It's the people

“Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.” — Tennessee Williams


The cool thing about people is that they are all different. People watching at We Fest is about as good as at an airport. Only most people at We Fest are wearing less clothes and have had more to drink.

We could start with the outfits, or lack thereof. But I think that goes without saying. Just think of a festive crowd spending all day outdoors in the hot summer sun listening to music, doing a little dancing, enjoying some good food and a lot of beverages. As the day progresses, I think it is more than just tequila that makes some clothes fall off.

Of course, there are a few genuine cowboys (and girls) walking around in their Wranglers or Levis sporting a shiny belt buckle. Some of the buckles are genuine PBR series - and I don't mean Pabst Blue Ribbon. The buckles attach to a belt that actually holds their pants on without showing any underwear. It is nice to see jeans that fit well. Of course, they have on real boots, that have maybe spurred a horse or two. You can just tell by the way they walk.

I like talking with people. All kinds of people. And in the process of trying to sell them a pair of super soft elk skin or ostrich boots, I sometimes learn a whole lot more about their personal lives than I had really intended. Most of the people I will never see again. Some I know will be back. Some I hope will.

There was Nick from Little Falls. He has been coming to We Fest for many years, four I think he said. He is seasoned. He is 22, has two brothers and a half sister. He has had three pairs of boots in his life. He is now going on four.

Another young man, unfortunately I don't remember his name, but he said his grandfather passed away not to long ago. He was given his grandpa's old Tony Lama boots that he wore nearly everyday of his life, at least what this young man could remember. He never saw his grandpa in any other boot or shoe. The boots had been re-soled many times, but recently, he just let them wear out. The boots had holes on the sides where his toes and managed to wear down the old cowhide. Not unlike the old man himself, I imagined. People, like boots, sometimes just wear out. I imagine those boots told a story of many miles walked and hard days at work.

This young man is saving his grandpas boots. They are going on a shelf — left all tattered and worn just they way his grandpa left them — in tribute to the old cowboy. Now, this young man bought himself his first pair of Tony Lama boots from us. He hopes his will last for many years as well. And when they are as worn and broke in as his grandpas, they are going on the shelf next to grandpa's old boots.

Putting on a pair of boots just makes you walk a little taller and take on a little strut. I

People say the darndest things. My cousin Joe and I were sitting outside the shack just relaxing between rushes and watching people. Some young kids sat down next to us. The boy was 21 and was having a good time. We talked for a while and then he said, "I hope when I am your age I am still out here having as much fun as you guys are. And you look pretty good for someone in your age category, too."

Hmm... I asked him how old he thought I was. "You look 35 and he looks 37." Not too bad we both thought. As we are somewhere in that age category -- give or take a few years.

There was a group in the VIP campground who were a lot of fun. "Why Curt?" But why not Cameron?

Jen and I were able to go backstage a couple more times. While I like watching the performers from back there, I am also very interested in what goes on behind the scenes.

The entire stage is probably bigger than our entire office building at the Messenger. What the people see from out front, is only about half of it. It takes a lot of people to put on a show — any show. Think of any plays you did in high school and how many stage crew people you had working. Now multiply that by top recording artists, their bands, their sound guys, their roadies, their light guys and whomever else they need.

Then the We Fest production crew is there as well, making sure that the other crews have everything they need. It is simply amazing.


There is this little corner on the west side of the stage where all of the equipment is. I like to hang out there when I am allowed the privilage of being on stage. This is where the sound guys are. And believe me the sound is just about as good as it gets in that corner.

One small section has a couple of chairs crammed in between equipment cases. On several occassions during the performances I found a couple of crew members catching a few winks. That is totally understandable. You see, I suppose when you are a stage crew, you have seen a gazillion performers. You have done your job setting up and need to wait to tear down to be ready for the next performer. This goes on all day long for them and after the last act of the night, which usually ended around 1 a.m., their work is still not done. They have to be ready for the next day to do it all over again.

