Lights, Camera, Memories

Steven Tyler Out on a Limb VIP Experience Atlanta 2016

Steven Tyler Out on a Limb VIP Experience Atlanta 2016

Where to begin on Mr. Steven Tyler! He is simply one of the kindest, more engaging down to earth rock stars I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. This was my 6^th time meeting Steven over the years and he never ever disappoints.

I got the 2^nd tier VIP Package which included:

MEET & GREET PACKAGE Includes:
– One (1) premium ticket
– Priority check-in and entrance
– Meet & Greet with Steven Tyler
– Photo opportunity with Steven Tyler
– Access to the pre-show reception which includes specially selected appetizer along with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks
– Merchandise item designed and created exclusively for package purchasers
– Collectible laminate to remember your evening
– Onsite check-in staff

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We had a 2^nd row dead center seat for the show which is why I went with the 2^nd tier package vs the front row to save about $200 knowing these were very small venues 2^nd row was great!

This is a solo tour Steven and the band Loving Mary did to promote his country album. This was the 3^rd time I have seen Steven perform with Loving Mary and they are also absolutely fantastic and you could tell Steven truly was having a really fun time each night performing with them.

We received our check in info a few days prior which is always great so you can plan what time you need to arrive etc. We had to arrive at 4:00 this time. I thought the venue staff could have been a bit nicer at the Cobb Energy Center. I had a man trying to tell me I had to check my point and shoot camera which I later had corrected and was allowed to take it in and then we waited in an organized fashion by numbered bracelets in a nice climate controlled area. The staff came out and very kindly went over the rules with us and told us how we would receive our photos. So far this is the only negative, we still don’t have our photos and it’s been 4 days yet it is a holiday weekend so hopefully by tomorrow. Update: Photos came out 5 days after this show.

When we entered the room we did photos with Steven first. It was in a nice private box area which is LOVE when artists do that. He was giving each person at least 1 minute of his time as I timed a few which truly sets Steven apart from others. You were greeted very nicely by his VIP staff and they asked your name as you entered and Steven would then say hello Heather how are you today, he always gives you a huge 14237686_10154052748678978_9111808101970890523_n hug and kiss and we would chat for a bit and he truly makes you feel like you are the most special person in that min. In my opinion he then gets back the mutual respect of each person and you rarely if ever seen him groped in photo and if he’s hugging you or kissing you it’s because that is what he wanted to do. It’s nice to have relaxed experiences and be able to say what you want to say. The photographer then would count down 4, 3, 2, and 1 so you were ready for the photo which again gets an A+ in my book.

After the photo then we had a few drinks, some snacks and then had to go back out and through security again. This was also not a great thing in my opinion, we had all already been checked but, perhaps there was no other entrance into the venue.

The show was absolutely fantastic. Steven takes that stage with such ownership, charisma and man does he blow the roof off the venues. He played a perfect mix of Aerosmith and singles from his Country record. He is one of the rock legends that every fan of rock music should be sure to see just once. However once you see him once you will be forever hooked.

My opinion is I did much prefer the meet and greets with Steven’s solo shows. It’s not that I don’t think Joe Perry is a great guitar player and member of Aerosmith I just think Joe doesn’t care for the meet and greets and it really takes away from these truly special interactions that Steven provides.

Also wanted to give a shout out to the On-Site VIP staff Tanya, she is very good at her job, treats everyone with professionalism and kindness!

Concert Wear:

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I did wear my favorite off the shoulder Bebe top and black dress pants:

To order yours go to: (STYLE # 266813): http://www.bebe.com/

Or they have a new one for Fall that comes in a Purple and black: http://www.bebe.com/Tops/Blouses-Shirts/Keyhole-Cold-Shoulder-Top/pc/184/c/0/sc/215/114454.pro?selectedColor=pcl

I also used my Coach Wristlet and cross body that I was given as gifts from friends for my birthday. They were perfect! The wristlet held my car key, ID, money and credit card and the cross body fit the wristlet, camera and lip gloss with room left over but, it was nice not to have to carry around a bulky purse with me.

http://www.coach.com/shop/women-wristlets

http://www.coach.com/north/south-swingpack-in-embossed-textured-leather/52348.html?dwvar_color=SV%2FTU

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Until next time,

Xoxo

Heather

September 5, 2016

Entertainment Blog

Ideal Meet & Greet/Photo Op

If I could sit down with celebrity VIP teams…

This is a topic I have been thinking about for the last few years. It’s part of the reason for starting this blog. I never want this page to be a negative place but, rather somewhere to share information, experiences, value etc. If I could sit down with artist’s and their management teams to give them insight into what fans feel are best VIP practices this is what I would say:

Artists should keep their commitments. It’s one of the things that I think a pop star and his team did wrong earlier this year. If they didn’t want to do meet and greets anymore that’s fine but, finish the ones that you had committed to, implement rules to meet your needs in the interim and have your team enforce them but, respect that a good portion of your VIP attendees often are paying to travel for the experience.

