos, a humorous and welcoming Brad, and an awesome show performance! There was never a dull moment with his amazing show. A video stream in the background made for an awesome visual performance, not to mention his own personal touch of coming into the crowd! It was nice to see him right in front of me strumming his guitar. It was definitely one of my favorite moments of the night. When it was time to slow things down, he really knew how to contribute, and hit a soft spot in everyone’s heart. He dedicating a whole song to those who we’ve lost over the past years, which brought tears to my eyes. There’s nothing more beautiful than a tribute, a great artist, and those everlasting memories. I can honestly say attending the Brad Paisley concert was an amazing way to kick off this new year.

Guest Blogged by: Mitzi Bledsoe
Photography by: Matt Goins (unless stated otherwise)

I have always wanted to go to New York City for Christmas.  I have always envisioned every building in the city with Christmas decorations, central park beautifully glowing with christmas lights and everyone in good spirits throughout the city.  What I loved most about the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular was just that.  It brought the most festive city to the Rupp Arena stage. They had a giant, and I am talking giant, LED screen that was towards the back of the stage and all of the Rockettes climbed aboard a life-size New York City tour bus, which was on stage.  The bus gave the illusion that it was moving and the LED screen had a virtual tour of New York City during the holidays.  I thought it was awesome to look over towards Central Park and see all of the lights on the thousands of trees there and to pass by Rockefeller center with the tree all lit up.  They even had people pretending to be street vendors and passer-bys on stage to help in the illusion, which in part is the reason it seemed like a real New York City bus tour.  This part of the show definitely was my favorite and it was the single thing that would entice me to go to the show again next year!

Santa also had a really big part in the show, helping bring christmas spirit back into children who didn’t believe.  After a chance meeting on the street, two brothers are whisked away to the north pole to help them believe in Santa’s magic again.  As Santa is explaining how he can be all of the world at once, all of these Santas starting coming from everywhere, even from underneath the stage.  They started dancing to a routine and then with the use of the LED screen again, it seemed like millions of Santas started dancing on the screen too.  I think what was so amazing was that they all danced in sync, the Santas on stage and Santas on screen.  It was such a cool illusion, i thought it was really clever and entertaining.

And of course the Rockettes provided their mile high kick routine; which was just awesome to watch.  I am not sure if everyone saw the local television special about the making of the Rockettes, but it showed a behind the scenes tour of how the show is all pulled together.  Between each set, and I believe there were about 5, they had about a minute and half sometimes to change clothing, which one of them even included a makeup change.  I remember one funny tidbit from the special; the show host said that the toy soldier pants will actually stand up on their own because they have so much starch in them.  I can only imagine how hard it must be to walk around stage during that routine in those pants!  Also, when I was talking to the Marketing Director of Rupp Arena, she told me that the buses and trucks that are used to transport all of the people and equipment for this show was definitely one of the biggest and grandest caravans that she had ever seen.  Can you imagine how many shows she has seen to say that this was one of the biggest?

I definitely hope that this show has a chance to come back next year; I think that anyone who has trouble getting into the Christmas spirit would love all of the magic and excitement this show has to offer.  I am sure you won’t be disappointed; how could the most festive and energetic city not provide an uplifting holiday show sure to impress everyone in your family and bring a little of New York City to the Bluegrass!  Happy Holidays!

Guest Blogged by: Julie Johnson

Rupp Arena was host to Casting Crowns and Matt Redman last night. It was the first of 3 events in five days here at the arena (with Kings of Leon on Saturday, and WWE on Tuesday). Stacy Hicks attended the concert and guest blogged the show for us. Hit the jump to read his thoughts about the concert.

The crowd was treated to a real church service in Rupp Arena Thursday night. Not the plastic kind as Casting Crowns lead singer Mark Hall put it but a true “smacking people in Jesus’ name” worship service.

British transplant Matt Redman gave the crowd a verse of foreshadowing Psalms 95 “ Come let us sing to the Lord” because before the two hour plus worship ended, we , the audience, would join the choir. Matt lead the choir in versions of “You are the everlasting God” and the 2005 Dove award winning “Blessed Be the Name “. He proclaimed the night to be “All about the worship of our Lord” and it was.

