Recap by TrueEB Pauletta
Photo (from left): Dionne, Shirley, Danielle, Mary, Deirdre, Denise, Patrina, & Pauletta
TrueEBs were made to feel like true VIPs at the exclusive Magic 102 event at the Fillmore, including being granted early access to the venue and being able to situate ourselves front row center.
Once inside, we began to ask everyone if they knew which seat on stage would belong to Eric. We wanted to make sure that Eric would know that we were there. In fact, we practically told everyone we met that we were in his fan club . . . and proudly displayed our TrueEB credentials. We seemed to draw attention because Eric was the only one on the panel who had an entourage. Some seemed surprised. Some seemed amused. Some wanted us to also follow their artist. Not! We gladly took several pictures showing our credentials, though.
When the moderator introduced Eric and gave him his accolades, she mentioned that members of his fan club were present. We gave EB an enthusiastic standing ovation . . . I could be wrong, but ……. I believe that I heard a whistle, a cat call, a Whoot Whoot and some squeals coming from the TrueEBs when he came on stage.
The panel discussion was enlightening and very interesting. Many of the answers were constructive and offered insights on the male psyche. Of course, Eric held his own. He was honest, intelligent, caring and funny. He shared that women should take their time and wait for a man that accepts all of their strengths as well as their flaws. He also shared that we should wait months for the infatuation to wear off to discover if it’s really love. It was interesting to hear him say that he and Manuela were not intimate in the beginning of their relationship because they wanted to build their friendship and see what was really between them first.
Midway through the discussion, the event staff came and got Patrina for some mysterious reason. After the moderator’s official Q&A, she opened it up to questions from the audience. About half an hour into the audience Q&A, the moderator announced that Eric would have to leave early to catch his train to New York. You should have seen the pouting faces on the TrueEBs! He gave us a HUGE shout-out, waved good bye to us, and thanked us for coming. While thrilled by the acknowledgment, we were very disappointed about not being able to personally wish him a happy birthday and give him his birthday card.
Imagine our delight when a few minutes later he returned to the stage saying he would take a later train. I was so happy and wiped the sweat from my brow as the TrueEBs collectively let out a big sigh of relief. Finally, the last question was asked and answered and the moderator announced Eric’s birthday was the following day and that we have a surprise. Patrina came out with a birthday cake and presented the TrueEB birthday card to EB on behalf of the TrueEBs. The audience sang Happy Birthday . . . first the “original” way and then Stevie’s way. Eric seemed pleasantly surprised and did a little birthday dance. He read our card and told the audience that the donation was to his wife’s charity, In a Perfect World. He seemed genuinely touched by the sentiment and thanked all of the TrueEBs who contributed.
Immediately after the panel, we were able to go backstage to say Happy Birthday in person. EB gave us all hugs and thanked us for the gift again and said to thank the rest of the TrueEBs!. He took two big pieces of cake for the road, and then he was whisked away to catch his train.
![photo[1]](http://www.ericbenet.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/photo1.jpg)