Don’t do photo assembly lines. I truly wish all artists that did meet and greets would commit to an hour or so of their time depending on the #’s and do it right, treat each person like a human being, say hello, ask their name, ask where they are from (stars may be shocked how far some will travel to see them), have a genuine interaction, then take the photo. Let’s face it these meet and greets, photo ops, fan trips cost a large sum of money, show the fans you value and respect their time and money by giving them an interaction. When an artist’s team brags that they did 300 pictures in 16 minutes that truly is disappointing vs a recent event I was at they had about 200 people and they devoted a solid hour or more, it wasn’t rushed and everyone that walked out after was so happy, felt so special and most of all valued.

Make the interactions private. What I have been seeing quite a bit lately is a curtain box created and have thought that is such a great idea. You can step in, have your interaction and not have 200-300 people watching it. It helps with your nerves too, nobody wants to feel like they are in a fishbowl it also solves the issue of people taking photos of the entertainer/star as they approach. It will also help the genuine interaction because then they are not still speaking to the person ahead of you etc.

Make the rules clear, stick to them and let them know what will happen if they violate the rules. If you say don’t take your cell phones out and ask for a selfie and someone does don’t post the photo, if you say don’t hug, kiss and rub all over an artist and people do don’t post the photo. I would guarantee you would only have to enforce it once and word would travel. Too many fans will just take liberties, ignore the rules just to achieve their own objective and it truly does spoil the process for others in many cases and it’s disrespectful to the artist.

Post photos in a timely manner. The companies that have them posted same day or in 24 hours always get a WOW for service from me. VIP Nation events have been crushing it with this service the last year. All events I have gone to hosted by them they have been up during the show or the next day. It’s been nice to see many are getting them done quickly lately, people are always so excited to receive them so the faster the better.

Give organic genuine experiences. A few tours recently I have seen many people asking for kisses, hugs etc. You are putting the stars in an awkward position because if they say no then they can be looked at like they are being a jerk but, people have to realize in most cases you are a stranger or a familiar face in the crowd to the artist. Would you want a stranger walking up and asking you to kiss them, hug them etc.? It’s such a better experience when it happens organically and it’s something the artist initiates because it’s genuine and something they truly wanted to do. On the flip side though as the artist make an effort to say hello, ask someone’s name and go from there.

Please no gum or food in your mouth. I have a few photos with different entertainers with a wad of gum clearly seen in the pic and then recently had an experience where someone was eating a marshmallow. Again people pay a lot for these experiences, travel long distances and it’s just respectful not to have food/gum in your mouth and seen in the photos.

Respect the time of individuals paying for the VIP experience. Don’t make them arrive 2 hours ahead to just stand in line and don’t leave them in the various elements like extreme heat & cold. Be organized. Nobody likes to stand around waiting for hours.

For random interactions with stars I always like to see who puts in the extra effort with their fans. I can say after seeing it many times that Keith Urban is one of the best at this. Keith will stop and literally do selfies with 40 people and it takes maybe 10 minutes. Now in these random cases I think it’s fine to do a quick hello, photo and move on you are not paying for it.

I think the stars also need to be careful the way their team is representing them. At the softball game at CMA fest one of the entertainer’s boyfriend’s came out where fans were lined up after the game and was telling a guy to hurry up and have her car pulled around because she didn’t want to stop for fans. Another country star I saw three times at CMA fest once on the pink carpet, at Fan Fair X and then out and about and he could not be bothered to take a photo or have an interaction but as soon as a TV camera was on him he changed right away. I personally will not spend my money, pay to travel, attend a concert of anyone that shows such disregard for fans. It’s all in how the situation is handled. Like I said in my CMA Fest blog from Day 3 instead of responding “NAH” to someone, say sorry not today. Treat people like human beings and they will in turn reward you by devoting their time and spending their hard earned money to support your career.

