...We searched for signs for the Sovereign Center. We searched for signs for parking for the Sovereign Center. We noticed crowds of people walking from metered parking spaces along the city streets. We knew then that we were on the right track - the tip off: a big burly guy with gray hair and beard covered in tattoos carried a homemade Cher sign that read "You rock Cher! We love u!" (with a little red heart, where the word love should be..) It was a nice touch, and went well with his black Cher tee-shirt worn under his fringed black leather riding jacket.
We pulled the car in a parking garage on the next block. It cost $7.00. The hooded gentleman collecting the money, said to my husband "Nice car, dude." "Thanks." he responded back. We parked past the maroon van, that had "Cher's #1 Diva!" "We love you Cher!" written all over it in white greasepaint. They were obviously Cher graffiti professionals. We walked across the street to the back entrance to the Cher Center. While crossing the street, I noticed three shiny brand-new looking white and chrome touring buses parked at the curb. I thought, "Wow, people actually booked a bus trip to get here"
"No wait..maybe those are Cher's buses!" I stopped. I craned my neck. No use, the shades were drawn. The little plate on the side of the bus said "Professional Touring Services, New York, NY" I was suddenly starstruck. "That must be Cher's touring bus..." I whispered to my husband. (I didn't want to start a Cher fan stampede.)
Suddenly, I felt myself actually catching Cher fever.
The lines to get in moved fast. Incredibly, the people were well-behaved. They chatted and smiled to one another. They made room for newcomers. They were even courteous - A refreshing change from other concert, nay Philly, experiences.
The crowd was a mixture of forty and fifty somethings. And as expected, I got my first taste of the night's attire. Leather, Glitter, Flannel, Sequins, Jeans, Suits and even a floral Moo-Moo. I was a trifle disappointed though - I couldn't find anyone with feathers.
Almost everyone wore glasses. Almost everyone had tattoos. Almost everyone had wrinkles. Some covered them up better than others. The gay men, were, of course, impeccably dressed - smiling, and fidgeting in excitement and anticipation - chomping at the bit to get inside - wanting to be the very first to get the $35. Cher program.
(continued...)
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