War's Jacksonville
2000 Report
Originally
posted to Kiwikev mailing list in April 2000.
I
have to say that
I enjoyed myself immensely at this particular convention. I was very surprised
at the small turnout. There couldn’t have been more than 150 people there on
Saturday, 50 on Sunday, but don’t quote me. There were the usual events: the
bloopers, the video salutes, top 10 video moments... Congratulate me, I won
over $120 worth of merchandise for either answering or stumping in the trivia
contest. But I digress, onward to Kevin!
He stepped onto the stage
wearing black jeans, a black T-shirt, and black shoes. I was taken aback by
the fullness of his facial hair, which is usually trimmed goatee-style. Not
a problem- he was stunning as ever. His hair was not much longer than it was
in Hartford and his smile was, as usual, breathtaking.
He greeted us warmly and
began answering questions in that gracious manner of his. There were all types
of questions, from "Will you lift up your shirt and show us your six-pack?"
(kindly declined, of course) to "What would you say to your children if
they told you they wanted to be actors?" He had an enormous amount to say
to each person, all with his charismatic eye contact. Yes, someone asked him
to sing. He tried to use the excuse of "no piano," but I yelled, "Nah,
dude, acapella!" So he sang what he could remember of "Melt Into Me."
One would think that he would remember the words after having to sing it all
the time! Still, it was a lovely little snippet. He made remarks about the cabarets
and how much fun they have been, including honorable mention of those in Hartford
who did the unmentionable...dancing. I felt a little twang of joy because those
who were dancing know who we are, and we ALL know how Kev hates to dance. His
sweetness was overwhelming, as to which anyone who has seen him in person can
surely attest.
Anyhow, the autograph
line formed and, because of the small crowd, Creation did the unspeakable. We
were able to have signed and personalized as many items as we wanted! All I
had was "the mug" that I snagged from Hartford. When Anita (the nice
lady who dragged Kevin from my arms the last time) saw the mug, she remembered
me and laughed. I gave Kev licorice bites, which seemed to make him happy. As
he posed for a picture, I playfully scolded him for not smiling. That got a
smile, but my camera wouldn't work! I don't know which is worse, my video battery
running out right at the Eiffel Tower or my camera malfunctioning as Kevin smiled!
Finally it worked and I was able to capture that gorgeous grin.
Kev was as sweet as can
be and signed for everyone present. He even stuck around to take pictures 1
on 1. Some of the poses were... interesting. When I went to have mine done,
I gave him a big hug. He said, "Ah, another one of these, eh?" (meaning
another funky pose) I corrected him by saying, "This isn't a picture, Kev,
it's a hug!" He laughed. I then took a normal side-by-side shot. Good ole
Hope did get a snap of the hug, though! The wonderful Man left no one unphotographed.
Sadly, the time came when he had to leave. We all said our good-byes and watched
him as he was escorted away. :(
As I was leaving the Hilton's
parking lot, thinking that was probably the last time I would ever see Kevin,
you'll never guess who I almost ran over! The Man himself was out in front of
the hotel! I pulled up beside him and said, "Hey sweetie, goin' my way?"
He recognized me and did that adorable laugh, the one where he turns his body
(has anyone ever seen it?). I asked him if he was going to hang out and he said
he was going for a walk by the river before it got dark (which sounded like,
"woke by the reeva befo it got dock"). I got out and gave him another
big hug. In the middle of our embrace he yelled, "AHHH PORSCHE, GET OUT
OF THE WAY!!" Needless to say, our moment was cut short to avoid being
flattened (but what a good way to go...). I got back in my car, wished him a
safe trip home, and told him that he was special and loved. He accepted my love
with his customary grace, then headed off for his walk.
I'd like to take a moment
to add War's Final Thought. As much as it pained me not to accompany Kev on
his walk, I realized that he probably wanted to be alone. I had to force myself
to leave him with quiet time for himself. He did deserve it as he had just spent
a good long time with so many admirers. I know that he probably would not have
refused me if I had asked to walk with him either, which is a testament to just
how sweet he is. I can't say that everyone respected his solitude as I was not
there with him, but I'm hoping that people just left him alone for a while.
This report has been slightly
modified from the original.
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