Never estimate the power of prayer

I started out this morning praying that God help me get through this day.  Now that I'm at the end of the day I'm giving thanks for the answered prayer.  I had set myself up for an awful day.  Organization prior to today was not the best..we'll say.  A lot of things were delayed for thing or another but the minute the crew stepped off the busses we were rolling and it all came together very nicely.  We had a threat for showers but all just dissipated throughout the day.  The sun was shining and it was windy all day long.  It couldn't have been better!  They kept us very busy but everyone was very nice, polite and encouraging.  There were several band members roaming around during the day.  The most recognizable of the bunch, Rick Allen (the one-armed drummer) carried his murse around and basically people watched all day.  The ladies of Heart were looking as stunning as ever and those girls can still rip some vocals.  There are some 80's rock bands that aren't as washed up as the others. =) 
We decided to take the opportunity this afternoon to go on the roof of the grandstand.  Given we were using a thrust (the little stage that jets off the front for the act to walk out into the crowd on) we wanted to get some shots so we could remember how we set it.  Those of you that know me well, know heights and I DON'T mix.  I was not going to pass this opportunity up but 75' in the air almost made me pee my pants.  We got some awesome shots and it was amazing to see the bulk of the fairgrounds from above. 
However, I probably should have warn those down on the ground that we were going up.  Apparently some of the crew freaked out and thought we were snipers.  One actually just told me he was scared for my life. The photos and experience were definitely worth it!

Def Leppard Sound check

Compound from above

Stage with thrust from above

Des Moines skyline

We even caught a flash mob on Grand Ave, the main road running through the fairgrounds.

I even got to experience my first counterfeit item experience.  The local radio station had created a shirt that looked identical to the album cover for "Hysteria" and were selling them for charity.  With a stupid move the band ended up seeing it and that set off the train.  Eventually, we ended up having to confiscate the t-shirts.  Now I'm stuck with a bunch of ugly t-shirts.

I ended up making it to video world to catch about 15mins of the Heart show.  They just amaze me.  I was checking facebook when I read the news of the Indiana State Fair stage collapse.  No, Triangle Talent does not produce the Indiana State Fair.  I honestly can't explain the horror of what the bands, crew and patrons must have experience.  That is honestly my worst nightmare.  Sugarland, one of my favorite bands to work with, were the act performing.  Fortunately, by the grace of God, there was not an act on stage.  They were turning the stage over from Sara Bareilles and getting ready for Sugarland.  If my timing is right the accident happened four minutes after Sara/band left the stage.  I can't even describe what this was.  Until, I watched it online it hadn't sunk in.  Now I can't get it out.  After a few minutes of worrying about the band, fair and patrons I remember "CRAP we have Sugarland here tomorrow!".  Immediately, I was on the phone trying to get a report.  Nothing.  The agents or management couldn't get a hold of the band.  At the time of my writing this the death toll is four with many dozens injured.  It completely puts your day with a few hiccups into perspective.  My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and those injured or killed.  As well as Sugarland, crews, and fair staff.  I hope to never face this in my career because it pretty much just sucks being this close to it as it is.  At this point we're assuming all of Sugarland's gear is toast.  Which means they won't be doing a show tomorrow with us.  Fortunately, they do have Monday off and it's possible for us to work that into the grandstand.  So we're hoping they will choose to come on over.  They won't be able to even see what can be savaged fro

m the site for many, many days.  The stage and area are locked up as a crime scene.  It will be thoroughly reviewed to make sure that everything was the way it was supposed to be and the wind/weather was the only factor of the collapse.  If they do choose to the show, we will definitely make it happen!

http://www.wthr.com/story/15262930/stage-collapses-at-state-fairgrounds  Look for "Stage Collapse: Home Video"

So the moral of today's story is...never estimate the power of prayer.  I know I won't tonight.

Crazy Town--

I titled tonight's blog "Crazy Town" for three reasons.  1) Because Jason Aldean is on stage singing it right now and I can hear it clear as a bell from my office.  2) The Iowa State Fair was CRAZY today.  Jammed packed with country music lovin' cowboys and Sarah Palin lovin' (or hatin') people.  Or was it because of the gorgeous weather? 3) Getting ready for tomorrow's show has been a feat.  Most of my day was spent trying to track down the details for TOMORROWS show.  The act who shall remain nameless...until tomorrow at least was driving me bonkers with their lack of communication.  Once we get through the day we will be on the downhill slide from there. 

Today was a great day.  I hadn't had the opportunity to work with Jason Aldean's crew but they were definitely organized, friendly and just made the day great for everyone.  We had the horseys on the track again but as soon as they were finished the stage was moved work continued.  Jason had two great support acts, Chris Young and Thompson Square.  Both were equally pleasant to work with.  No I didn't really meet any of them. I saw them while they were going in and out of their meet and greet and to and from the stage.  I thought that Aldean would be a big feller...nope..average size and kinda little.  But still a cutie patootie.  And what a show.  We had a sold out show over a month ago.  With selling 825 standing room only seats today alone we topped out at 11,412!  HUGE!!!  I'm typing this a little early so I can hopefully get some sleep tonight...and run out to watch a bit of the show.  Here's some photos of the day...can't wait to hear this crowd for the fireworks.  I'm sure they'll top last night. 