Casting Crowns entered the service without the glitz and glamour of today’s major touring groups. The group continued the night’s theme with rousing approval of such hits from the past albums as “What if God’s people prayed “and “American Dream”. Lead singer Mark Hall showed the “choir” that the emphasis was on “Lord it’s you”. With the help of his band mates and the return of Matt Redman, Crowns showed that an old hymn favorite “One Day” could be turned into something fresh and exciting to the ear. When the band pointed the way to the new title cut of the forthcoming album “Until the Whole World Hears”, it became apparent that WorldVision’s sponsorship was more than financial it was God’s charge for our lives. The line “Ready Yourselves” was a word from God as many took the charge to sponsor a child of WorldVision. After a short intermission the stage was transformed into a version of “Unplugged”. The band took their stools and played the five song set of fan favorites “If We Are the Body” and “Voice of Truth” along with the new take on the classic hymn “Blessed Redeemer”. The group put the icing on the cake with “Praise You in This Storm”, “East to West” and “Lifesong”. As the evening came to an end, Mark and the band charged the crowd to “Lay it at the feet of Jesus” and “Take Him with you”. With a renewed spiritual spark and the charge of reaching the lost we will work “Until the Whole World Hears”.

Dierks Bently is coming to Rupp Arena on November 14th, and will be joined by Gloriana. More details will be available soon and can be found on the event page on the Rupp Arena website. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10:00am.

* We are no longer accepting RSVPs. We look forward to seeing those of you that did RSVP there. Anyone who missed out this time around, keep your eyes peeled, as this will hopefully be the first of many blog parties to come. *

Hello reader! Are you going to the Kings of Leon concert? Well then we have an extra special treat for you! Cosmic and the Rupp Arena Blog will be hosting the very first blog party before the Kings of Leon concert. All it takes to get into the party is a ticket to the concert and your name on the RSVP list. Simple, straight forward, and best of all… FREE! The only thing you pay for is a ticket to the concert, which you likely already have. Here is what you can expect at the party:

• Separate Entrance to the Concert*: There will be a separate entrance for everyone attending the party. Even though you won’t get in early, it will help you avoid the lines and get in as soon as possible. *Reserved seating ONLY!
• Rock Band with Kings of Leon Songs: We will have two Rock Band stations set up with Kings of Leon songs, so you and your friends can step into the shoes of the band and play their music.
• Facebook Photobooth: Similar to what we have done with shows in the past, we will have a photobooth set up with a photographer ready to take your picture. All of the photos will be uploaded to our Facebook after the concert for you to comment and tag yourself in.
• Cash Bar with Snacks: Every good party needs beverages and munchies. We will have free water and chips available, and a cash bar if you want to pay for soft drinks or alcohol.
• Free Swag and Giveaways: Everyone that comes to the party will receive a goody bag which includes a FREE tshirt! We will also be giving away or holding impromptu contests for posters and other merchandise.

Come and join us for a fun and free party courtesy of Cosmic and the Rupp Arena Blog. This party is only being advertised here, on Facebook, on Twitter, and at Cosmic in Fayette Mall. It’s our way of saying thanks to our readers, fans, and followers. The party is before the concert on Oct 10th, and will run from 5:30pm until 7:30pm (30 minutes before the start of the concert). There are a limited number of spots available, so be sure to RSVP as soon as you can. If we don’t reach the limit, we will stop accepting RSVPs at 3:00pm on Tuesday, October 6th. We hope to see you there!

Did you go to the Jonas Brothers show this past Sunday? If so then you could win the Jonas Brothers banner that hung on High Street leading up to the show. The process is simple, but requires a Facebook account. Do one or both of the following to enter:

 • Check out our photo album on Facebook from the Jonas Brothers pre-show and concert by CLICKING HERE. If you see yourself in any photo, then tag yourself. You can even tag your friends to enter them into the giveaway as well. Parents, if your kids don’t have accounts, then feel free to tag pictures of them with your account.

 • Aren’t in any of the photos? Don’t fret! Upload your own photos from the show to our fan photos section. CLICK HERE and click on “Add Photos” at the top left to add photos you already have on Facebook, or upload them. Pretty simple huh?

Although it won’t give you an advantage in the giveaway, we would love for you to upload all your photos from that day, and be sure to tag yourself in all of them. At noon on Friday, September 4th, we will compile a list of people who are either tagged in a photo, or who added a photo, and randomly select a lucky winner who will win the 2 foot by 6 foot Jonas Brothers banner. Keep an eye out for a message from Paul [that's me!] since there is no way to send a message from Rupp Arena. So what are you waiting for? Add your photos and tag yourself!