Creating My History with Sting

Grey's papaya where I had my hotdog dinner. The guys behind the counter were Filipinos; they gave me extra toppings.

9th Street station of the PATH train: this was my stop for so many nights.

Tickets I bought.

Our birthday poster with our message to our hero.

Lydia gave me her ticket. Sting fans are the best!

Trudie's The Seagull opened on Oct 3rd. Sting sat behind me.

Can you say Flo sandwich by Sting's stunt double: Sir Tom and our Aussie Dame Annette

I wish I can remember the name of the artist who made these.

The bane of my day every time I go to The Public

My concert buddy Rosann Costa

The two men who hounded Sting every.single.time.

Every day at 5:15ish he arrives

I was not imagining things...

I posted this in segments as I finish a day's summary at Sting.com

Note: this is a long post and I wrote it so I can remember details… much later, years later, I know my memory would not hold every sweet detail of the week that was Sting’s birthday. I decided that I will share it with you. Forgive my grammar as English is my second language.

Unlike many of you, I am still discovering Sting: his music, his prose and his history and have only began to fully understand the impact this man has to so many lives.

Yesterday the Last Ship sailed. It was my last concert until next year. What an adventure! What a voyage!
Where do I begin? The past week had been a whirlwind of beautiful encounters with our hero, his band and the beautiful people of Sting.com


September 28^th, I tried my luck with the lottery. Alas, I did not win a ticket but I did get to shake our hero’s hand. In my surprise, all I could say was “Hi Sting.” Clearly I am rookie. I should have been rehearsing my line already: “Hello Mr. Sting. I know you are in a hurry but I just want to thank you for another masterpiece that is the Last Ship.” Or something like that. Short and sweet. I went home happy nonetheless.


September 30^th, I met Josh for the first time outside the studio of the Late Show with David Letterman. Check in closes at 3 pm. He came from the airport, went through the subway and sprinted like the Flash to get there with 3 minutes to spare!!! Wow. (Later that week I was going to duplicate that stunt trying to get home.) We had some time to kill before the show started and we opted to go to the bar next door. This gave me a chance to chat with him. What an affable man, Mr. Surpata is! (although I was not surprised) I was afraid I was going to be stuck with a super fan that would look down on my rookie status, but he was neither condescending nor patronizing. (Mrs. Surpata, he’s a keeper!!!) Inside, we were seated maybe 10 rows deep and seemed like the only two people who represented the Lab. We found out later that there were more of us there.
Sting came out looking fresh and relaxed in his white shirt and tight skinny pants. Whoot whoot. Dave and Sting talked for a few minutes, they did not seem to connect but eh,. After a very brief break, the band treated us with What Have We Got. We stomped and clapped and shouted with them. I wanted to stand up but I did not want to be kicked out of the theater. After the show, we met Steerpike and his beautiful girlfriend and Shig and her companion outside the theater. We attempted to wait for Sting outside the studio but alas, he has gone before we got there. He walked to the show by the way. Only in NYC.