One star recently said it best you always have to treat each person special because that may be your 1 time ever to meet that person that has supported you and you don’t know what they had to do to be at that show, if they saved for 6 months, flew across the country etc. Whether it’s a 30 second selfie interaction or a paid meet and greet it’s your chance to make and leave an impression both on the fan and star’s end. I will always support the ones that care and truly get it because that adds value to the experience. I also feel we all have to treat them respectfully.

I would love to hear more thoughts on this from those that read the blog…

Until next time,

Xoxoxo

Heather

August 30, 2016

VIP Experience Blog

Keith Urban: Raleigh, NC

Keith Urban: Once in a Lifetime Package

#keithurban

0B_ZJ6m4 I was so excited when I saw that Keith Urban was going to offer VIP packages with his ripCord Tour. The Once in a Lifetime package option allowed you to get an individual photo with Keith! Prior to this you had to win a fan club contest giveaway to meet Keith and I was never fortunate enough to win. I have met Keith at CMA fest though the last two years and he has always impressed me. He has no ego, a genuine kindness, he’s a sweet man and truly one of the best at fan interaction. IMG_4961 (2)

It looks like they sold 6 of these packages per show which was great because it was a nice small group. You had to arrive at check in between 5:15-6 pm, you received your bag of special items to go with the package. I included a photo of what you received from merchandise discounts at the show or online, a blanket, license plate holder, temporary tattoo, special light up VIP lanyard, hat etc. After check in you were taken back to an air conditioned tent and I don’t think there was more than 75-100 people in there including those packages like mine, radio station winners, CISCO staff (they sponsored the party) and then the fan club photo winners. They had food, water and soda for us. Keith’s staff handled everything very organized. They brought everyone back for photos in small groups based on the type of pass you had. The photo interaction was private which I loved although a bit fast however still not a photo assembly line. You could enter the room and Keith gives you a huge hug, asks your name etc. I hope the photos will be posted quickly. . Hu5LHP6q

After the photos Keith came in and sang one song by request and answered a little over a handful of questions. What I loved about that is it was intimate and everyone was told and everyone respected the no cell phones, cameras or recording and it was great. It was a nice intimate and engaged interaction. After that we were taken down to the pit. cu0VTKzn

The show was absolutely fantastic. Maren Morris, Brett Eldredge opened and they both were absolutely wonderful! Keith and his band hit the stage with such energy! The show was absolutely awesome, I love how Keith will spotlight members of his band during the show and allow them to sing individually as well. Keith is such an engaging performer, he sang many of his hits, songs off the new album and if we had been inside he would have blown the roof off the venue! Every time I have seen him perform he brings 200%, if you have never seen him perform…GO buy your tickets now!

gSHwZY6z I love how Keith uses social media. After every show he will tweet photos and does a short video on IG or Twitter thanking the fans from that city, sharing his thoughts from the evening etc. It’s just a special thing he makes a point of doing and that 1-2 minutes is appreciated by fans.

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The venue: Coastal Credit Music Park in Raleigh was good, the security and staff are all very nice. Last summer I would have given them 5 stars for the ease in getting out after the show. Last night I would give them a fail on that. It took over 45 minutes to get out after the show vs the 15 minutes max it took last year for all the events I attended.

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Concert Wear!

I love wearing my J Crew tee’s to shows! They are lightweight and come in fun colors! https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/Tshirtsandtanktops/shortsleevetshirts/PRDOVR~A6166/A6166.jsp

IMG_4829 (2) I also used my Coach Wristlet and cross body that I was given as gifts from friends for my birthday. They were perfect! The wristlet held my car key, ID, money and credit card and the cross body fit the wristlet, camera and lip gloss with room left over but, it was nice not to have to carry around a bulky purse with me.

http://www.coach.com/shop/women-wristlets

http://www.coach.com/north/south-swingpack-in-embossed-textured-leather/52348.html?dwvar_color=SV%2FTU

Until next time,

Xoxo

Heather

August 20, 2016

Contests/Giveaways

Congratulations Natalie! Silver Meet & Greet Package Contest Winner!

I just wanted to take a quick moment to post Natalie’s photo! Natalie won the Maks and Val Tour Silver Meet and Greet Package giveaway! It was fantastic to hear that she had such a wonderful experience and I look forward to making more dreams come true in the future!

Stay tuned to the blog social media pages @lightscmemories for more Maks and Val Tour swag giveaways coming soon!

Until next time,

xoxo

Heather

August 20, 2016

Entertainment Blog

Gift/Product Review: Joxasa

I recently met the creator and owner of Joxasa and learned quite a bit about his unique product. You will rarely if ever find two cuffs that are the exact same. Every piece is hand stitched and hand crafted from the finest Italian leather.

