I’ve had some pretty memorable backstage encounters with artists over the last year.  I don’t always get the opportunity to meet the talent that comes through the theatre, but once in a while when the stars align- opportunity knocks.

There was the time Katie and I by chance ran into Ben Harper after a sound check. I think we both froze for a second in our tracks as he reached out his hand to introduce himself to two of his biggest fans. I’ll never forget meeting the eclectic bunch who make up the B52’s, especially because they were one of the most played tapes in my household growing up. Another favorite was talking with Trisha Yearwood, even more so just watching her interact with her fans so graciously and attentively. Last week may have topped them all, chatting with Jason Mraz.

I do appreciate the time I get to spend behind the scenes and still am learning new things about how to have a great show, so when I was lucky enough to go “backstage” at two different establishments last week I took advantage.

One of the places was Clearchannel radio, where Katie and I visited a number of DJs on air that day and learned some of the radio tricks.  We were both surprised to see how the job of a DJ is so computer driven. Everything is a click of a mouse or stroke of a key.  No albums or cds to worry about- everything is already in the computer.  Their job did intimidate me slightly, because that much technology would surely overwhelm me! Make sure you listen for us- we also recorded a holiday liner J

That same day my co-worker Toni and I headed over the Hyatt Regency Downtown for a backstage pass into the kitchen! Beautiful tables were set in the middle of it all for a light buffet of finger foods and desserts. We then interacted with the executive chefs as they taught us how to make salmon cakes and a chocolate log. The best part of course, was decorating our own gingerbread house with an assortment of candies that seemed endless.

To see the inner workings of a place always is educational and offers more of an appreciation for what they do. However, I still think our backstage tops them all.

KRB