Tom Jones International

Tom’s run at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas ends tomorrow night and, once again, we have to say how much we enjoy seeing him in the winter.

Why? Simply, the crowds are smaller. Everyone is preparing for the holidays in December and, seemingly, recovering in January. But Tom was terrific for these two weeks.

When we went to pick up our tickets at Table 6A tonight, the very nice guy at the box office asked if we’d like to move to Table 5A, right next to the stage, dead center. We agreed to make the sacrifice (because we are selfless) and found ourselves in seats we don’t generally favor. But tonight was different.

First of all, we shared the table with a couple we’ll call Nancy and Her Husband. They were in town from New Jersey for a convention. Her Husband had introduced Nancy to Tom and she joined him in his enthusiasm. In fact, she was so enthused that, during You Can Leave Your Hat On, Nancy said to Her Husband, “I’m going to flash Tom.” And she did, quickly lifting her sweater. Tom laughed and she did it again.

Everyone, tonight, was in a great mood.
Second, we discovered a good reason to sit stage center. We discovered it when Tom — SusannePDX, are you ready for this? — sat on the stool to sing Grandma’s Hands and Git Me Some. My, my…..just made you want to reach out and………well, you get the idea.

The drawback to those seats, by the way (aside from some funky sound distortion) is that you spend the entire show looking up. It’s really not the best view and we do tend to agree that many of those fans in the very front row come to be seen, rather than to see. But, while we prefer other seats as a rule, it’s fun once in awhile.

We have to say, too, that Tom’s version of He Stopped Loving Her Today is exquisite. It is a very sad song, but it is a very beautiful song and he does it justice. Just a pleasure to hear. We are hoping to see more changes soon.

In fact, the entire show was a pleasure. We are so lucky to be able to see this man, to appreciate his gifts — all his gifts — and always have a blast at his shows.

We’re looking forward to March and, meanwhile, wish Tom the very best — safe travels always. And, of course, the same for the band, the singers and everyone who travels with him.

— Ellen & Ursula