After a conversation and learning a bit more about me and what I like John created a unique cuff for me. The cuff is high quality, very unique and truly cannot be found anywhere else. You can check out the wide range of styles, prices, options on his website at: https://www.joxasa.com/

For my rocker friends this one was one of my favorites on his site!

Cat Burglar Leather Cuff

And for those with more high end rocker tastes I love this one!

Bal des Ardents Leather Cuff

If you have an idea you want to run by John to see if they can design it don’t hesitate to reach out to him by clicking on the contact tab on their website.

Cuff

Once again his website is:

https://www.joxasa.com/

Until next time,

xoxo

Heather

*If you have a product or gift item you would like me to consider reviewing please do not hesitate to reach out!

August 11, 2016

Entertainment Blog

Bebe Cold Shoulder V-Neck Top

I have been asked a bunch of times where I got this shirt. I have to say I love it, it’s very comfortable and looks good dressed up or down!

It comes in Black & Blue.

To order yours go to: (STYLE # 266813): http://www.bebe.com/

Until next time,

xoxo

Heather

August 11, 2016

Entertainment Blog

Special Birthday, Huge Hearts & Prom

Prom Anyone? Anyone that knows me well knows that I love birthdays. I love to celebrate because it’s another year of life, experience, triumphs and challenges faced. None of us know how long we will be on this earth so why not celebrate the time we have. This year was a tough one for me personally for many reasons so I was ready to close that chapter and open a new one. For the last several years I decided to try to do something fun on the special day. Last year it was Steven Tyler in Vegas and this year when I saw Maks and Val would be playing in my favorite city it was a no brainer for me to plan the trip to Nashville.

I have been asked a bunch of times where I got my shirt from (STYLE # 266813): http://www.bebe.com/

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If you want to read the past blogs please check them out:

This one is on the Maks & Val Tour Show: http://lightscmemories.com/entertainment-blog/maks-val-way-live-tour-2016/

VIP Experience Blog can be found here: http://lightscmemories.com/vip/maks-val-tour-2016-vip-experience/

I was really excited for two of my friends to join me on this trip and for them to see the show for the first time. As expected they loved it! We had a great time in Nashville. We had dinner at the Palm, lunch at my favorite Demos and then spent time listening to music etc.

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It meant so much to me to be picked by Maks to be his Prom Queen that night. It all went by so fast but, it was fun to do a few swing steps with him and live in the moment. I have been taking dance lessons for 6 months and swing is one of my favorite dances. It was just too much fun! It was also great to get to meet Magdalena Fialek that evening, she is beautiful and one amazing dancer.

Here are a few videos of the moment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9YJTbme5Xg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH_t7fugid4

What meant even more to me was what Maks said after the Prom King/Queen moment. He and Val both truly appreciate their fans, they know how to make each person feel special whether it is a few minutes in a meet and greet or an experience like this. It’s something I wish so many others could learn from them. In so many cases fans will travel for acts they enjoy, attend multiple shows because they enjoy it so much, it’s nice to feel appreciated and to see that it is noticed. They truly do it right in every way.

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Here is a video just on the after talk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVGcHTLM-VI

Thank you again to Maks you made me feel truly special and I cannot think of any other way I would have rather kicked off this next year. This tour has been so much fun this summer and thank you for all that you and Val do!

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Until next time,

Xoxo

Heather

August 4, 2016

VIP Experience Blog

Maks & Val Tour 2016: The VIP Experience

#maksandvaltour

#vipnation

As I suspected when I first heard about this tour the Maks & Val Tour VIP Experience is truly special. Many other artists could learn a thing or two from them and how to make a fan’s experience one they will never forget.

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This article is on the Ultimate Package which included:

One premium reserved ticket in the front row – sit front and center!
Twenty minute backstage Meet & Greet with Maks and Val in their dressing room
Backstage toast with Maks and Val in their dressing room, including your own Our Way champagne flute to take home

Intimate Photo Op with Maks and Val in their dressing room taken with a professional camera

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Custom 5×7 Our Way leather picture frame with your printed and signed Meet & Greet photo delivered to your seat
Access to pre-show VIP Party, including:
Green screen photo booth to capture additional photos of yourself at the VIP Party
One (1) drink ticket for the pre-show lounge (beer, wine, soft drinks)
Ultimate VIP Meet & Greet laminate
Autographed Tour Program with personalized dedication signed in front of you
Exclusive Maks and Val gift item
Pre-show merchandise shopping opportunity
On-site VIP host & ticket pick-up