Those guys work hard. And I noticed that their work does not go unnoticed by those who depend on them. The performers thank them, and the production staff, like Tom and Kitty Kat, thank them. It all looked pretty genuine to me.

It's the people.


The performers are real people. I was most impressed by Little Big Town and Sugarland. They seem so nice to the fans and all of their crew. Each time there needed to be a guitar switch, the guy thanked his helper with a smile and a nod or a wink. And went on to perform and give that same smile and wink to the fans.

After their shows, they walked around backstage and through the VIP campgrounds like they were just ordinary people. Not snobs who thought they were too good for the campers. I think that was also a tribute to the fans at We Fest. They didn't mob them, or run screaming towards them. They walked up casually and asked if they could have their picture taken or get an autograph. Oh, I am sure some fans might have been a little worse, but for the most part, that is what I saw.


I was a fan of Billy Ray Cyrus in the 90s. He was cute, and he had that mullet thing going on. I must say, that he is still pretty cute. Afterall, he is in my age category. (he is one year older than I am.) I prefer the no-mullet look he carries now and the view from backstage was fabulous. Oh, and he sounded great, too.

It's the people.

I will miss seeing the families and friends of all of our vendor neighbors. I can't possibly mention them all, but you all are fabulous neighbors.

Even though time goes on and we go to our own little places in the world, we know we will be together again. We may think back to our week at We Fest and a tear may fall or the smile may spread wide across our face. No matter where this crazy world takes us, I don't think anything will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends.

So, to all of my new and old We Fest friends, Thanks, again. I had a great time. See you next year.

Peace.

Backstage on Friday

Jen and I took a little break and went back stage. We ran in to Tom Kat back there. He is the MC of the entire weekend. From what I know, he is an all-around-pretty nice guy. His wife Lynn, (Kitty Kat) also helps with stage production. I am certain they do so much more.

So, Tom Kat asked me if I would like to go on stage for a while. Surely, I wouldn't turn down that opportunity. I have seen many acts behind the scenes, and each one is different not only because of the performers, but because of each crew. And Jennifer had not had the opportunity to do so, so we went up with Tom Kat.

I did not have my big camera with me, only my cell phone camera. But here are a couple of pics I shot of Little Big Town from back stage.












Down to the right is a shot of Tracy Byrd's tour bus. Nice tire, huh?



Oh, I almost forgot. We met Pat backstage. Pat is a steel worker. He is the guy who climbs around in the steel frames and hangs all the lights for the show. I thought I took a photo, but it didn't work out.

So, we were walking around back stage talking to people who work there. We met Brian and Jim, the backstage stage steps guards. They keep guard the steps where the performers walk up to the stage.

So there at the top of the stage was a tree of some sort. It was filled with women's bras. So, I just had to ask. "Why are all those bras on that tree?"

Kenny Chesney was the main act and the closer for Friday night. He was to perform a couple hours later. Apparently, women in the audience have been known to throw undergarments up on stage while he is performing. Well, Kenny's stage crew apparently save them all. "They throw out the ratty looking ones," Brian said. But they keep the rest.

I took a picture, with my cell phone, but you will just have to trust me on this one, that it is very colorful and there were garments in all sizes.






(Brian and Jim)





(Arlyn and Barb, west gate security for back stage. Arlyn has been at the same gate for over a decade of We Fest concerts. Her husband, Don works the east gate. Barb's husband Ed works there as well, but we didn't see him much. I like to go to the same gate when I go back stage and I have been chatting with these two gals for over three years. They guard that gate with nearly the tenacity of the sentinals at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. Nobody gets in without a pass when they are at the gate. And they are there all the time.)

Well, this is all for now. We have to get ready to set up and get back out to the boot shack. I have a ton of stories to share, so come back later for another update.

Peace.

So far at We Fest

So here we are. We arrived on Wednesday and set up the boot shack. Things went pretty smoothly. It is always fun to see the area when it is only the vendors, all happy to be there and busy doing their thing, getting ready for the 47,000 or so people to rush through the gates on opening day.

