10am - the sound and video crew for Air Raid 17 arrived.
2pm - sound checks for all bands began.
6pm - The Bat-light we rented was showering the snowy sky with beams of light! You couldn't miss it! I think Pastor Jay would like to make it permanent!
6:15 - 1,000 kids in line, gobbling up our free hot chocolate!
6:35 - doors open to a flood of fans who traveled from Brampton, Alliston and Huntsville.
6:36 - free flares given to the first 500 kids.
CLICK HERE FOR LIFE 100.3'S PHOTO COLLAGE
7:30pm - The spotlight shines on LIFE's Woody Woodland who welcomes the crowd and Levi denBok hits the stage with his band from Stayner. Levi did a short, inspirational set and we look forward to a full CD of songs really soon.
(My kid, Brett does front of house sound mix. Not a big deal, but I thought I'd mention it.)7:50 - The Light Division rock Air Raid with "A Map To The End Of The World". Shaun, Dave, Adrian and Brad are the coolest guys. Anberlin - look out! You are about to be dethroned! (Once again my kid mixes - not a big deal but I'm pretty proud and it's worth another mention.)
8:20pm - The ivories are tinkled by Zach Havens. I don't know if keyboards are actually made of ivory anymore but regardless, Zach's band is so tight and Zach IS an entertainer. Into the studio this week recording new music.
8:55 - Group1Crew and their road manager are pacing backstage because To Tell has gone five minutes overtime. A whole five minutes! Personally I think G1C were feeling a bit upstaged. Regardless, G1C's manager demands (Nashville people are very demanding) that To Tell finish the song and get off - and skip the final song "Closer To You", which is their biggest radio hit. Me, very upset.
8:56 - Intermission. LIFE 100.3 premiered the new Street Team video. Woody Woodland and AJ the Wonderdog giveaway a bunch of prizes. Me, second bottle of water.
9:10 - Stage lights - on! The live video screens light up. Group1Crew and the their crew let it roll. (Did you notice the computer assistance of extra instruments and back-up vocals? No? You didn't notice. Ok, good.)
(L-R Steve and his wife Shauna Jones, Tyler Knegt from the Street Team, me, my wife Janice, our son Brett and LIFE's Jojo McKnight!)9:20 - Manuel talked about how much they love Canada, except for the snow. (Typical American comment) and then said "well at least we get to leave tomorrow". I couldn't believe it. Thanks. Happy traveling.
10:15 Even though they forgot to play "Our Time" - possibly their biggest song - the crowd seemed to love the performance. Very slick. Very pro. Very - "Nashville". Oh wait, they're from Florida. Well, like I said - "very Nashville".
10:20 - G1C closes the show and meets and greets fans in the foyer. (I'm told by our runner that the band were super-nice all day, never complaining, and quite excited to be at Air Raid.)
This Air Raid was the most extravagant of all. Working with various third parties - sound and lights, video companies, artists (and their "friendly" managers), concessions, Mapleview staff, security and catering company providing food for the band - LIFE Air Raids have become a mini "music industry" requiring dozens of people to hold it together. The relationships between LIFE and Mapleview, TLD, To Tell, Levi, Upsight Sound and Adam's video company have all grown. Bless you guys.
Hopefully we won't have to wait a year for Air Raid 18! Hey! I have an idea.... "Win Air Raid 18 for a concert at YOUR house!" Sound good? Jen... what do you think?
Not all Nashville people are demanding! :-) Ruth
ReplyDeleteGroup 1 Crew were awesome! They were totally the highlight of the evening! Great message, awesome energy, and serious transparency and humility!
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