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If you want to see the breakdown of the various packages which were at various price points please see the pre-tour blog I did:

http://lightscmemories.com/vip/maks-val-chmerkovskiys-way-summer-tour-2016-maksandval-ourwaytour/

Right away it started off good, I received my instructional email about 5 days ahead of the show and we have to arrive 3 hours ahead for both of the shows I attended. It was very detailed and included all the important details. I appreciated that because it showed they were respecting your time, some VIP events you have to get there 4-5 hours ahead and you stand and wait. Maks, Val & VIP Nation did this right!

Upon arrival the process was very organized, you sign in, get the appropriate package and laminate and you were directed to the VIP party area. Once everyone was checked in I was thrilled to see everything started happening and there was not a lot of standind around and waiting. They also gave very clear directions and specifically said to pleasae not bring your cell phones into the area and ask for selfies that a professional photo would be taken. The guys came in 15 minutes later and headed to the designated photo box after waving hello. This automatically got a thumbs up from me. I loved that they had a nice private area so you didn’t have 200+ people all staring at you while you had your photo/meet & greet. While you were waiting you could get your photo taken on the green screen which was nice to have for the memory.

Once it was your turn you entered the photo box, had your special moment with them and then Anthony would take your photo. I know I am always saying it but, they are truly the absolute kindest, sweetest, talented and most humble men. They put in the effort to make each fans experience special and they do not rush it. It’s not a photo assembly line type of event it’s a genuine interaction. This is something all the VIP packages were able to do which is great! After the guys completed the photos they stepped out, thanked everyone for coming and said they truly hoped everyone enjoyed the show.

After the photos were done you could take advantage of the crowd free merchandise shopping or just hang out at the party. If you had the ultimate package you were escorted by the VIP host & security down to Maks & Val’s dressing room. This was such a small intimate group which makes it truly special. You enter the room, sit down, receive your champagne flute and just sit and visit with Maks & Val for 20 minutes. I seriously cannot say enough of the experience and the fact they would provide individuals with this type of access. They genuinely want to get to know their fans and it shows in all that they do. While you are in the room they autograph the tour program for you and the special frame that you get with this package. After the time is up the VIP host takes another photo of you and the guys and that gets printed and delivered to you in the frame at the intermission of the show.

On that subject I have to give a huge shout out to the VIP Host: Anthony Jones. He is very nice and he gets all the photos posted very quickly which is what I define as WOW customer service. He is great about answering questions, making sure announcements are made and treats everyone with kindness and respect.

As far as the show itself I literally cannot say enough good about this tour, how it was put together, the amazing staff/tour family and you are left wishing it wasn’t over. To read my thoughts on the show you can go to this link: http://lightscmemories.com/entertainment-blog/maks-val-way-live-tour-2016/

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Final thoughts are…this is how a tour and VIP program should run. Your time is respected, you are treated with kindness & respect and you receive a genuine interaction and in the ultimate package a chance to really sit down and get to know Maks & Val. You absolutely receive value for your hard earned dollars that you spend for the experience.

For my looks please check out: http://shop.nordstrom.com/

I always bring my Coach Cross body or wristlets: http://coach.com

Until next time,

Xoxo

Heather

July 22, 2016

Entertainment Blog

CMA 2016 Fest Day 4 (Sunday):

#cmafest

Crazy to 13445648_10153833284803978_5616360779900839040_n (1) believe the final day was upon us. What a fun 6 days it had been and I am ready to sign up for next year! Walking out of the front of the hotel that morning it was like stepping into a sauna. I cannot say enough you have to hydrate and have a plan to hydrate all day in this weather. We even used the https://www.jimmyjohns.com/ delivery service. They would deliver food, water, power aid right to you at the various stages around town.
I was able to meet one of my all-time favorites today, Michael Carter who plays guitar for Luke Bryan. He is too cute, super sweet and one incredibly talented man. It was so much fun to finally get to meet him personally.

Tonight’s performers are sure to provide us with an amazing last night!

