Just a Very NIce Observation

In my position and business, I get to experience some things that some don't get to experience in a life time. This past weekend, I was privileged to, not only be in the audience for the Martina McBride/Trace Adkins concert, but I was also, with my wife and a couple of others, given the added privilege of sitting in the sound board area to watch the show. That turned out to be a memorable experience but NOT for the reason you might think. You see, Martina McBride's husband, John, is her sound engineer. He controls the sound board for her part of the show. He is one of the best in the business being the man behind the legenday Blackbird Studios in Nashville.
Trace Adkins rocked as he normally does and then the show took a bit of a turn, obviously, with Martina with lots of love songs, ballads, etc. There was one point in the show when Martina made her to the back of the arena to a small circular stage right by, you guessed it, the sound board. Again, the memory is not what you might think. As Martina sang several of her exceptional love songs, I couldn't help but notice John running the controls and turning back looking at Martina with a loving smile. He did this over and over again and that's when it occured to me that this is the same show she has been doing since the beginning of the year, week in and week out, yet there was John looking at her proudly and lovingly on what was the 10th or 11th week of the show plus probably the 10th or 11th YEAR he's been doing this with her. That my friends is total, true love. He sees the same thing over and over again from his wife yet still shows the real feeling he has for her. It was a fabulous show and that was the icing on the cake. Take the time to notice those everyday things that you have always loved about your loved ones. I'll bet you'll be smiling proudly and lovingly.

Nothing Like Being There In Person

In case you haven't figured it out, I'm a huge sports fan. Love watching them all, especially live and in person. And nothing, and I mean NOTHING, compares to being at a live, professional baseball game. Here, we are fortunate to have a Minor League Triple-A team, the Norfolk Tides (Baltimore Orioles affiliate). Got to my first game this season recently and walking into a ballpark conjures up all kinds of memories. You've got the smell of freshly cooked hot dogs and french fries; two big rosters of players warming up for the game; LOTS of souvenirs. PLUS - no hot dog tastes better than one that is served and eaten at a ballpark. It's totally psychological but it's the best!
Every time I walk into a minor or major league ballpark, I'm reminded of the first time I ever walked into one - in my case, the old Connie Mack Stadium in Phildelphia. What a feeling seeing all of that - the fans, the players in the white and bright red Phillies' uniforms and, of course, the chance to pick out the stars from each team and just stare in awe. Plus, you know what?....every game I've attended, I can tell you, I was into the game, the atmosphere and the experience. Any job issues, family "things" or personal problems all were forgotten for that time period. Spring and baseball - what a combination! Enjoy it when you can.

Find Out Who Your Friends Are

Listen to the words of Tracy Lawrence's song "Find Out Who Your Friends Are" (with Tim and Kenny). If that doesn't hit home for you at some point in your life, nothing will.
If there haven't already been, you can be guaranteed there will be times when things aren't going as well for you as they may be now. It may be your job, your marriage, your kids, whatever. Something in your life will present some serious challenges for you. It is times like these(those)that you really find out who your friends are. Don't accept the "It's Just Business" excuse ever. If they are a friend, they are a friend in business, too. There are too many fair-weathered friends out there with whom to waste your time. You find out who those folks are during the trying times. Believe me, I have whittled down my share of "friends" through this process. The "It's just business" folks are no longer in any address book of mine. I want friends I can count on no matter what and vice versa.
Remember the ones who were absent when the chips were down and, especially, remember those who were there with you when those chips were all but gone. I salute my true friends and am thankful for each of you each day of my life. I know now who they are, for sure!

It's Been A While So Some Random Observations

It's been a while since I graced you with one of my blogs so I thought I would just throw out some random observations over the past few weeks:
1) I'm trying to understand why the U.S. Census Bureau sends out a warning to you that they will be mailing your Census form to fill out. I was trying to imagine how much that set us (the taxpayers) back, financially. PLUS, they also send press releases every week to us to make sure we also remind you. I would think that the releases are a bit cheaper than the mailed reminders, don't you? And why wouldn't they suffice?
2) Interesting what's happening with the Norfolk Public Schools and the alleged cheating with the SOL's. Makes me wonder how many other school systems in this country may be doing the same thing with these standardized tests. Do you think maybe it would be better to actually TEACH the kids? Seemed to work okay for past generations.
3) Is it me or is the American Idol TV show a shell of what it used to be? The talent doesn't appear to be as well-rounded and the judges have overtaken the show. I think Ellen DeGeneres is a refreshing addition in one sense but what makes her an expert on music? Last I checked she hasn't written, sung or produced any hit music. Imagine what it will be like without Simon.
4) Finally, in the past 6 months, I have been travelling alot - particularly to Nashville and back. I'm part of a neat, little monthly industry gathering which has been very rewarding BUT what I have realized with all of these trips is how much I really appreciate my family. I really miss the nights I do spend at home with my wife and 11-year old. Those are alot more rewarding than what I'm doing here, although this has been an excellent learning experience. I had the opportunity to spend 3 days, earlier this week, with the little one for her Spring break. What a joy that was to just "hang" with her. Out for lunch....doing a little "sightseeing" or getting my clock cleaned in Wii Sports Resort, it will be a lasting memory! I have a grown daughter, too, and I wish I had spent that time with her when she was growing up but I had been more concerned with being upwardly mobile in my job- more like obsessed. She never complained but I know it had to bother her. Now,I think very differently. Priorities have changed. If you haven't had the same talk with yourself, you should. Very enlightening.

