Big Time...something or another

Wow, it's Thursday...and I'm tired.  It finally hit me about 3PM today.  It might have been the fact that I stayed out til midnight having a few cocktails and then some amazing fresh, oven baked cookies or maybe it's because I was ran to death today.  Either way, you'd think I'd learn from my lesson.  Nah, I'm sitting here having a drink and probably will do the same thing.  :)

Last night was another day off, we'll call it that anyway.  I did make it out for a run and then sat on the couch for 6 hours working on the next fair.  Sending emails, making calls.  Finally stopped about 6:30P for dinner with the Dream Team again and then over to the fair.  We made our rounds on the free stages seeing Dia Frampton and then Hunter Hayes.  Once we made it to see Hunter the crowd was HUGE!  I would say about 7,000 and they were singing every word.  They were almost louder than he was.  I love seeing the crowds like that.  For those acts we really keep our eye on the acts and see who we think we'll be big by the time our booking comes around.  We've hit it right on the head the past two years (Band Perry last year). 

2nd Favorite vendor on the grounds!

So we're on to Thursday now.  I knew this day was going to be rough.  We had already been fighting with the band over equipment since last Tuesday.  My boss gave me a friendly reminder yesterday.."Sara, we're not in the music business, it's the entertainment business."  The fact that these bands need all this fancy equipment to make them sound like they need to and 'in order to do a show' infuriates me.  But then again I like music not tv stars that want to sing.  Anyway, this happens to be a fly date for Big Time Rush.  You may know them from Nickelodeon if you have small kids, nieces, nephews whatever, otherwise you've probably never heard of them.  Good reason for that.  With fly dates come additional needs which just runs me all over the place.  These are the days I earn the big bucks (haha).  They do a 200 person meet and greet EVERYDAY!  But they make about $150 a pop for each one...you do that math. 

They did this meet and greet, after spending an hour checking everyone in, in less than 45mins.  CRAZY!  Everyone on this tour was extremely nice.  The boys of the band were very nice and normal "kids".  I believe the group made at least four visits out to the fair for fair food.  They'll have a nice flight tomorrow. =)   We ended up starting the show at 7PM to encourage ticket buyers to be able to bring their kids.  The band only has 60mins worth of material..can stretch it to 70 if they talk in between and wallah, all this hard working, bickering back and forth for a 70min show. 

However, they were wrapped up and off the grounds by 8:45P.  That will be why this is being posted two hours earlier than usual and is shorter...because I'm now going to have an adult beverage (or two..) and get yet another Cajun chicken on a stick. 

Looking forward to a rowdy good time tomorrow with Hank Jr. and George Thorogood.  



If I Die Young....

The title of tonight's blog is just a bit creepy.  But I'm going to flashback to yesterday for a minute.  We had a dark day in the grandstand.  That means that we didn't have a concert.  Instead there were car races on the track.  It's nothing but a dirty, loud, good ole' time.  I had expected to take this day to catch up and dive right into the next fair's work and to visit a local lake for a change of scenery for my run.  Unfortunately, I ended up sleeping for like 8hours.  I guess I was tired after a 15hour work day!  By the time I made it out to the lake it was 11:30.  I had already been on the phone for an hour fielding calls and they didn't stop.  The phone rang 5x while I was out for a half hour.  Either way, nothing can beat this scenery.  I can't wait to go back tomorrow!  It's a 1 1/4mile paved sidewalk around the lake.  I'll definitely be getting up early to avoid the phone ringing off the hook. 

Copper Creek Lake, Des Monies, IA

I ended up back at the hotel working for a couple of hours and then made my way over to the fairgrounds to hang out with friends for a little while.  We ended up at one of my favorite stages watching one of the local hair, cover bands.  I look forward to one fried treat here every year.  When I had realized I hadn't eaten anything for supper I stopped and picked it up on my way out of the grounds, Cajun fried chicken on a stick!