It is a reunion of sorts, too, as most of the vendors are repeats. Year after year, they come to the same spot. It is like a neighborhood, or a bunch of little neighborhoods. Everybody gets pretty close and while each booth is separate, behind the scenes we all work rather well together.

The coffee shop (they also sell smoothies and iced coffees, and so on) is right next door to the east. And to the east of that is the hot wings shack. If I am not mistaken, the same people own both of them.

Mark is own of the owners. For his real job, he is a chiropractor. Dr. Mark brings along his table and is very kind to give us each an adjustment each morning. Something that is highly cherished and much appreciated after a day of standing on your feet all day. Not to mention bending down to help people try on boots and shoes.

Dr. Mark brought with him this year a massage therapist. She has also become quite popular. As each of us are treated to an adjustment and/or massage, we start to walk taller and move a little smoother, more fluently.

And the coffee is an excellent boost as well. We will get to the chicken wings in a bit. One word of warning, I think my lips are still swollen from trying the XXX hot wings. With the very first bite, a sweat broke out upon my brow and upper lip. I am not sure what cools that burning sensation off better; water, milk, bread or beer. After a short debate, I tried them all, substituting potatoes for bread.

My lips still burn.

To the west of us are Matt and Kenny. They own a food shack. I have to be honest, I am not entirely certain what all they have, but one of the main attractions is a roast beef Sundae. It is mashed potatoes, covered in shaved roast beef and gravy, followed by more mashed potatoes and gravy sprinkled with cheese and topped with a cherry tomato. It looks a lot like an ice cream sundae and goes much better with beer.

They also sell burritos, shrimp and chicken bites and other tastey morsels. But I highly recommend the sundae.

When the gates open the very first day and the people come in, things start to get interesting.

More to come later....

On the road and behind the scenes

"Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul." -- Unknown


Hello there! I just a few hours I will be pulling on my cowboy boots and on the road heading up to WE FEST in Detroit Lakes. For those who don't know what that is (my east coast friends!) it is the premier outdoor country music festival. For three days, country fans will be entertained by some of the top names in the industry including but not limited to Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift, Leann Rimes, Kenny Chesney, Winnona, Sugarland and so many more I can't even list them all!

I have been to the Soo Pass Ranch (We Fest Land) many times over the last couple of decades. (OMG, I sound old!) I took some time off when my son was very small, but I have been back the last few years.

But, I am not just a festival goer. I work there. If you can call it that.

It is a long story of how this all got started. If you are interested, I can tell you sometime. Let me know. But the gist of it is, I work at the boot shack — JC Sales — selling western boots. That's right — cowboy boots. And cowgirl boots and sandals, too.



There we are! The JC Sales gang.

Life as a We Fest vendor is much different than that of the average festival goer. In many ways I think it is much more fun. I have been both.

But not very many people get to see the behind the scenes stuff that vendors are allowed. So, I am going to take you there with me behind the scenes — really.

Keep watching my blog this week for my life as a vendor. I will take you behind the vendor booths, the security, the maintenance, the garbage, the beer and back stage. Who knows where I will end up or who I might bump into. (Last year I ran smack into Trace Adkins. He is a really big guy and I bumped into him walking down the backstage steps — right into his belt buckle. Umm, it was a very big belt buckle.)

So stay tuned. Me and my friend Jen are hitting the road early Wednesday morning. If there is something you want to see, let me know and I will do the best I can to find it for you.

Here are a couple more pictures from last year. Enjoy and come back soon!

Peace.






“Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul” -- Plato

Addicted to texting

"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place."
- George Bernard Shaw


So the new law went into effect in Minnesota this past week. No more texting while driving.

While I almost hate to admit it, I have driven and texted at the same time before. I have even — once, just once — been driving, talking on the cell phone with one person using the hands free head set, and texting another person. Not the smartest thing to do.