October 1^st, I met yet another group of beautiful people from Sting.com  at the Lure, hosted by our resident Scribe Sir Tommie. We exchanged beautiful stories of how we all became fans, forged friendships started with simple posts and messages at the Lab, shared stories of our favorite Sting moments, and hatched ideas of how we can enjoy more of anything and everything related to Sting. Jenni, her sister Maribeth and I, in our alcohol augmented state of happiness, hatched this idea of a season concert ticket for Sting’s concerts much like a season ticket for your sports team. The three of us thought that it was the greatest idea since sliced bread! Jim and Tracey gave me my Sting scarf which I will treasure forever. (Someday I will tell the story of how significant and meaniful that scarf is for me.) I was happy to meet Ray and Michelle again. They were the couple whom I hanged out with at the Borgata M&G. Lovely couple. I wished I could have hanged out with them longer. We signed the card, poster and sang a wonderful song adapted from the lyrics of What Have We Got. The off the Public Theater we went. The theater was bustling with activity. I could feel my heart rate going faster and faster. Finally, I was ushered inside the theater, I sat on the left side of the theater, near the wall, second row from the back. There was really no bad seat in the house, only better seats. The house was energized with shouts, shrills, thunderous clapping and stomping from fans who came near and far. To hear Sting sing August Wind, Ghost story, What Say You Meg, and And Yet live for the first time was soul gripping. I might as well have paid for just half a seat as I was on my seat’s edge for most of the time anyway. When he sang Jock the Singing Welder, I ‘fell’ over the edge.
Gentlemen, you can skip reading part. Being on the side of the theater, the view just gave me a great profile of Sting, from head to toe and all the delicate parts in between. And his gyrations gave the song a new life. It was my least favorite song in the album but this vision of Sting with his hands at the back of his head, head tilted, eyes closed, leaning back and spot light on his face just helped this song moved up the charts for me. Ha!
Soon, everyone was standing and clapping to All This Time and the band took their final bow.  We waved our “happy birthday Sting” posters made by Margie. It was an unforgettable show!
We congregated at the Library after the concert. I had a great time chatting and catching up with friends whom I met at the Lure. We discussed our favorite parts of the concerts, Sting moments and our overall impression of the show. By the time we all left, was close to midnight. Then I had to go and pick up the Sting wine from Jim and Tracey’s flat.
I got home at 3-ish am of October 2^nd. Note to self: check the train schedule! When I finally got home I realized, I do not have my house keys. Second note to self: have extra house keys made and hide it outside the house. So I gingerly called my husband’s cell phone. “I forgot my keys. I am outside.” I can’t remember what he said but let’s just say I am ever so grateful once again I married him who can understand and tolerate my craziness for Sting.
October 2^nd, the birthday show. I could not peel my body out of bed; I came to work 4 hours late. Tired and bleary-eyed, I was at work but my mind was miles away in New York. After a few phone calls with family members, the stars lined up and the possibility of going to NY was becoming a reality. I got a text from a friend to check my email. There might be a golden ticket for me. So I opened my inbox and there was … no email from Sting.com. What a letdown. Heart heavy and downtrodden, I did not give up. I emailed Dave and Wendy to tell them that I will be at the Public Theater; I figured I have nothing to lose at this point. They emailed me back; their response was polite but it did not give me confidence. They told me that the show will be staring at 7:30 pm.
At exactly 5 pm, I shooed my patients out of the clinic and I practically flew to the train station. I made a detour to the Gap and did a quick change from work scrubs to a decent pair of jeans and sweater top. I got to the Public Theater at half past 6. I saw a few familiar faces and gave them a quick hello.
 “Oh you got a ticket too!” They said excitedly.
I would say “No I don’t have a ticket but I am here nonetheless.” and quickly their smile would turn into a frown.
An angel (you know who you are) pulled me to where Dave and Wendy were and she said, “Listen, just put your name out there and let them know you are here.” I did but they were polite and said there’s no cancellation so far. It was almost 7pm. I stood by the table with several fans; our stance was worried but hopeful. Then the heavens above opened up and the angels sang. A girl from Sting’s management offered several tickets for the fans. (Later I found out she was Kathy’s daughter) Trying not to be pushy, I restrained myself. I almost knelt down in front of D&W to plead my case. I did not have to. We were asked to fill out a piece of paper with our names for a lottery. There were five us. Dave counted six tickets. I could not believe it! I got one! My jaw was open, I wanted to scream but there was no sound coming out. I grabbed the next person beside me and gave him a bear hug. I was so happy. Wow! I held the ticket with both hands and just stared at it for minute. I was shaking my head. Wow!