By the way...the video crew tonight was amazing!!  Must have been professionals ;)

"My Kinda Party" front and center on Grand Ave

First case rolls off the truck

 

Stage in unload/load position

11,412 during intermission waiting for Jason

Everything is subject to change....

It's funny how details can just flip like a coin.  Some days you're heads up...the next your tail might as well be in the air.  I've declared my motto for the 2011 Mud and Dust Tour "EVERYTHING IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE".  The producers of Triangle Talent, Inc. learned this lesson Tuesday night.  After my safe travels (yes American Airlines proved me wrong..on the first leg at least) and greetings with my Iowian family I was set for another awesome year at the Iowa State Fair!  We all said everything was going quite smoothly and we shocked.  Turned out it was only the calm before the storm. 

We soon found out that Lynyrd Skynyrd would more than likely be cancelling several of their shows- including their performance at the Iowa and Missouri State Fairs.  Of course when any act has to cancel it's not good, but a headliner such as them can throw you into a tizzy.  And that it did!  We were scrambling trying to find a new act to fill their spot.  Luckily, Kansas was able to step in and fill the spot at the Iowa State Fair.  I can't even go into detail about how my Wednesday went but I can definitely say I was in need of medication by the end of it!  Johnnie Van Zant, lead of the band, was admitted into the hospital last Saturday for a staph infection.  His doctor strongly advised he stay off the road for at least two weeks and cancel or reschedule all shows in the time period.  We wish Johnnie the best and a quick recovery.  I will miss working with the group again but look forward to our day with Kansas and the Doobie Brothers next Tuesday!  At the conclusion of Wednesday we received yet another spiraling email...Gavin DeGraw (support for Maroon 5 and Train) was assaulted...well really he was jumped, had the crap beat out of him and then was pushed in front of moving cab...on Monday morning.  We knew of the incident and were told that he was doing well.  Unfortunately, he was not recovering from his concussion, broken nose and black and blue bruises and his doctor's said he needed to stay off the road for a few weeks.  So...another one bites the dust.  Thankfully the agents filled his spot and we didn't have too much but than to inform his fans of his withdrawal from the show.  Seriously, if any more acts can't perform...I'm coming home =)  We wish Gavin the best.  I've worked with them several times and he's one of my personal favorites.

Enough of the downer stuff...on to opening day of the fair!  We had a grand ole' time.  Nothing better than starting a 10 day run with some great Christian music and awesome groups.  Casting Crowns and Sanctus Real were the easiest to work with.  Made my and my team's day so great.  We had the opportunity to get them involved in the Iowa Food Bank Association and the Iowa Soybean Association's CanStructure.  They are building a butter cow (google the butter cow of the state fair if you've never heard of this) out of canned goods.  Those cans plus the monetary donations collected throughout the fair will go back to the food bank and those in need. 

To explain how great Casting Crowns are, I passed the photo opportunity by them.  Not only did they agree they also wanted to help.  They purchased $300 worth of canned foods and delivered them to the booth.  Just amazing to see that happen.  With over 7,000 people in the stands they put on an amazing show! 

The best was setting the fireworks off right as their last song ended and hearing the crowd erupt!  That might be where the artists look for their energy, but I know it's where I find mine.  Melanie, the lovely tour manager for Casting Crowns gave me a CD autograhed by her and her husband (the lead singer, Mark) and with her message she noted Proverbs 3:5-6.  5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.  Not so upset over yesterday's trauma after that. 

I can't forget to mention the Presidential candidates on the grounds.  I didn't see them but plenty knew they were here.  I guess I'm supposed to be looking for Sarah Palin tomorrow.  Fun stuff

Looking forward to tomorrow with Jason Aldean!

Flat Stanley visits Louisville, KY!

For those of you who aren't aware of who Flat Stanley is, you might recognize him in the photos below.  The Flat Stanley Project was started in 1995 by Dale Hubert, a third grade schoolteacher in London, Ontario, Canada. Students begin by reading the book, Flat Stanley, and becoming acquainted with the story. Then they make paper "Flat Stanleys" and are mailed to other people who are asked to treat the figure as a visiting guest and document his experiences.  Stanley and the journal are then returned to the student, who takes the project back to school to share with their class. 

 I was surprised several weeks ago when Flat Stanley arrived from Branson, MO.  Josh's son, Jaden is in kindergarten and they were doing the project.  Jaden thought it would be cool for Stanley to visit Louisville.  I created a fun photo album of my experiences with Stanley.  I, of course, went a little over board in carrying "the piece of paper" with me everywhere I went.  I defintely received a few looks but enjoyed sharing the project with several others.  I had blast and was thrilled to be a part of the project.


