I believe that the music of EWF has had a hand in shaping who I have turned out to be. The positive messages found within their lyrics are life-altering. I felt that it was important to introduce my son to the EWF world that I live in. (Ha Ha). His first experience came in 2007, Baltimore, MD.

He was blown away by the stage setup, the lights, and or course…THE MUSIC. EWF members are know to join fans on Tuesday nights in their chat room. It was here that my son was first introduced to Verdine White. He is fascinated with him and always wanted to meet him.

Well being the GREAT dad that I am…with the help of my girl CREAMYPEACHES at the fan club, we made his dream come true!!!!

There is a huge gap between my first backstage encounter with EWF and my SECOND encounter. The second encounter took place some 9 years later. FFWD to 2006. Now mind you, I have attended an EWF show every time they were in the DMV. This was probably my most memorable EWF concert. Unlike the arena and theater shows that are customary for the group, this show was held in a club!!!! NO SEATS. It was EWF up close and personal! I was standing right at the stage.

This was my lovely wife’s first encounter with EWF as well. The tix were a Valentine’s day gift from her. KISSES baby!!! This time, thanks to www.ewffanclub.com (the greatest fan site in the history of music), I was given 2 backstage passes. We got to meet several members that night. It was very personal, and they are SO down to earth. One thing I can say is that EWF attributes it’s 35 YEARS of success to the loyalty of its fans.

If you are like me, getting backstage to see your favorite artist is a minor challenge…well it’s minor if you are determined. I have had the distinct pleasure of being backstage with EWF on not 1…not 2…but 3 occasions.

The FIRST encounter was kinda “accidental”….I just wandered into the area where the tour buses were loading. Ooops. I had driven 3 hours to Richmond, VA (from DC) in 1997 after work on a Thursday afternoon, I think. The show was at 8PM. I drove alone. I arrived in Richmond at about 6:45pm and had time to kill…so what’s a guy to do? At about 7PM…as I had predicted, two long black stretch limousines, and two 15-passenger black vans pulled into a “secured” area behind the theater. I watched from across the street to see who I could see. Finally…it happened. Verdine White stepped out of his limo. He had a car all to himself…and in my opinion, he deserves it. By this time I had completely thrown caution to the wind. So I casually walked up to him and introduced myself. he was VERY cool and engaged me for a few minutes. I can’t remember what I said to him, but his words to me will forever remain in my memory. He said something like, “It’s great meeting with you Brotha, but you better get outta here before you get arrested!” I will NEVER forget it. You could say that I am hardheaded if you like…after the show (I had 3rd-row, center seats)…I went right back out to the tour buses. Again…my diligence paid off. It was about 11:30pm and the rest of the band began to appear at the buses. I met: Phillip Bailey (THE VOICE), Ralph Johnson (vocals/percussion), Sheldon Reynolds (guitars), Gary Bias (saxophones), and Sonny Emory (drums). Needless to say, I was in HEAVEN!!!

I got several autographs. No photos this time, but see my next two posts, coming SOON. I was so high on adrenaline, I still can’t remember my drive back to DC that night.

More to come…

Stick with me, and I’ll teach you everything you ever wanted to know about EWF!

-Me