Lips and Barefoot Bluejeans

We wrapped up the 2011 Great New York State Fair with two great days!

Sunday we had a very diverse day on the stage.  We started the morning with a Catholic Mass, then a burger cookoff, a Food Network chef demo with The Neeley's and the a rock band named...Hinder!

The Neeley's were extremely personable and friendly.  They were meeting and greeting everyone.  They caught word that there was a lady that had been there since 7AM with the slight chance she might meet them.  They had me bring her back to their dressing room to meet them.  That was incredible.  It just made that woman's year.  They definitely were a little edgy on the live performance.  Jenna happened to drop a few explicitives.  Her husband explained later that there's a reason their show is taped...for editing. =)  Their recipes were amazing and I look foward to using them at the new house. 

Hinder was such a great act to work with.  You wouldn't think that a rock band would be so organized and nice. =)  They put on a great show and had about 15,000 people to enjoy it.  I had a great conversation with the tour manager after the show and it explained why they were as great as they were.  He doesn't believe in being needy and divas.  He impressed on his guys that they should be glad to have a job.  I found it very inspirational!  I hope to work with them again in the future. 
Funny story** I was quizzing a few of the Court staff afterwards on what the capital of Kentucky is.  After several guesses and 15mins the lead singer for Hinder walks by.  The security guard asks him..."hey what's the capital of Kentucky?"  He replies quickly..."Frankfort".  When I applauded him for his correct answer he says "hey I did graudate high school!"  We found it quite commical that he knew but no one else did.

On to the LAST day!!  Everyone was definitely ready for this, probably just as much as me.  I love both bands that we had booked for today.  One because I knew it'd be an easy day, but I love both of their shows.  Starship with Mickey Thomas was one of the first shows I worked on the fair circuit.  I mainly love it just because they sing a song about me. =)  They were very easy to work with (except for the picky eaters that can only eat whole wheat bread, no cheese or lettuce, no sesame seeds).  Mickey is so very friendly.  He even called me on the way from the airport to say hello and to ask for a liquor run.  LOL  NEVER had that happen.  We usually close the curtains to their dressing rooms to give them privacy.  They opened them and said they didn't want to feel secluded.  Of course we couldn't get away with another gorgeous day and were impacted by yet again another hurricane (this one from the south).  It has rained all day.  I'm happy with rain as long as their no wind and lightning.  Prayers were definitely answered on that one.  Mickey still put on an awesome show and we had a great crowd considering the weather.  The setlist was hit after hit!

Mickey Thomas on stage

Jake Owen always puts on an awesome show!  His crew is such a pleasure to work with and he is honestly one of the best performers.  With the rain continuing into the night I would have assumed the crowd would stay at home.  Boy, was I wrong.  They were here and having a great time.  Jake walked on the stage barefoot in support of his current single "Barefoot Bluejean Night".  He entertained the 7,000+ crowd by working the uncovered, downstage extention in the rain!  He's now jetting off to New York for GMA in the morning.  He'll be announcing the CMA nominees with The Band Perry--be sure to check this guy out.  When he makes it big I want to be on the road with them. =)

I also got to walk around the fair today.  I ended up finding a wall painting for the new family room.  We got to see all the sights including the sand sculpture.  It was a great tribute to the 911 tragedy. 

I cannot even explain how excited I am to get home tomorrow.  Wheels down at 12:50 and I'll be hitting the ground running on the new house.  Closing is 9:30A tomorrow morning.  By this time in two weeks I'll be moved in.  So watch for the blog updates on that before the next saga of the Mud and Dust Tour continues in Lubbock, TX at the South Plains Fair!