Our Cheap Trick Adventure started with a little wine and cheese at The Standard Hotel in the East Village. The experience came with two rooms and four tickets so my brother and his wife were able to join my wife and me for the festivities. Our rooms at The Standard were very nice with a beautiful view looking south towards the Freedom Tower. Then it was off to John Varvatos (formerly CBGB) for a Meet & Greet with Cheap Trick before the show. We thought it might be a little awkward meeting the band, but they were nice enough, and after a few hellos and a few pictures we looked around the venue at all the cool music stuff on the walls from the days when the premises housed CBGB. There was an open bar thanks to Jameson Irish Whiskey and Heineken Beer, so we checked that out too.

As the place filled up we grabbed a spot towards the front and waited for the show to begin. Cheap Trick came on at 8 and Rocked the House. They really sounded great playing the set list from the Live at Budokan album. It’s hard to believe that this show was on the 35th anniversary of that legendary show in Japan. That was the same year I graduated from high school and this night made us all feel like we were back in 1978. After the show we grabbed a bite to eat and headed back to The Standard. In the morning we had a nice breakfast up in the penthouse of The Standard, enjoying the view, and then headed home with some great memories from our Cheap Trick Experience. Thanks Sony for giving me the opportunity to take part in such a special evening.

I almost failed to mention that I’m looking forward to receiving my Nex-5R camera, a signed commemorative poster and a Cheap Trick-Budokan Anniversary Box Set in the mail. Nice!!

Thanks again for having the contest! My friend and I had a lot of fun at the WHite House Down trailer premiere screening. There was soda, water, and popcorn given out before the screening, and White House Down posters handed out after it. It was a great surprise that Sam Champion was hosting, because my friend LOVE's him. She was so happy that he stopped for photos after the presentation. Jamie Foxx and Roland Emmerich were super funny and the movie clip looked so good.  We were sad we have to wait until June 28 to see the full movie.

We had an amazing time and would have stayed all day if we didn't both have to get to work later that night. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and invited us to stick around for as long as we wanted. Getting to meet the writer, some of the stars, and more was fun. We took the golf cart tour of the backlot and several of the sets featured on the show, including each of the apartments, the cafe, and the bar. It's always surreal to see something on screen and then get to walk around in that same environment in real life. We also got to sit in and watch the taping of a scene between Damon Wayans Jr., Eliza Coupe, and Rob Corddry. Craft services was amazing by the way, as dangerous as always their was food everywhere we went; everyone wanted to feed us. The last thing we did before leaving was an unexpected treat. We got to sit in on a table read for an upcoming episode yet to be taped with everyone from that episode: director, writer, the entire cast, everyone's assistants, and many more. The room was packed and we all had scripts to follow along with the read. It was intriguing to see each of the actors' unique approach to the read. The whole experience was an inspirational kick in the butt for myself and my friend Ryan, since we are both actors in LA as well working to one day get to that level. Thank you for an amazing time that I wish never had to end.

I definitely thought my chances were up and I was going to miss out on this LA premiere. I had already decided to go either way, just to show support...and ofcourse to see some of the stars from afar. Little did I know that there was still one last chance. I first saw the ShowStopper on friday 09/07/12 and eye'd it all the way till the end. I would constantly check the site to see if any bets were made, it definitely had me going crazy and thinking the worst. When the day came, I waited impatiently for noon to hit. Finally two minutes before noon I started the process of my bid. I was nervous, and shaking thinking to myself, "Why did i wait so late to bid? I'm not going to make it!" I kept looking at the countdown and typing fast while assuring everything was fine. As soon as I hit "Process" I got the rewarding message. I was speechless, and could not wait to brag about it. All I had to do now was wait. That same right after the bid, I hit the road and headed out to San Diego for a LinkinPark and Incubus tour. It was a day full of joy. The following day was just spent like any other, casual.

I woke up the day of the premiere happily and anxious. Waiting for sunset to get here. I got all pampered up, and ready to head out. Running a bit late (as usual)but was excited to make it on time. As soon we walked up to the theater, we happened to see Milla Jovovich getting interviewed, along side Paul w.s Anderson. After fangirling for a bit, we started to move towards the door. We spotted Johann Urb along side Boris Kodjoe, also doing interviews. Follwed by having Shawn Roberts right in front of us. We make our way into the theater, get seated and wait. While we wait the stars slowly start coming in. We spot Oded Fehr enjoying his popcorn. The lights dim a bit, and Paul starts giving a speech bout the franchise and thanking the people who worked on it. Finally the movie starts, and I'm just like a little boy all over again. After the movie finished, we waited it out and were one of the last to exit the room. As we exit I see all these people that attended. Then I spot Paul and was able to get my picture and posterboard signed. (he liked my posterboard, "Very creative")

