Magical Night at the Blazers

What a night! As most of you heard, tonight Brandy was scheduled to sing the National Anthem at the Blazers vs. Utah Jazz game at the Rose Garden. It was amazing. Thanks to Nike we had great seats (courtside... right in front of the players... and in the 100 section) and we had tons of friends that also came to enjoy the night with us spread throughout the Rose Garden. Before the game started, I took Brandy to rehearsal at 5 and she got to practice on the court and try out the sound system while the players were warming up. They are incredibly tall! My major fear was that there would be a difference between practicing in an empty stadium and performing in front of 40,ooo people. She had no fear though, and seemed ready to go. The Blazers provided her with a dressing room, and she spent a lot of time getting her outfit and hair ready. Before the performance I was a mess! It was hectic trying to get her to the Rose Garden on time, helping her rehearse, making sure I brought everything we needed and making sure she stayed healthy and her voice was clear.

Before the game started, a couple of cheerleaders came and chose Thomas from his seat to be the one to present the ball to the officials that night... we couldn't believe it! It was Molina time at the Blazers!! He got to walk to the center of the court and shake hands with everybody there and act "official" and we couldn't get him to smile much, even though he was glowing inside.

Then I walked down to the court with the Director of promotions for the Blazers, Jennifer, and waited until they called Brandy to perform. She got to walk alone to center court and perform her little heart out. She did amazing, and hit all the important notes and the crowd cheered several times during her performance. On our way back to our seats, and throughout the game people would come to congratulate her and ask her questions. One person even asked for an autograph :) After that we were ready for the game... the Blazers won 105 to 89 and because of that... now we get free CHALUPAS at Taco Bell :) At the parking lot people yelled at her " Hey, National anthem girl... you did great!" and "You should be in American Idol." I think Brandy will remember this night for a long time to come, and so will the rest of the family.

We will be posting the video as soon as we get the official copy from the Blazers...