I sat almost at the same seat as yesterday, left of stage at the back, last seat near the wall.
The energy of the house was electric. I met many fans who were genuinely happy I was able to get in. (At this point I was burning up with the sweater I was wearing but it could have just been me being so hyper from the turn of events.) There was a tangible excitement in the smoky air. The band started to come out and the crowd yelled and clapped with vigor. Sting came out from the aisle to the right of the stage, guitar in hand and playing the first tunes of The Last Ship. It was as magical as the previous night but with a lot more cussing from Sting. He was wearing a similar skinny jeans but with a darker T-shirt. (No holes on the T-shirt, by the way. I guess because the show is being taped for PBS? Rumors has it that it will be shown this holiday season). Soon after the first song, Sting introduces Jimmy and as he stands up from his stool (to the right of Sting) he looks up at the projected backdrop of the shipyard at Wallsend and pounded his chest with a closed fist, it was so endearing. Throughout the concert, Sting, Jo, and Jimmy sang in character. It was a sight to behold: Peggy (Jo) looking back at Jackie (Jimmy) while she sand Peggy’s song; Jackie’s hopeful look when he sang a segment of Dead Man’s Boots, or the pride in his face when he sang the Shipyard; Gideon/Arthur (Sting) with his distant introspective look when he sang I Love Her But She Loves Someone Else. I got misty eyed when I heard August Wind, Underground River and Ghost Story just like at yesterday’s show. Soon the show is at it’s end and the band is doing a final bow. Trudie was there and gave him a nice peck on the lips. When the crowd started to sing happy birthday he said “Don’t sing that song. I hate that F****** song.” or something to that effect.
After the concert, many gathered at the Library again to share and compare their impressions and thoughts of the show. Tommie came for a post birthday concert party with us. I met new fans who traveled far to witness this mind blowing event. I met Helen (from London) again. A dear fan whom I had the pleasure of meeting with a couple of years ago at Sting’s Back to Bass tour at the Roseland ballroom. I said goodbye to many whom I will probably see many moons from now at another Sting event, Chicago perhaps?
Finally it was time to go home. I took a train but before that I got a hotdog at Gray’s Papaya. I did not realize I was very hungry. This time I got home at 2:30 am. Sweet.

October 3^rd.  The Seagull opening night. I snagged 2 tickets for $40, 7^th row center. I got to the City and Theater early. The theater was simple and lacked the grandeur of the Broadway theaters. I sat on the bench until I saw Annette walk in. A few minutes later, Tom joined us. We also saw a few of our friends from Europe come in: Helen and Company, Lydia and Company. Soon the doors opened and we were ushered to our seats. I was separated from my group as they had front row seats. Sting’s daughter Mickey and Kathy Schenker and her daughter sat behind me. Soon after, Sting came in. He went to the back of the stage and later reappeared… and sat behind me. (Well, three seats to the left and behind me) Suddenly, I felt really hot. I had to fan myself for most of the show. I did enjoy the show and thought that I would like to go back and see it again, since it was so inexpensive. (also, I could not concentrate as Sting was behind me).
During the intermission, Tom, Annette and I went out to get a beer and realized that Sting and Val Kilmer was outside the bar. Sting was sitting on the bench and Val was standing facing us. It took all of 14 minutes to get our beer and had 1 minute left to gulp it. Why so long, you ask? Our bar tender was outside too, having a nice conversation with Sting and Val! [This other Sting bench is at the corner of Bleeker and Mulberry]
The second act came soon and I was still hot. I could not concentrate on the show as they (Sting and family) were sometimes laughing so hard I just had to enjoy hearing him laugh. The story of The Seagull is really tragic and sad but somehow it felt funny. I did think that the acting was exaggerated but appropriate for the play (but I thought that all stage play acting is supposed to be that way).
After the show, we waited outside for a few minutes but none of the actors came out. So we decided to go and have a proper drink. I said “I saw a bar named Shipyard” at the end of this street.” So Tom said, “Oh we have to go there then.” So we went. At the end of the street, the bar sign was no longer there. So they thought I was nuts. (Later that week, I revisited the corner and I did see a sign Shipyard. Ha!)We ended up at the BBar. There we settled at a booth. We couldn’t fit ourselves where our European friends were but believe me we were eying their food. We had a cocktail courtesy of Sir Tom. Main topics were Sting, The Last Ship and Life.
When it was time to leave, we saw Chris Wilson (of the Wilson Family) and Stephen Wilson and their wives. Chris was so generous with his time and spent a good half hour with us by the street to give us his take on The Last Ship, Sting, and the whole experience of the concert so far. Synchronicity! Wow. After that we all said our goodbyes. That was the last time I will see Annette. Until next year in Chicago Annette!
October 4^th. I had a day off from work. The day was so nice that I decided to go out with Mr. Blueskky and my baby Blueskky instaead. I heard that the Public Theater gave away 20 tickets that night. Rosann got a ticket. Great! Good for them. I will try my luck again tomorrow.