Line-up includes:

National Anthem: Exile

Little Big Town with special guest Pharrell

Thomas Rhett

Brett Eldredge

Keith Urban

Luke Bryan

13412890_10153834385788978_8426245545096399412_n What a night of performances! Little Big Town is always fantastic live and always worth it to go see. Brett Eldredge was fabulous, he is so high energy and clearly loves what he does. Keith and Luke literally would have blown the roof off if the stadium had one! Keith is such a fantastic live performer, he can play the guitar better than most in the business and is as genuine, humble, kind and down to earth as you can be. Luke is also a tremendous performer, kind, engaging and has such a great sense of humor. He brought Keith back out during his set and they had a guitar playing contest. Luke played an extra-long set which I loved since last year he was cut off after only a few songs by curfew and he really made up for it.

For me personally after seeing the stadium performances who will I spend my money and time to go see when they tour? I will always go see Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, and Steven Tyler. I will also add Brett Eldredge, Little Big Town, Cole Swindell, Cassadee Pope, Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Sam Hunt, Eric Church, Kelsea Ballerini and Carrie Underwood. Not saying the others were not good it’s just either my own personal taste in music or from what I saw of them in regards to fan interaction this week. 13406817_10153833864633978_790956255573265332_n

My one regret was not getting to see Charlie Worsham perform. My schedule never quite lined up to make that happen but, hope to in the near future.

Overall another successful fest! What would I change for next year? Little things like give each person that buys a 4 day package their own stadium approved bag, Fan Fair X gives each 4 day pass holder 1 of their top 3 M&G tickets or HGTV Lodge performances and then do a lottery for the rest.

For final day attire I went with clothes from: http://shop.nordstrom.com/

For carrying just the necessities around CMA Fest I always go to my Coach Cross body or wristlets: http://coach.com

13434833_10153833511523978_5868970547231815174_n For additional videos please visit my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLzUFhYU32shIwac71Fd81w

Pictures please go to my IG or Facebook pages: @lightscmemories

Until next time,

Xoxoxo

Heather

July 13, 2016

Entertainment Blog

CMA 2016 Fest Day 3 (Saturday):

#cmafest

#bigmachinebooth

Day 3 we took our time getting up. Mother Nature really turned up the temps for the last 2 days and was expected to hit close to 100. I don’t really mind the heat but staying hydrated is a must. We spent the morning walking around Nashville shopping in some of the boutique stores and then went over to Fan Fair X and shopped at the booths over there. I really loved this one t-shirt I found Spread Love It’s the Nashville Way. http://www.project615.org/shop-online/spread-love-nashville

After we unloaded all our shopping fun at the hotel we headed over to listen to some music on some of the other stages including the River Front. It was a nice relaxing day, enjoying the beautiful weather and fantastic music.

I was very excited for the night’s performers. The only disappointment of the day was when we saw a country singer/reality TV star, one I had always liked and hoped to meet one day. There was maybe 20 or so people that were there and someone asked may be get a picture. The response I thought was one of the rudest I had ever seen “Nah” and left. Now I will say the lack of desire to get a photo that day could have been due to the news of Christina Grimmie being shot and killed the night before which would absolutely be understandable. However there is a way to connect with fans, if this individual had said sorry not today or something I think it would have been better received. I was truly disappointed in this but, it goes to show not everyone is how they appear to be on TV when the camera is on. Some artists get way too big for their britches, they forget it’s the fans that helped to make their careers flourish and it’s those same fans that devote their time, money and more to see them.

On the opposite spectrum we also saw Cole Swindell that day and he stopped, was gracious and took pics with the handful of people that were around at that time.

The lineup at the stadium for Saturday night was:

National Anthem: Marshall Tucker Band

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Chris Young with special guest Cassadee Pope

Cole Swindell

Florida Georgia Line

Steven Tyler with special guest Martina McBride

Blake Shelton with special guest The Oak Ridge Boys

One thing many people don’t know is all the performers don’t get paid for playing at CMA Fest because the proceeds go to the CMA Foundation (Music Education Matters).

The lineup again really gave us another fantastic night of performances. Chris Young and Cassadee Pope sang their duet “Think of Me” and Chris sang the rest of his chart toppers. Cole Swindell delivered yet another goosebump moment, there is something so special when they put the camera on his face and you see that twinkle in his eye because he is blown away by the moment he is living. Florida Georgia Line also delivered another upbeat performance. Steven Tyler came out and crushed it! He sang one duet with Martina McBride, a few of his songs of his soon to be released country album, a cover to Janis Joplin’s “Piece of my Heart” and a few Aerosmith hits. There seemed to be mixed reviews the next day but, I personally thought he did a fantastic job and has done a stellar job on his new country album. Blake also sang some of his biggest hits and welcome The Oak Ridge Boys on stage to sing “Doing it to Country Songs”.