To make a long story short I did win tickets — through Q104.3 fm in New York by naming the Bruce song the above verse came from. I had been trying every day for a week and a half, (knew all the songs). The station was reciting certain verses like poetry and you had to name the song. Uncanny luck is the only explanation that allowed my incoming call to be answered. I don't really remember what I said to the DJ, all I know is that it was something that couldn't be aired on the radio!!! I DO remember they asked me if I wanted the song line repeated and I replied, "no, I'm just gonna go for it." Then all I remember is the DJ saying, "congratulations, you really know your Bruce songs" and asking me for my address information. Damn!!!! I was in!!!!!!!

I fondly recall the phone conversation with my friend Michele where I advised her to sit down because I had to tell her something. All I said was, "I won, you're going." She knew what I meant and she was one happy camper!

That was Friday, July 19^th. Over the next few days Q104.3 kept talking about announcing a grand prize winner on the day before the concert that would get to go backstage and meet Bruce; take pictures, get autographs, the whole shabang!!!

Fast forward to 9am, Thursday the 26^th: "And the grand prize winner is from Clifton, NJ: Pat Cacioppo!!!" I was in such shock that I had to keep on asking my co-workers if I heard my name. But their screams of enthusiasm and the company switchboard lighting up with people who heard the announcement confirmed it... I was going to meet Bruce!!!! After 25 years of trying, God was handing it to me on a silver platter!!!

I was told by radio promotions to be at the Asbury Park Convention Hall by 12:30 pm for instructions and admittance to the arena. I was there hours before, and Michele met me within an hour of my arrival. We were interviewed by MTV on the boardwalk which was fun, and met other contests winners from all around the country. Non-grand prize winners expressed their happiness and excitement for us: that's what's the best about Bruce concerts: you meet the greatest people in the world at them!!!

To make a long story short; the concert was the usual E Street magnificence. The new songs from "The Rising" are wonderful!!! True Bruce fashion; probably the best in years! The man is a poet – the words touch your very soul. And we were witness to "The Rising's" unveiling, blessed with standing against the stage in front of Bruce's microphone stand for the 2-1/2 hour "musical rush." We were told we would even be in "The Rising" video!!!!!

After the show the grand prize winners were instructed to go upstairs to the second floor of convention hall for further instruction. We had no idea what was in store for us. We all milled around, expressing our awe at the show and excitement and ideas for what may lie ahead. All I can say is we were very pleasantly surprised! We were given directions to Sonny's Southern Cuisine, a restaurant on the other side of Asbury Park (If I may be so bold as to make a plug for Sonny's, go there!! - you won't be disappointed!). Sonny's had prepared a full "down home" southern buffet luncheon for the grand prize winners. About an hour later a small roar went up in the front of the restaurant and in walked Bruce and Patti!!!

Patty Meets Patti!

You could tell the man was sincerely exhausted from the show just 2 short hours ago, yet he went from table to table signing autographs, posing for pictures and making small talk. The expressions on the faces of the fans gathered were priceless: These were the truest of true Bruce fans and each and every one deserved these moments. We even were treated to our own private acoustic set: "Back in Your Arms Again", "Tougher Than The Rest", "I Wish I Were Blind", "Growin' Up" and "Thunder Road".

Michele and I were the last winners to meet Bruce, after his set, just before he exited the room. He politely autographed a newspaper I had from 21 years ago when he opened the meadowlands arena, (even rolling his eyes when he saw how young he was on the paper.), And snapped a picture with me. And then he was gone; ushered off into a private room to relax and have dinner. Did I really meet him??!!! I got the pictures and the signature to prove it but it still seems unreal. On my way out of Sonny's I even got an added bonus: a picture and a lovely conversation with Patti Scialfa.

I could go on for hours: about my trip the next day back down to Asbury to shop to assist in boosting the city's economy, the thousands at the Stone Pony Monday night the 29th braving oppressive heat for "The Rising's" release party, The Today Show broadcast from the beach and the double miracle of attending the additional rehearsal show Tuesday the 30th after The Today Show taping. But what I wish to really convey is the magic of Bruce Springsteen and the E-street band. Bruce is a wonderful, beautiful person; everything you'd expect him to be; funny, thoughtful. And although he is one of the greatest, if not the greatest rock star in the world, he is as down to earth and as normal as you or I. And that's what makes him so special.

And Asbury Park? I send my prayers and hopes that it becomes the wonderful, booming shore town it once was. I have a strong heart felt connection to the place, I will certainly do my part to help. I encourage all people to do the same.

Dreams do come true... even on the "Backstreets" on New Jersey!!! Love to you always Bruce!!!!!

Pat Cacioppo, Clifton, NJ
8-5-02

The Late, Great Sonny's Restaurant!

Related Links: For more information on BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links (Photos by Patricia A. Cacioppo) -- Buy "The Rising" | Buy "The Rising (L/E)" | Asbury Park C.O.C. | Asbury Park Press | AsburyPark.net

Originally Published: 08/08/2002 on Kweevak.com