October 5^th. Another day finds me at the stoop of The Public Theater. After an adventurous stunt to get to my bus, (dragging my husband and son to chase the bus in our neighborhood) I was finally there. [I saw the same group of men who were there last week. For some reason they do not look like they were fans.] I was greeted later by Rosann (my buddy from Roseland in 2011) and the both of us sat at the steps. Daniel and his beautiful daughter were there too. It was great hanging out with the Lab dwellers. We hatched a plan to get the highest chance of getting in. Everyone will put in for two tickets and give the other to someone whose name was not called.
Then soon Sting arrived in front of the theater. We clapped and thanked him for TLS. There was a group of 2 men who barricaded him left and right side and got his autograph and did not give us a chance to get even get near him.   It did not occur to us to follow him INSIDE the theater. We were just here in awe of his presence; when we came to our senses he was already in the arms of our Italian friends having his pictures taken. Good for them.
At 5:30 I once again put my name in that darn lottery wheel. I very briefly saw Shawn and promised him that if I get called he’ll get the extra ticket. Alas, it was not in the books for my name to be called. Rosann’s name was not called too. We were down but not defeated. We went to the Library and broke bread with Daniel, his daughter, and another lady who traveled from Pennsylvania to see Sting (My memory right now is failing me and I cannot remember their names). While in there, Tom and his lovely daughter walked in. (Daniel, Tom, you both have lovely daughters. It was an honor to meet both of them.) After dinner, Rosann and I decided to hang out at the mezzanine with other non-winners. They called it the support group. There I was introduced to Denise and Mike. (I remember them at the Roseland concert too.) We dared to sneak in during the concert but we were too big of a group and were spotted right away. I felt silly. We went back to where we were at the very beginning: at the front steps of the Public Theater. It was such a beautiful night with a gentle breeze blowing. I was content with the fact that Sting was inside creating another magical night for an audience who will go home in awe. I was happy. This was a great night.
October 6^th. A beautiful day. I have been going to the City for almost every day this week and I am getting used to taking the bus and train. I arrived at the City early and found myself sitting at the bench where Sting was earlier that week (at the corner of Bleeker and Mulberry). I ate my PB&J and listened to TLS in my kindle. After I finished my sandwich, I got up and walked aimlessly. I found myself at the street where I thought I saw a sign for “shipyard” and sure enough it was there. “I was not crazy.” I said to myself; somehow I needed to verbalize it.
I headed to the Public Theater. It was not even 5pm yet and I saw Rosann at our familiar spot on the stoop. We started laughing right away. We both feel like we might as well punch in or clock in, we were there so often.
So we spotted the 2 guys who were hounding Sting. Every. Single. Time. Grrr. (I do believe they sell those items they have in Ebay). We also noticed a lady who was sitting at the stoop and casually said hello to her. Kitty4 is her handle, Barbara is her real name. She travelled with her husband more than 100 miles from Long Island to take a chance in getting a ticket. She was able to buy one ticket and she is hoping to win one ticket at the lottery for her husband. She has been a longtime fan of Sting (more than 2 decades) and by default her husband Rich became a fan too. We told her that she was in for a treat, referring to the high probability that Sting will arrive and use the front door of the theater. Her eyes widened like saucers; it was delightful to watch! I spotted his car and got ready. I gave Barbara a nudge. Sting arrived early today, way before his usual 5:15 arrival time. Barbara stared screaming and we had to shush her. We explained that he really does not like screaming wild women lunging at him. (I felt bad, really, because I had to suppress her natural instinct to scream when she saw Sting. An urge that I, too, have to suppress myself)
And then again these two men barricaded him, and got him to sign albums. Sting, like the gentleman he is, signs them but not after a scowl. Barbara was able to shake his hand and thank him. This time we followed him inside the theater. He was quickly whisked away into the elevator. Poof, he’s gone. Sigh. I spotted Lydia, Valeria and Vania (forgive me if I got your names wrong ladies… remembering names has always been a challenge for me). I said hello to my friend. Now, we gathered around inside the theater and discussed our strategies to get a ticket. We told Barbara some tips: a) put your name in even if you have bought ticket put in for 2 tickets c) pray for a small crowd.
At 5:30 the lottery opens and at 6 pm they announced the winner’s names and none of ours were called except for Lydia’s and her friend’s. Our lucks changed. Lydia gave me the greatest gift: 4 tickets for me and my friends with the condition that they have to be true Sting fans!!!  It turned out that they all have bought a ticket already. I became the beneficiary of their immense generosity. Wow! What a big heart! So Rosann, Rich and I got in. Karen happens to be there at the right place at the right time, so she got in too. We all treated them to dinner at a diner 2 blocks from the Public. Diner!? I know we could have done better than that, but we were all clueless on where to go. I wanted to suggest the Lure but our guests did not want to venture too far out. We did have a nice time having dinner which gave us time to catch up and get to know each other more. After dinner, we headed back to the Public.