Knapp Amphitheater- Iowa State Fairgrounds

Cajun fried chicken on a stick

Today was another easy day.  I was ready for the show with The Band Perry and Easton Corbin.  It was just busy enough to keep me running and a little bit of time to catch up on the next couple of days.  We have another day off tomorrow so I'll be working away trying to play catch up.  We had a little bit of a different atmosphere backstage today. Being in the business and being around entertainers and those that are around them 24/7, I seem to forget and take for granted the fact that they are celebrities.  This is their job.  They live their lives without any privacy which is a huge sacrifice.  We have smaller acts and larger acts but at this point they are in the spotlight and have every eye on them.  For those of you that aren't familiar with the Perry's they are siblings; two brothers, one sister.  They recently faced a security threat so their security detail was a bit higher.  We normally don't have armed or uniformed police officers backstage.  Today we had six.  I'm glad the Perry's are able to take the extra precautions needed.  They are a sweet family and extremely talented.  It's just a shame that our world is how it is today and no one is safe.  However, today I felt like I was one of the safest people on the fairgrounds. 

Soon before Easton Corbin took the stage his tour manager told me that he was so disappointed to find out that Restless Heart was playing another stage.  He thought he was going to miss it.  I told him that they were doing a later show that he would be able to make.  Easton was almost literally jumping up and down before he went on stage when he found out.  We even ended up setting up an opportunity for him to meet them.  Even the celebs have idols! 

Both shows were great!  The crowd was a little light but man, did they pack a punch!  They were singing all of the songs back and it sounded like the grandstand was full.  Many wondered why the tickets sales were so low.  They were just here last year on a free stage and drew 10,000+ people.  They were hanging out of the trees trying to get a better view!  They've only released one album and have been touring off of that for over a year.  But good news to any of you that are fans (including myself!), there will be a new album released next year!  These are one of the most down to earth groups I've encountered and I hope that they are able to stay the sweet, southern folks that they are.  I mean, come on their Mom travels everywhere with them!  Too cute!

Band Perry



Gunpowder and Lead

Let me say I'm completely thrilled that we finally had a big show!  I have loved the past three days but nothing gets me more motivated that having to take 4 trips to the administration building, 15 trips to the stage, dealing with idiots having to sneak in and having to put working passes on all of the employees.  It might sound like I'm being facetious but I'm really not!  While bigger shows bring slightly larger headaches, they're only challenges.  We work through them and move on to the next one.  Miranda Lambert has one of the best crews hands down.  From the advance to the end of the day they were all phenomenal to work with.  I'm sure these guys could flip their lid if you gave a reason but fortunately they were all calm, cooperative and are pros.  They were cutting up and laughing all day and just making the best of it. 

Miranda LOVES to be close to her fans and has a ego ramp to prove it.  As we're discussing security around it I tell the head of security he needs to hire midgets for this situation.  Of course I'm corrected that it's little people.  I myself say vertically challenged is even more politically correct.  You'll never imagine how many times you can sneak that in to a conversation.  It was definitely put to the test today.  As I'm standing at the front of house platform I see a rubber chicken catapulting through the air towards my face.  Didn't quite make the catch.  That darn chicken was more entertaining that the stage at some points.  Those guys just know how to have fun. 

Who else would have a camo tour bus than ML?







Everyone finds fun in the rain

Probably the worst part of the day was, of course, right at showtime.  It had been threatening to rain all day.  A little sprinkle this morning but nothing much.  30 minutes before RaeLynn is supposed to take the stage and we're trying to get the meet and greet started it starts pouring.  Seriously!?!  It's hardly rained here for a month and it chooses right before our show to downpour.  I already mentioned that the crew was pro right?  Well let me throw in there that the entertainers are as well.  There was no fluff about going on stage.  There were right on it.  RaeLynn was up on the stage in her cute little black crinoline skirt.  She is just cute as a button and sweet as can be!  We got her on stage and got the show rolling.  The fans that were covered loved it.  Most of those that were on the track decided to stay covered until the main act.  It's just rain people!  Shoot, I was soaked from head to toe, my jeans looked like leggings (sorry for everyone that had to witness that!), I was still enjoying the show and I didn't even pay for it.  While I was making sure the emcees got on and off stage the meet and greet was moving right along.  A quick change up and we had shifted the location from outside to inside and all was good.  RaeLynn's entire set was through the rain.  While she wasn't getting wet, it sure was cold!  Then Miranda gets up and the sky magically clear up.  It was a great show, good lighting, entertaining and even better with the special appearances with Pistol Annies and RaeLynn came back on and sang a song with her.  With over 8,300 in the stands hearing their screams and claps is what it's all about.  I know how the energy feeds the entertainers but it also feeds the rest of us.  There's nothing better than looking out and seeing a full grandstand of people and knowing all the hard work has been worth it.  However, now that I'm sitting here writing this, waiting for the buses to roll out, I'm looking forward to my day off tomorrow.  A 14.5 hour day will get the best of anyone!