So, no more. I admit it is a bit of a distraction. Not just while driving, but all the time. I have friends whom I don't even talk to anymore. We stay in touch on a daily or weekly basis and never say a word. We just text.

We can even send and receive photos to one another by phone, so there is really no reason to have to actually meet people in person. I can actually shop with my girlfriends in three different cities at one time and we are not even connected to the Internet! Here's how it works: I can take a picture with my cell phone of any item I am looking at or thinking about buying. Put it in a text message and send it off to one of my friends. With photos attached to the text message, I'll send a text like: , "What do you think of these shoes?" with the photos attached. Or, "do you think mom would like this blanket?" or even, "do these jeans make my butt look big?"

As good girlfriends always do, they will text me back with all the right answers and advice. Even if I don't want to hear it.

But no more texting while driving. I have been going through some withdrawal symptoms. But I am getting better. It is one day at a time right now. It has been a difficult, albeit safer week on the road.

At least for now, anyway, I can still talk on the phone. I use a hands-free device that usually makes me sound as though I am talking under water with a bucket on my head. I try not to talk about anything too serious or stressful and if I need to take notes, I pull over.

But still, talking on a cell phone while driving is also a distraction. I might try ot give that up, after I recover from no more texting.

And I can still text and shop. For now.


Peace.

Mohawks are back?

"Fashion is the science of appearance, and it inspires one with the desire to seem rather than to be." - Henry Fielding


Fashions come and go, I realize that. But I have seen a lot of kids sporting Mohawk hairdos lately. I just have to wonder why?

When I was in high school there was a kid named Wes. He was a little on the unusual side. And quite the entrepreneur. He was always doing something a little crazy. Like the time he showed up at our senior prom dressed as a girl with a guy as his date. Neither one could find a date, apparently. Wes did not make a very attractive girl, and he tried hard not to. They were kicked out. Or should I say asked to leave? But there was some kind of bet involved and I am sure he made a little cash.

Wes was known for having some crazy-fun theme parties. Usually ending up with many kids in his backyard pool — Not always by choice and swimsuits were not required.

He had great toga parties. Everyone had to be in costume. Which went over quite well in the pool later. Or not so well, depending on how you looked at it. And everyone looked. It is hard to swim in a queen size sheet wrapped around your body, just so you know.

But then there was Wes' all time classic-never-to-be-outdone party. He had a Mohawk party. For a $3 cover charge, he shaved his head into a Mohawk. Well, his dad actually ran the razor while the rest of us watched amazed.

I am not sure how much money he made, but there were nearly 600 students in my class and at least half of us were at that party. The picture made the yearbook. I think it was classified as an "extra curricular" activity. I am not sure, though. I would have to look that one up. It was definitely not a school sanctioned activity.

But that was 1980, folks. Mohawks and toga parties were a fascination and certainly a passing trend. I have not heard of a toga party in quite some time. College maybe, but not since then. And I just don't get the Mohawk thing now. I see kids of all ages from 6 to 26 sporting the spiky look, sometimes in dramatically bright unnatural colors like purple or green.

While I can somewhat understand it in kids participating in extreme sports like motocross and back-country radical snowboarding. These kids are usually older and most likely made the decision on their own with or without parental permission.

But the 6-year-old with the purple Mohawk must have had parents like Wes. Parents are responsible for what their children look like in public until they are at least 18-years-old, or have a job and can pay for their hair cuts themselves. Well, that is what I tell my 11-year-old. Who by-the-way, desperately needs a haircut as far as I am concerned. He has about 3 weeks to wear it long and then will get the new school 'do whether he likes it or not.

Apparently Mohawks are a fashion that will never go out of style — they just look ridiculous year after year.

Peace.

"Fashion is what you adopt when you don't know who you are." - Quentin Crisp

p.s. In case you are wondering, my trip to the dermatologist resulted in another biopsy, which turned out to be benign. I'm good to go for another three months.