Luísa Künning


Luísa (left) and Paula (right) with the band before the Petrópolis concert on May 4, 1995.


Meet Luísa Künning from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Hi! My name is Luísa. I'm a 28 year old Marine Biologist and I live in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

I can't remember exactly the first time I heard America. I guess I was about 12 when, browsing my father's LPs, I found one that grabbed my attention for a good looking guy on the cover. It was Gerry on the cover of "AMERICA". I decided to listen to it, and fell in love with their music since then.

The one dream I've always had was, at some point in my life, to get a chance to see them live, but I never thought it would be possible, since I live in Brazil, and their music is not so popular here.

One day I had a wonderful surprise: They were coming to play here in my town!!! I guess I don't need to explain what a mind blowing thought it was to consider that I was actually going to meet them.

The day of the concert arrived, and I was very excited. I went with my younger sister, Paula, who also likes them.

To see them live was unexplainable!!!! The concert was awesome!!!! When they entered the stage playing "Riverside", I couldn't believe my eyes. That just seemed like they can really do magic... Each following song was better than the other. At the last song , "Horse with no name", we went very close to the stage, right in front of Gerry, and he smiled at us with such warmth that I realized I wasn't dreaming.

After the concert we tried to talk with them backstage. We couldn't get in, but after waiting for almost 1 hour, Gerry showed up. He greeted us giving me and my sister a kiss and said that he saw us during the concert. The next day, they will be playing in Petrópolis (a small city near Rio), and I told him that we would be there. He said that they would be checking the sound before the concert and told us to show up. That was very nice and sweet. It was very clear how much they really care about their fans.

Next day, we went by bus to Petrópolis. We arrived early to see the soundcheck, and Gerry recognized us and smiled from the stage. I couldn't believe that this was really happening...

While waiting for the concert to begin, one of the roadies, Manny, greeted us and I asked him if it would be possible to talk to them, 'cause I wanted to give Gerry a crystal that I brought him. He said sure and also said that if we wanted, we could see the concert from the stage. We were thrilled and very anxious.

Minutes before the concert, Manny took us to the place where the band was. The guys were very nice and polite with us. We stood there for a while chatting with them. Gerry just loved the crystal I gave him, and took it in his jacket pocket to the stage for good luck.

The concert was great, just like the night before. They were perfect!!!

After the show, they invited us to join them backstage. We talked about music, career, and they showed interest when we said we both were Marine Biologists.

When they were about to leave, they offered us a ride to Rio in their bus.

They are all, without exception, very kind, sweet and special.

My dream came true and it was even better than I thought it was possible. I will cherish those moments as long as I live.

Since that special night, we've had the opportunity to see them live several times in the USA ( click here to see some photos ), and the pleasure of going backstage in every concert. I can't wait to see them again and I hope the rumors that they are coming to Brazil in March are real ( click here to see some photos ).

I would like to thank the band for their wonderful music and for being so nice . Thanks!!!

Feel free to send your comments or questions to Luísa.



Written: 12 December 1996
Last Revised: 30 June 1997