The Band Perry and Easton Corbin on Tuesday!  Can't wait!!

Git-R-Done!

Well today was just peachy!  I think it might have been the easiest production day in my career.  We had Larry the Cable Guy and Reno Collier in the grandstand tonight.  Larry and Reno pulled in on their bus this morning, a runner picked them up and took them to the golf course.  I was up and out the door for a run about the same time.  I had decided to come over to the fair a little early today instead of just lounging around at the hotel.  I ended up getting to my office about 11:30a and then got a visit from one of our agents out of Nashville.  He's on a road trip in an RV visiting his buyer's fairs.  I took them around the fair showing them all the stages.  It was nice to actually get out and see the great crowds on another gorgeous day.  The past three days have not only been completely spoiling us because of the easy schedules and groups but mother nature has been cooperative as well.  It looks like rain will be coming in tonight and we might not be so lucky tomorrow.  I think the high is in the mid-high 70s...wow!  I finally got one of the last two shows advanced this afternoon so I'm rolling right along.  I keep telling everyone it's running too smoothly and something is going to hit the fan soon.  While I know it will start getting busier (the tours will get bigger, more needy and I'm sure problems will arise) I can actually see the end in sight. 

The day just rolled by without a hitch.  Larry, Reno, their bus driver and tour manager were parked outside the bus watching golf and smoking cigars.  Larry does his meet and greet in his stage clothes, consisting of a cut off kahki t-shirt, camo pants and what I think were TOMS slipons (he did match though).  Reno starts the show and is funny as heck.  I can't put my finger on it but I think I've seen him perform in Louisville. 

Reno Collier on the Iowa State Fair Grandstand stage

Larry went on stage and had the audience of 6,000 rolling for 80mins.  Many people asked me throughout the day if he is down to earth.  Larry is one of the most down to earth entertainers I know.  His shtick on stage is one liners.  He's calm, funny and nice off stage. 

Larry the Cable Guy--view from Front of House

This clock has been in catering and has completely screwed me up several times now.  I always glance at it and think it's actually later than it is.  It's owner states "it's a little backwards".  All things explained! 

Big day (early day) tomorrow with Miranda Lambert.  We're looking at an 8000+ show.  I'm looking forward to the biggest crowd this year!

We're Happy Togethhhheeerr

Unfortunately, the title of this blog was the only song I knew tonight.  We had a great show with the 'Happy Together Tour' feat. The Buckinghams, The Grass Roots, Mickey DOLENZ, The Turtles and Gary Puckett.  I'll admit I wasn't all jazzed about watching the show.  I ended up watching about a song and a half of the Turtles.  So yes, I may have known more songs but it wouldn't have been many.  Today was one of those days of 'um..who is that one?'. 

The Turtles

Since the crew was arrival a little later in the morning I was able to get up and run before coming in.  I can already tell a difference that this is making.  I'm truly hoping I'm able to keep this up for the full run of the summer. 
Side note- I got "home" last night and to my surprise they had changed the comforters that were on the beds AND added padded tops to the mattresses.  So it was like a whole different room and didn't quite feel like I was sleeping on a sheet of plywood!  I was ecstatic, which is actually sad, but it is the small things!  Of course then I wake up this morning, here the shower going in the room above me and realize the ceiling is leaking above the shower.  Oh yippee!  This hotel has not been on my good list for several years.  The past two years we've had issues with mold, staff, etc.  Fortunately, the desk clerk seemed very concerned and was going to have it checked out right away.  We'll see I come back to tonight. 
Back on track-  The crew and band arrive at the grounds and the "stars" eventually start trickling in.  Unfortunately, one of the group's flight was cancelled (ring a bell from last night?) but they rented a car and made it in.  The day was just as smooth as can be.  They use one band for all five acts.  It's a seamless show that just rolls from one act to the next.  Mickey was definitely the most popular.  He received 3 separate gifts this afternoon.  T-shirts, wine (almost took that), cookies (almost took that too :) ), I almost thought Des Moines was his hometown!  And then we get a 15ft banner that someone had created with caricatures of each of the groups.  The crew proudly displayed on their bus for all of the groups to see.  I ended up catching up on a TON of work.  I finally made it through all of my emails since Monday! haha

