Tevinmania Pt. I

His smile

His smell

His eye contact

His kiss

His hands
His voice

His laugh

……I was captivated by everything about him.

These are all moments that had me mesmerized during my “Tevin Campbell Experience.” He has been the love of my life for about 20 years now and experiencing memories has been unbelievable. I can still remember the very first time I heard his voice. It was 1993 and I was listening to CDs with my sister Nicole and her friend Vivian. Adina Howard and Tevin Campbell were in constant rotation. Once I heard “Can We Talk,” then “I’m Ready,” I was instantly hooked. I had to get a copy of that album for myself…….and that is where it all started. I followed his music throughout his career, even at such a young age (11 years old). I never got a chance to see him perform live because I was too young. However, I vowed that before I died, I just had to meet him. It was a bucket list item….you know the things you “attempt” to do but never get around to doing them all. Meeting Tevin was actually last on the list….as if it was impractical. Once I heard he was having a concert, I knew I just HAD to be there. Yes, the drive was 2.5 hours but well worth it.

It was one of those moments you had to be there to witness. Even I, myself can’t tell the story as it happened because I was in a euphoric state. For years people associated me with Tevin, as if I actually knew this man. Not to mention I had a Photoshop picture of the two of us that actually looked real thanks to my wonderful friends who supported my Tevin infatuation (Annie, Deanne and Nicole). Most people were often sickened by my constant "Tevinmania" but I never looked at it as a bad thing; I was just staying loyal to 'true love.'

The day of the concert finally came. I woke up that morning feeling sick and very exhausted for some reason. Even my daughter had to ask why I wasn’t excited. I had several hours before the concert but not enough time to do the things on my “To Do” list that morning in preparation; after all I did have a 2.5 hour drive, not including rush hour traffic in the bay. I didn’t get a chance to tackle my list but I hit the freeway anyway not sure if I was going to the first show or not. There were two shows in one night and I only had tickets for the 2^nd one. I begged a friend last minute to attend the first show with me. I had to twist her arm but I’m glad she came because I couldn’t have picked a better person to go with (Thanks Ang!)

 

Angee and I make it to the first show and the opening act is the comedian Hannibal Thompson. When he’s done with his set I go to the bathroom to make sure I didn’t have to leave my seat at any point during Tevin’s performance. To my surprise, I run into Hannibal. My instincts kick in and we chat a bit and take pictures.

 

By the time I get back to my seat, the lights go out and I just knew Tevin was coming out any second.

 

I update my Facebook one last time before having an “Ashley” moment (from Fresh Prince of Bel Air) and stand in the aisle right next to my seat awaiting his entrance. To my surprise, I was standing in the way of his entrance which included him running down that very aisle jumping to the stage. Next thing you know……BOOM! Tevin and I shoulder bump each other as he ran right past me. I had no idea it was him until Angee told me.

(Here I am standing there in shock!)

Oh, I guess I should address the “Security” shirt. I wore it (only to the first show) as a dare from my friends. They kept telling me that security was going to have to carry me out of the show. I thought it would be a funny joke if I actually wore a shirt that insinuated I was security. I had no real intentions of bypassing actual security to get backstage or anything. Just a funny joke if you ask me. One of my friends called it ‘ingenious.’

So next thing I remember Tevin is on stage singing one of his most famous singles “I’m Ready” and somehow it was like magic. My feet carried me up to the stage because I don’t remember actually walking up there. I somehow had to get a closer look for myself to believe that it was actually him. But not before I pulled out my camera! I could hear his voice, I could see his profile, but I had to get proof. Second song in and I’m already walking up to the stage……calm but skeptic that this was THEE TEVIN CAMPBELL. Immediately security approaches me to send me back to my seat……..but not before I tell Tevin how much I loved him.

“I love you Tevin!” I say pointing to him before returning to my seat.

In mid song he squats down into the light so he could see my face. His eyes got big as he points back at me and says one word that not only melted my heart, but caused me to catch the Holy Ghost…..

“Natasha???” he said; and like a true professional he kept singing and didn’t miss a beat.

If video doesn't play here is the link to copy/paste:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vhzx2-5p7xk

I lost it after that. I felt like a little girl whose crush said hello to her in the hallways for the first time. It was like a sweeet echo in my ear. Through my ‘rejoicing,’ my enthusiasm was fueled by the fact that he ACTUALLY recognized me! I could not believe it!!! I have loved this man for so long and he has come across many of fans. So for him to recognize me as well as call my name, it was unbelievable. (But also questionable….lol. Am I on the “crazy fan” list? haha)

In mid dance and screams back to my seat, the strap on my shoe had torn and unfortunately the floor got jealous and wanted some attention to so I obliged. *sigh*

(even I had to laugh at the damage done afterward)

I finally make it back to my seat and enjoy the rest of the song while fanning myself trying to calm down. The next song, “Shhh,” starts and it’s very quiet. Tevin is on stage singing with such a flawless tune, I found myself lost in the impeccable melodies. Suddenly, I heard another echo,

“Where is Natasha?”

I opened my eyes but I didn’t move because my subconscious told me it was just my imagination. Angee says to me,

“Tasha you better go up there, he’s calling you.”

“NO WAY?”

“Go, girl!!!”

I stood up and that’s when it hit me…..my shoe is broken and I hadn’t take it off yet.

The strap is still tied around my ankle but the rest of my shoe is just dangling. I rush to take it off and just my luck it’s a stubborn strap. People around me are watching me struggle with my shoe and laughing at my swiftness to remove it. Tevin says, “She’s taking her shoes off y’all!” I finally get it off and didn’t bother struggling too long with the other one. I knew I had to make my way up there fast. Although I walk up there with one missing shoe, Tevin serenades me in the most charismatic way the rest of the lyrics to “Shhh!”

  

This has got to be a dream!

But I was living it and wouldn’t let anyone ruin this moment for me.

He's holding my hand, staring me in the eye singing, hands me the mic to sing a line, then he grabs both of my hands. His soft lips connect with my left hand, then right, and in true “Mrs. Campbell” fashion, I point to my cheek campaigning for a more intimate kiss. After all, we’ve been in a relationship for years now…..in my head!

He squats down, I grab the nape of his neck and he kisses my cheek; something took over me again. I tapped into my inner 13 year old self and scream with satisfaction as I leaped back to my seat.

The rest of the concert was amazing and I was in such amazement that my dream to see him perform live had come true. He even dedicated "Round & Round" to me as well. I had reached Heaven. 'What could top this moment?'......I thought to myself. But to think, that wasn’t even the end of it……

After the concert was over I stood around talking and taking pictures with other Tevin fans who admired my passion for him. I had tickets to the next show so I was trying to hurry up and leave to go change. Next thing you know, Angee grabs my hand and whispers, “C’mon Tash, follow me,” but she wasn’t heading towards the exit. She was heading towards the stage where there was a door in the corner. I follow with no hesitation with trust in my girl. Then it hit me..........

Did she somehow find a way for us to meet Tevin???
Is she taking me backstage???
OMG Becky!!!

………………..to be continued!