Yajaira, age 15

We left for Colorado to go see my favorite band Atreyu perform. Once we got to Colorado we checked into our hotel, settled into our rooms, and went out to eat and to the movies.

The following day was the day of the concert. We spent a majority of the morning at the hotel waiting for the time to come when we'd be picked up for the concert. At around 1:40, the limo came and we met Scott, our escort. We got to the amphitheater and Scott went to get our tickets. He even managed to get us in through another entrance so that we didn't have to wait in line to get in. Once we were in, we went to the merchant booths to buy some concert T-shirts that we wanted. While we waited, we got to watch the bands that opened before Atreyu’s performance.

At about 3:30, Scott called Atreyu's manager to see if it was a good time for us to go meet the band. Atreyu’s manager who was also named Scott led us over to the band’s bus! Right as we approached the bus, the lead singer Alex opened the tour bus door to let us on. They shook our hands and introduced themselves as we got on. Right away, Alex handed me a drum cover and Brandon, the drummer, told me it was one they had used before in a show and they had signed it for me. Then Atreyu's manager Scott said that they had a little present for me and that's when they presented me with a guitar! I was speechless when they gave it to me. My brother told them that giving me the guitar made them “beyond awesome!” Alex told me they could sign it for me and of course, I agreed. After they signed it, my brother, sister, and I took a bunch of pictures with the band.

Atreyu's manager, Scott took me on a tour of their bus while the guys of Atreyu talked with my family. We came back and I talked with them for a while, which was great! One of the band members Dan gave me a hug and told Brandon, Marc, the bassist, and Travis, the other guitarist; to join him in giving me a group hug.

My brother, sister, and I got to watch them from backstage, while my parents and Scott watched from the guitar racks. The entire show, the band would look over at me and grin and pose for pictures. After the first 2 songs, Marc gave me his pick…half way through the set, he gave me the setlist…after about the 5th song, Dan gave me his guitar pick…and after their set, Brandon handed me his drumsticks.

Things got even better when Atreyu's manager Scott managed to get permission for us to watch Hatebreed, another band performing, from backstage too, which made my brother and sister's day. After that, Scott took us to where all the bands and crew members eat. We got to eat with everyone and returned to the main stage to watch two other bands that I enjoy: Five Finger Death Punch and Lamb of God.

Before leaving we went back to Atreyu's bus to get the guitar, drum cover, and our other concert goodies. We talked a bit more with them and I took some more pictures. We said our goodbyes and they each gave me one last hug before we left.