But of course the day wouldn't be complete without a minor hiccup.  Turns out one of the bands I had booked on a free stage and only played for 30mins.  They were contracted for 75-90mins.  Apparently they weren't told how long to play so they played their normal set.  Fortunately, I was able to speak with the agent and tour manager.  It sounds like everyone is green and just didn't cover their bases and made assumptions.  Something they will hopefully learn from and I'm letting them stew on that for the night. 

Tomorrow we have Larry the Cable Guy and I'm so excited!  My day will consist of, getting up and running, coming to the fair to be a fair goer and I don't have to be at work until about 3:00PM!  So I'll definitely be getting some work done tomorrow and hopefully getting further ahead.  Saturday, what?!?

tobyMac does the na na

Today started as such an easy day.  Actually way too easy.  I got 8.5 hours of sleep, woke up and was so bored I actually went back to bed.  Big mistake!  Haha  I didn't have to be over at the fairgrounds until about 11A and that early in the morning is pointless to try and advance shows.  I thought for a minute about getting up and heading over at 8AM for the World's largest Zumba class.  Kind of wish I had because it looks like it was a ton of fun! 

Who am I kidding I was working, in my sleep at 7:30AM this morning!  I had talked to two bus drivers, a tour manager and semi driver all before 8:30AM.  I arrived at the fairgrounds to find one of the buses on site.  While the bus was here their band/crew was in the air.  Tenth Avenue North's bus with bus and crew arrives and it's still a little quiet.  Then the runners pick up tobyMac and crew and we're off!  Everyone was on site by 2:30PM...oh wait no, the opening act was not because Delta cancelled her flight.  Oh the joys of travel.  They actually hired a driver service to drive them from Chicago--arriving around 6PM.  (about a 4hour drive).  I don't even want to know what that bill was.  But the point is they went above and beyond to make sure they were at the show.  I like artists like that. :)

While it was an easy day for the typical opening day I was stocking dressing room bathrooms, organizing meet and greets and comp tickets, having to deal with a shattered iPad that someone accidentally ran over plus working on tomorrow and Saturday's shows.  The only thing that made the day better was these groups were such a pleasure to work with.  Everyone was so nice and just happy to be here.  Tenth Avenue North's bus driver even popped my back.  Now there's service!

The day wouldn't be complete with the fireworks!  Every night the grandstand (and the rest of the fairgrounds) are treated to an amazing fireworks display.  Now it's no Thunder over Louisville but it is however, only 200 ft away from me.  I always talk with the headliner's production managers before and work out a cue.  I stand on the back side of the stage and turn on a light that triggers the pyro guys to start the fireworks.  Talk about holding you're breath!  Sometimes the acts want you to set them off once the artist is off stage or taking a bow or like tonight, at a specific point in the song.  I get the description of "you know that sports song that goes, na na na na, hey hey, goodbye."  So that's their last song and they wanted them to go off during the song.  "Is the cue that good that they'll be right in sync?"  With my reply "well I'm the one triggering so I guess we'll have to hope I can figure it out."  I shouldn't have opened my mouth because I could hardly recognize the song!  They had put it to a rocked out beat that I was having to sing along just to make sure it was correct.  Sure enough--booom!  They're in the first chorus, ignition and we're in for a treat.  The wind was blowing right for us and we were covered in burning embers.  Couldn't have been a more successful night!

