Star Wars in Concert at the Hollywood Bowl

Tonight R2, along with many members of the 501st, Rebel Legion, Mando Mercs and Saber Guild, helped with the pre-show festivities for Star Wars in Concert at the Hollywood Bowl.



I arrived at our 5:00pm call-time and unloaded near the dressing rooms.



Speaking of dressing rooms, R2 got is own dressing room at the Hollywood Bowl. He considers himself big-time now. (Never mind that it says R2-D2 Builders.)




At 6:00pm we went out with C-3PO to greet the fans. They kept R2-D2 and C-3PO a bit closer to the dressing rooms so we wouldn't have to go down a semi-steep hill, where the other characters were.





Around 7:40pm we wrapped up so characters could change out of costume (or in my case, stow R2 back in his dressing room) and get to our seats in time for the 8pm show.

And right on cue, at 8:00pm conductor David Newman strode onstage to join the LA Philharmonic and started the 20th Century Fox fanfare, followed by the opening title music, all played live as we watched the movie.



Also on cue, whenever lightsabers appeared on screen, fans in attendance lit up theirs. The whole Obiwan/Vader battle was re-enacted in the seats.



It was a great night, and it was neat to watch the movie in a new way. I hope I get to do it again in the future.

Hillsides Visit 2018

Today, R2 returned to Hillsides Children's Group Home, where he participated with dozens of members of various Star Wars clubs, to bring happiness to kids who have had a tough childhood. Per policy with these things, no pictures with kids were allowed.

As he's done each year, R2 hid under an outdoor stairway, as the characters changed into costume and prepared for their grand entrance.



Quite a large group assembled behind the building where the characters had changed, in order to make their surprise appearance.



The kids got to meet the characters, and most of the characters signed their autograph books. The kids also got patches. Next, the Saber Guild put on their presentation, where Jedi fight Sith. The kids help use the Force to chase the Sith away.



And finally, we wrapped with group photo.



It's a great event for a great cause, and I hope R2 and I are part of it again next year.