Sara and I at the start of the Anthem 5K

**February 28, 2011**

Sara is trying to focus on being healthy. She tries to eat well and exercise daily. Part of her exercise plans have been to walk in organized races. She took me on her first race of the year.

We started the race at ‘Louisville Slugger Field’. The Louisville BATS play at this baseball stadium. They are the field team for the Cincinnati Reds.

We walked through downtown Louisville and completed the ‘Anthem 5K’. A 5K is 3.1 Miles!

Sara and I at end of 3.2 Miles!



Sara plays bingo with her friends on Saturday nights.  I’ve never played bingo before.  While Sara didn’t win, it was still entertaining and fun!!

Watching them add the base of the glass

**March 5, 2011**


One of Louisville’s hot tourist spots is Glassworks. You can blow your own glass objects like pumpkins, wine glasses, vases and much more. Sara went to make a wine glass and took me along. It was so interesting to see them form a glass from a blob of glass.

Sara took me by the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory.  Slugger has been created the popular brand since 1884.  Babe Ruth used a Louisville Slugger to hit his last home run as a NY Yankee.  The “largest bat in the world” stands outside of the museum and factory.  It weighs 68,000lbs and is six stories tall.  I felt small beside it!

Mile 6!  Only .2 to go

**March 12, 2011**

Sara and I walked another race today! The Rodes City Run is a 10K. It was much longer than the first one but we still had a great time! We completed 6.2Miles!!

They just built a brand new basketball arena in downtown Louisville last year.  Since it opened in November they’ve had many large concerts come to town and a successful season for the Louisville Cardinals.  Sara took me to my first concert, Lady Gaga!!  We had a great time and enjoy the show.

**March 21, 2011**

Sara took me to one of the historical places in Louisvlle, let alone Kentucky!  Churchill Downs is home to Thourghbred racing and the Kentucky Derby.  The twin spires in the background here are iconic to the racing community. 

<>

Entrance to Churchill Downs





Louisville Triple Crown of Running- COMPLETE!

One goal for 2011 has been marked off the list--

**February 26, 2011- Anthem 5K

This was just a brisk Saturday morning walk but was a good time.  They had to change a bit of the course for flooding but the weather was perfect, about 35 degrees when we started and didn't rain a drop.

Finished in 50:41  8,156 place out of 8,723

Finish line of 5K

**March 12, 2011  Rodes City Run 10K
I actually did this race last year and LOVED the course.  This year was just as great.  The weather was a bit warmer by the time we finished but was still a chilly start being as we started downtown. 
Finished in 1:44:31  7,616 place out of  7,958

Finish line right around the corner!

 **March 26, 2011 Papa John's 10Miler

We were really worried how the weather was going to turn out for this one.  There was a threat of rain and I knew 10Miles with wet shoes would be miserable.  Fortunately all the prayers were answered and the weather was perfect!  We conquered those hill of Iroqouis Park and were met at the 8Mile marker by runner extrodinaire, Matt Fillipps.  He brought us Panera bagels and encouraged us the rest of the way.  He actually compelted the race and came back to the course to walk the rest of the way with us!  

Finished in 2:54:02 6,823 place out of 6,925

Finish line with my race partner, Erin

Finish line with Matt

Now we're gearing up for the Mini Marathon on April 30th!!  So exciting to have my Mom joining us for that one. 13.1 Miles here we come!

First leg of Triple Crown of Running COMPLETE!

So 1/3 of my goal of completing the Triple Crown of Running is complete!  My friend Erin and I set out at 7:30AM Saturday Feb 28th for a brisk walk at the Anthem 5K.  LOL  As I've said before we had no intentions of coming in first.  The course ended up having to be re-routed due to some flooding on a few of the low lying streets.  It was still a great route and was a well put together race.  We ended up finishing in 50:41 and in 8155 place.  There were still about 2,000 people behind me =)  Can't wait until next weekend for the Rodes City Run 10K!

Run, Forest, Run!

So it's a new year, the snow is finally melted and cold tempratures are beginning to depart.  That means...race time!  However, I've been making these plans since I finished the Monumental Half-Marathon back in November.  In 2010 I completed an event that included 60Miles (roughly 45 for me) in 3 days, a 10K race, and a half-marathon through downtown Indianapolis (Monumental Half).  So I got to thinking--how do I top THAT in 2011?  Well, here it is--
Feb 26th- Anthem 5K- Louisville, KY (3.2miles)
March 12th- Rodes City Run 10K- Louisville, KY (6.2miles)
March 26th- Papa John's 10 Miler- Louisville, KY
April 30th- Derby Festival Mini-Marathon- Louisville KY (13.2miles)
October 20th-23rd- will be CREWING the Komen-3Day Atlanta
November 5th- Monumental Half- Marathon

I've been getting all my new gear together to prepare for the cold runs and even picked up a cool little gadget- a training watch.  Don't get me wrong...I still hate to run.  LOL  so I'll once again just be doing these to do them..not focusing on setting a record pace or anything like that. 

I'm so excited for these events to start and I'm not even going to think about what I'm going to do in '12 to make it even better. =)