My first experience with the Sampler release was about everything I could've wanted it to be. The release party was a blast. The early morning line at Southdale Target was a blast. You could tell you were a part of something positive. EVERYONE involved was in good spirits, every step of the way. Cities staff, employees at First Ave, Target, all the charities and, of course, all who were at the party or in line to buy Sampler. There was no shortage of smiles and good vibes. 

Erin McCarley rocked the First Ave stage first and then.....went ahead and hung out just about all night.....taking pictures and meeting people......oh, yeah, and she looked fantastic too. ;) I try to behave, but I am still a dude.

Then, there was P-Squared, Mr. Phillip Phillips jumped up on stage by himself. Just him and a guitar, which I think takes a good amount of stones to pull off.......and he did. Nervous and worried he'd screw up.....the entire time.....hear him tell me about all those emotions RIGHT HERE. 

The lovely ladies of Cities97 were out and lookin fantastic, as always......Keri Noble & Naima

Me and the lovely Naima. Thumbs up for a good night of doing good!

And then..........there was you! (Probably the most risque, super sexy pic taken all night)

Didn't get any pics with/of Miss Prettyman as we all vanished to get home and get rest before getting up 4-ish hours later to be at Target at Southdale. (Tristan was excellent though, watched about half of her set. Don't think I've ever seen her with a full band before.....good stuff)

Well, the morning came all too quickly, but it wasn't long before adrenaline (and perhaps slamming a bottle of Diet Dew) kicked in. A LOT of people turned out at Southdale Target for the biggest Minnesota album release of the year. All the news stations and even Burt Reynolds (as you'll see below!!)

Oh, wait, my mistake....not Burt Reynolds.....errr Knight Rider.....errr Jack Nicholson in the The Shining.....errr Tom Selleck......that's Brian Oake.......go Movember!

The line at Southdale Target started around 2:30......yes, in the A.M........and.....it started with Kristy.....and her friend Tabitha. They had a small area rug set up for themselves. They had coffee and most importantly.....they had each other....awwww. :) I asked them why they'd get to Target SO early.....as 4am probably would've still landed them first in line.....they explained they each have 4 kids. Ahhhhhh! NOW I understand. Tabitha was happy to just be "responsible for herself" for a few hours. Well played kids.

The line probably didn't need to start at 2:30am, but who are we to judge.....HOWEVER......it didn't take long for the line to reach 3 city blocks, possibly more, but as you'll see, it did take me awhile to get from the front, to the end......roughly 4:00 actually......granted I was slowed by the need to take shots at UND and the NHL......

Last but not least.....because I'm a rude jerk who was a little scatterbrained that morning, I totally forgot to get this fine fellows name......but the fact that he purchased 2 copies IN a Cities sweatshirt, I felt I had no choice than to get a pic with him. Good work kind Sir.

Overall it was an awesome experience. I'm already counting down to Sampler 25!! It's the 25th anniversary. I truly know nothing, but I gotta believe the powers that be will come up with something super special.