So we wait it out for a bit. After a few minutes we headed over to the after party. Wow it was a fullhouse. Me and my sister walked around for a bit, enjoyed ourselves and had some drinks. We did chat with a few other fans. As i decided to go back to the bar, i happened to see Dylan Syrett. She was the contest winner for Face of the Fan. I greeted her, and she seemed lost wondering who i was, but happy i recognized her. We talked for a little bit, when I noticed that all this time Milla was right by us. I asked Dylan if she could do me the favor of a picture. As I waved to milla she came towards us, confusing me for Dylan's brother. It was funny and adorable. So i got my picture, Milla was a doll. Although i could not chat with her (it was her time, to have fun and catch up.) i completely understood and basically got one of the things i wanted. The rest of the night went by so fast. Fianlly after a while me and my sister got to greet Johann Urb (got our picture) and Shawn Roberts (got our picture). Both were very kind. As the night was coming to an end, and we were a few of the last that stayed...when the time came to head out I saw a GIANT poster board by the lobby. I asked security if i could take it (chances were it would get thrown out or taken by someone else, why not be me A HUGE fan.) they said if i asked one of the people from the movie i could, depending what they said. So i went back to ask Paul, he was the last one there. I asked hime he said "Fine by me" with that amazing smile he has. He even said he'd sign it. I go back to let security know, they are being a bit hard about. Not allowing me to take it, talking about who is Paul? I explained and basically i was told no. If Paul told me yes (although he's only the director and i know it belongs to the studio) then i was leaving with it one way or another. I got it ofcourse, Paul Signed, talked for a tiny bit and once like a little boy and a toy I left happily. (I don't think it's considered theft, right?) Overall my night turned out to be amazing, I got to see the movie friends and family, and met a few of the stars. All I wanted for the day. I have Sony Rewards to thank once again for this opportunity that "I" as a fan got. Thank You very much!

The Paul Simon ShowStopper was UNBELIEVABLE!!!  There were 7 bands there prior to Paul Simon at Hyde Park as it was an all day festival!  The Cumberland Hotel was across  the street from Hyde Park.   We could open our window or walk to the park and hear the other bands clearly.  Some of the fabulous music included Bruce Springsteen who had Paul McCartney with him,  Alison Krauss, and Madonna to name a few.   Then the sightseeing was awesome - the pubs, castles, Westminter Abbey, Big Ben.  Heading to the concert, Princess Ann was passing in a car as I stood on the corner waiting for the traffic light.  It was truly the trip of a lifetime!!!  THANK YOU SONY REWARDS!!!

Here is a video of my granddaughter receiving her Taylor Swift Speak Now Release Week Book. She got to see her in concert. She is 10 and loves Taylor.  I was so glad that I won the ShowStopper auction.

Thanks to Sony Rewards, my girlfriend and I were able to attend the NYC MIB3 Premiere and After Party. We had an awesome time! My girlfriend still raves about it.

We had front row seats for the movie at the Ziegfeld Theater and got to sit close up and take pictures of Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones & cast during the introductions.

Afterwards, as we were walking out of the theater, I looked to my left and saw Donald Trump right next to me.  What a nice surprise!  A bus then came and took us to the after party on the Intrepid.  The weather was breezy and cool, a perfect night for an outdoor party.  We were amongst the first group of people to arrive and immediately waited around the stage.  On the first table next to the stage were Will Smith and Pitbull!  We had the opportunity to talk to them and Will was especially outgoing and talked to us like friends.  That kind of access is priceless!!

Soon after, crowds of guests started to arrive, and Pitbull started performing on stage. Another great surprise. We were treated to an awesome movie and a Pitbull concert! This was a great two-in-one!  We were standing right in front of the stage and got to see Pitbull perform up close and personal.  After Pitbull, DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince of Bel-Aire (Will Smith) performed as well.  A total blast from the past!

After the concert, we walked around the Intrepid, met even more celebrities, and treated ourselves to some exquisite cocktails and food. All in all, we truly had a blast, and this is a night we will never forget!

Thanks to Sony Rewards my best friend and I were able to attend Taylor Swift’s amazing last concert of her "Speak Now World Tour” at Madison Square Garden in NYC. Our seats were on the ground floor about 15 rows from the stage; I’ve never got seats that close at a concert before, which was awesome.  Her performances are such a production and the best part was that she bought out Selena Gomez and James Taylor to sing with them.  I’m so happy I was able to attend this concert and bring along my best friend, it’s something we both will never forget.