My favorite quote of the day- "We can put our expensive coolers out.  They won't steal them."  Lol  You can tell we've been in the business too long.  I'm looking forward to a couple more easy days!  Tomorrow we have Happy Together which is 'The Buckinghams', 'The Grass Roots', 'Gary Puckett', 'Mickey Dolenz' and 'The Turtles'.

Tenth Avenue North

tobyMac

Wouldn't want to be this guy---tobyMac DJ

Gotta love it when the act even surprises the production folks!

Impromptu B stage in the grandstand



The Dream Team

And welcome to the 2012 edition of the Mud and Dust Tour blog!  I've only been waiting for this moment for about, oh, 365 days.  Well maybe not so many but this time of year is definitely my favorite part of my job. For 2012 I'm on the same route as last year with a small twist. 

I was asked to assist the Indiana State Fair in booking a couple of acts for their free stage that were geared toward a younger demographic.  Yay for teeny boppers!  Most of you probably heard about the stage collapse last year and are wondering 'I wonder what they are doing different'.  The stage that collapsed in 2011 was a portable top that was constructed on a permanent, concrete stage facing their grandstand seating.  The stage is still there and the grandstand is still there as well.  They are using the facility and track for events such as auto racing and tractor pulls this year.  They will not have large concerts in this facility this year.  Those have been moved downtown to Bankers Fieldhouse (formerly Conseco).  On the fairgrounds they are offering some amazing free shows; MC Hammer, Ted Nugent, REO Speedwagon all on a permanent steel stage that has been on the grounds for many years.  I got to visit the stage and fair last Saturday while AllStar Weekend was playing.  It was nice to venture out into the fair for a bit with friends and see the fair going strong!

Baby Gibson's 1st State Fair on Ball State Day!

Indiana State Fair Free Stage



The next stop on my route was back home for packing.  I'll be honest I was really looking forward to hitting the road.  I wanted to see everyone but just didn't have the overwhelming energy that I've had in the past.  Maybe because I didn't want to leave everyone at home?  Maybe the house?  I don't know.  So I ended up putting off packing until late Sunday night.  I have been excited because I've finally made the shift to going completely electronic.  The past three years I have packed 2- 4" binders filled with paper which can be interpreted as the contracts for each act I work with.  I'm now utilizing my iPad and an online program to store my contracts for viewing and carry a 1/2" binder that holds my "advance" sheets where I write all of the needed information for each day.  I can't tell you how happy I am that I can jump in the car with an iPad and 1/2" binder and know I have everything I need.  So as I began packing I realized I was going to have so much more space!  Some of you know I've been on somewhat of a health kick since January.  I purposely volunteered to lead a weight loss challenge with 20+ ladies that just happens to last through my summer travels.  I'm hoping this will keep me motivated to watch what I eat and actually exercise so I don't gain the typical 10-15lbs I do while on the road.  While I may not have my binders I now have 5 workout outfits and a scale.  Here's how you pack for a month on the road--

From this...

...to this, Bertha and the office suitcases

Now the true test will be if I can get it back to that in two weeks to move to NY. :) 

Yesterday (Tues), I set out for Des Moines, IA for the Iowa State Fair.  With just a few delays (at this point I'm used to craziness of the airlines) I made it safely.  The first couple of days are seeing everyone and getting settled in both at the hotel and the true 'home away from home'. 

I truly love this fair.  It's not because it's one of the largest, or it's one of the most attended fairs in the country, or one of the nicest.  That's all GREAT but it's the Dream Team I get to work with here.  It's not everywhere you find a team that works so well together that things run seamlessly and just get done.  From the sound and light king, to the video guru, to the maintenance 'fixer all's, amazing runners, security, chefs and labor providers, and an AMAZING fair staff, I'm seriously in heaven.  My job would not be as easy if I didn't have the trust in these guys to get their jobs done well. 

Wednesday was spent moving into my 'home away from home', getting my new ID badge (I still had blonde hair in my photo :) ), working on finishing advancing a few shows and finalizing the schedules for the next couple of days.  Amazingly, I'm slightly ahead and feel like it's smooth sailing until next Thursday.  Gosh, I hope I'm right! 

Triangle Talent Grandstand Production Office

Tomorrow is opening day and we're looking forward to a great day with TobyMac, Tenth Avenue North and Jamie Grace!