What a Week So Far

This has been one heck of a Country Radio Seminar, especially with music. Yesterday, we had the fortune of seeing Universal Music Group's entire roster perform, at least, one song on stage - Easton Corbin, Mallary Hope, Ryan Bingham (up for Oscar for song from "Crazy Heart"), David Nail, Lee Ann Womack, Gary Allan, Billy Currington, Vince Gill(!)and Sugarland. George Strait and Shania were the only no-shows. David Nail was awesome and what a thrill to see Vince Gill. Then., I had the chance to sit with Jason Aldean in an intimate setting in his suite with just a few folks. He is the next superstar for sure. Today, at lunch, Danny Gokey gave me a preview of what we will see at Eagle Winterblast 2010 on March 21st at Hampton Coliseum. You won't want to miss him. (BTW - He will perform on next Thursday night's American Idol show). Following Danny?....Alan Jackson who played for a good half hour including a new cut off his forthcoming album about the working man - typical AJ, of course!
Then, tonight, we were on the General Jackson for a show put on by the Sony Music folks. Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Josh Thompson, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood performed...then Brooks and Dunn got on stage and were joined by 80's superstar Bryan Adams for "Summer of '69". Then Bryan did a solo of his hit "Run To You". He and Carrie Underwood sang his hit "It's Only Love" and, finally, Brad Paisley jumped onstage for "Cuts Like a Knife". Another great night.
We also found out that Brad's concert at the Virginia Beach Amphitheater will have a "water" theme with some water "events" around the venue. Also, on the show will be Josh Thompson, Darius Rucker and Justin Moore. WOW!!!
More to come tomorrow night.

FIRST NIGHT IN NASHVILLE

Tonight I had the opportunity to attend the Country Radio Hall of Fame dinner honoring some DJ's, radio managers and Brooks & Dunn for Career Achievement. Two big momemts - Taylor Swift came onstage to intro one of the DJ's (no, not Jimmy Ray!). The second was Dierks Bentley performing with the bluegrass band, The McCoury's, and doing a blue grass version of "Red Dirt Road". Really cool rendition and you can tell that Dierks really likes the bluegrass thing. Don't be surprised if he hits town with this band and does a bluegrass show some time soon.
Big disappointment? Brooks and Dunn came on to accept their award and didn't even do a song, acoustically. Would have really enjoyed that considering every Career Achievement winner prior to this year has performed, at least, one song. Quite underwhelming just to hear them speak.
Biggest news so far is that Ronnie and Kix are BOTH working on solo projects to come out later this year or early next year. Lots of neat stuff tomorrow as the seminar really gets rolling.

WAS HE SINCERE OR NOT? SHOULD WE CARE?

I was one of the millions, obviously, who watched Tiger Woods' televised apology yesterday and, like others, I watched again a couple of more times just to see if my first reaction would stick....and it did. I know it was somewhat orchestrated and very controlled. I know it was Tiger reading from a piece of paper. I know there were to be no questions. So I listened and watched. And I listened and watched....AND I listened and watched. Three times. Same reaction. The man did what he needed to do for us, the viewing and listening public. He has no responsibility to us beyond that. He apologized;he took full blame and responsibility;he knows that he let everyone down. I'm satisfied with that. And we ALL should be. What drove me crazy (and being in the media, it was somewhat embarassing to watch and hear) were all the "reactions" and "analysis" of what each "expert" thought of this. Enough! Let's now move on and pray that the man can get his life straight, turn himself around and, most of all, become that family man he said he wants to be. What happens now is between Tiger, his wife and the rest of his family. It is no one else's business. How about we nake sure our own live's are headed in the right direction?