At the concert, Rosann, Lydia and I got to sit close to each other right of Stage 4^th row from the back. In front of us was someone from Sting’s management and her daughter. (I have been searching pictures of her and could not find her or her name…). I feel for her because Lydia, Rosann and I brought our enthusiasm on from beginning to end. That means screaming, stomping, clapping and singing (at all appropriate times of course). It was a great show; I felt more at ease, not as hyper as the other 2 shows. Sting, Jimmy and Jo delivered. I have said it before and I will say it again: I love the subtle and sometimes obvious innuendos between Jo and Sting and Jo and Jimmy. My fave tonight are August Wind and What Say You Meg. A nice surprise which I have not seen before: Sting danced with a lady from front row during Jock the Singing Welder, then kissed her twice on the cheek after the song.
This time I also noticed Jo scream like us ‘loonies’ while she was shaking as if possessed during JTSW. It was hilarious.

I thought that the theater was mistier tonight. We gave the band a rowdy applause at the end; hand was slightly raw from all the clapping and my mouth was dry from all the shouting I did. Overall, it was another night for me to cherish: a great night with Sting and friends who value what he has brought to so many lives including our own.
We found ourselves outside the theater after the show. We wanted to see if we could get a glimpse of our hero when he goes out of the theater. We saw Jo and she chatted with us for a minute and we thanked her for a wonderful concert. It was past 11pm. I had to really get going or I will find myself sh** out of luck at the Port Authority Bus station. I found myself at the subway with Barbara and her husband. A train passed and everyone on the platform boarded the train except for the 3 of us. Warning bells told me that we were at the wrong platform. I asked one worker if the train we were waiting for stops at where we were.
“You have to go to the end of the platform and go down the stairs.” I never thought, there was a sub-subway. I was cursing up a storm and was running. I felt bad because I had left Barbara and her husband. I had to catch the train. I looked at the clock it was 11:45pm and I had to catch a 12am bus to get home. Crap! I ran back up and decided to catch a cab.
“Please, to the Port Authority sir. And hurry. My bus leaves at 12am.” I told the driver. He got me there at 11:56pm. I gave him a generous tip. I ran like Josh ran that Monday on September 30^th and got to the second floor gates at 11:58pm. The doors were locked. I was screaming “Nooooooo!” Somebody from the other side  heard me trying to pull open the doors and my screams. With a calm voice he said, “Your bus is at the fourth floor.”
I argued, “Are you sure? My bus leave at this gate at 12am and it’s just 11:58”
He looked annoyed that I questioned him. He showed me his badge, “Listen lady, I work here. Your bus is at the fourth floor.”
I sprinted to the fourth floor. My lungs were burning and I could not breathe. I got to the fourth floor. The sign says gates 400 to 430, this way. I looked at my bus schedule and I was panicking. I could not find, in the fine print, the gate for after midnight hours.  I was ready to cry. I was sure I would miss my bus. I randomly picked a gate and asked the bus driver where I would find my bus. And wouldn’t you know, he said, “This is your bus.” I wanted to cry for joy. I heard the angels sing "alleluia"  I said “Yes! Thank you Lord.” I was second to the last to board the bus before it left the station. I know I probably panicked for nothing but after all that ordeal, I felt like it made the whole adventure more memorable for me. The lengths I would go to see Sting is great, that I know.  I sat there in my bus, jubilant in my success. I felt more inspired and confident that I can do better next time. (Why not just drive to the city, you ask? I am terrified of driving in the city. The last time I did, I got into an accident. )

My Last Ship has sailed

October 8^th. I knew in my heart that it was the last day for me. Work responsibilities, which have been pushed in the background for a week now, had to be addressed. So I found myself driving to the train station again. My friend Rosann has a ticket and said that she would help me get in. So we both took our usual spot at the stoop of the Public Theater yet again. We saw Jimmy, Dominic, Jo and a couple of the Wilson brothers come in. We said our hello to all of them and thanked them for a week of great shows. By this time, we already know Sting will arrive in his usual fashion: in front of the theater. And sure enough he did. As he passed by, Rosann told him it will be our fourth time seeing the show and he chuckled and said “It’s the same jokes!”  I agree, but he probably does not realize that we would do not care if it were the same jokes. We came to show our support for him and for the love of his music.

The time for the lottery came and again my name was not called. I cursed that lottery wheel. Rosann’s name was called for one of the standby tickets. We killed time by having a light dinner at the restaurant across the street. Over dinner, we laughed at the fact that we both have post grad degrees and are behaving like crazy ‘loonies’ to be there almost every single night. Stalker comes to mind. Ha! If given a chance we want to say to Sting: “Really, we have a life; we both have a career.” After dinner we went back to the Theater and had to be separated. Rosann had a bought a ticket which she had given me; we are now hoping to get a standby ticket. I saw the rep from Public come in and call the standby lottery winners.

Lady luck was with us that night. Rosann got the last ticket. Whoohoo! Yes! Yes! Yes! We are in! I mean, I am in! I could not shout for joy as I, technically, did not win. We went upstairs, a now very familiar route for us. We were seated at each side of the sound board: she at the last row center and I at the 3^rd to last row right of stage. Knowing that this will be my last show, I sat more relaxed and listened more intently. I really cannot remember if it was at this show or the October 6^th show when the announcer from the Public thanked Sting for bringing The Last Ship at the Public Theater where it generated more than a million dollars for Shakespeare in the Park. (I thought that’s what I heard. More than a million dollars!!! Wow.)

My favorite part of the show: Sting and Jimmy singing Skyhooks and Sting missed his cue for singing the “Mum” part and Jimmy said “Timing is really important.” As the whole band went into a roar of laughter with the audience, Sting could not recover quite fast enough from the miscue and did another blunder and hit his fingers with the spoons, and he sang shaking his head and shaking his fingers and hands and could not stop laughing. It was precious!!!

During the intermission, we met Kathy Schenker and her daughter. Trudie was there too.

At the end of the show, I was misty eyed as I know it was my last show. I did not want to leave. So we found ourselves hanging out again at the front steps of the Public. There we were able to meet Jo and Kathryn, Jimmy and Ira, Chris and Stephen Wilson and we were able to get our program signed. I don’t know why but I was just happy to have a conversation with them, I did not ask for a photo op with any of them. (Annette, I have turned into a swan, huh?) While we waited for Sting, we met a few other fans who like us were hoping to see our hero and maybe thank him again for another night of wonderful music. I met a lady who has seen the show 4 or 5 times and all of them from the lottery only. She did not pay a cent to get in! Nice. It was getting late (11:30 pm). I decided to leave and catch the midnight train out of the city. I wished my friend good luck and said goodbye. I heard the next day that Sting and Trudie came out the  side door and signed their programs and took photos with them.

Looking back, I have created a great history with Sting but more so with so many generous people who have the same love and respect I have for him. I would have never seen him as many times as I have this time if not for the generosity of the people who I have mentioned here: Dave, Wendy, Erin, Rosann, Lydia and her friends. Thank you! For those whom I have met, (names that I may have forgotten but the feeling remains) whether we have shared a laugh, a shout, a sigh or a cry, .. you have enriched this Sting fan's history, you have added a thread to my canvas and have made it vibrant. Thank you...

Until our next voyage,

Flo