Done and Done

Many of you may or may not know that I met Dave Matthews, my favorite singer of all time Saturday night. This has been a goal of mine for 10+ years, something I have been trying very hard to obtain for years. Throughout tons of networking, asking around and three previously attempts due to a job switch, swine flu/rain and Dave being sick, it finally happened.

Here's the story....


To say I was not calm the entire day was an understatement. A big thanks to Chrystal and Chris who put up with me in a state of pure nervousness, panic, and bossiness I have ever experienced. Chris and I got to the venue an hour before we were supposed to be there. Yes I had to be there 60 minutes early to sit and wait and get even more excited.

Chris one of my friends from summer camp met our contact Daryl and we were given our "stickies" as I call them. At this point I knew it was real and nothing was stopping this meet and greet experience.

Daryl escorted us to the meet and greet room. I have been in this room several other times for other meet and greets but never before has it been my turn to meet my favorite singer. We were told Dave would work the room and we would each get our time. Daryl would take our camera to take a picture, little did I know Daryl would capture some fabulous moments.

Dave entered the room. Chris says I stopped breathing, I thought I took quick little breaths which lead me to thinking I was going to pass out. I could have quite possibly pulled Chris's arm out of socket with the grip I was giving him just to stand. I WAS IN THE SAME ROOM AS DAVE MATTHEWS!!!

We were next! Chris and I had pictures to be autographed and we were both going to take our individual pictures. I had run through every scenerio possible of what to say, how to act, which sharpie to use etc...Holy cow, we were next!!!

 

Dave started doing some kung-foo/kick boxing moves out of nowhere. It was hilarous, thank you Daryl for capturing these moments.

As I told you Daryl had my camera, he captured all of this!!

After kung-fu time, he approached us. Look at my face, I was shocked, in complete awe, I couldn't speak.

The first thing he said was he liked my shirt!! (This yellow shirt was an outfit change, thanks to Chris). I put out my hand to introduce myself "Hi, I'm Whitney", "Hi, I'm David!!" Check out the grin, I am in complete shock still...

He signed our pictures, mine was an old Warehouse shot of the complete band performing, a classic picture. 

The picture Dave signed for Chris he kept making fun of and was wondering out of the thousands of pictures taken, why this one was selected to be mailed out to all the Warehouse (fan club) members.

I next told Dave our picture would be on my holiday card and he could do whatever he wanted, make whatever face he chose (Dave doesn't smile in pics)

Here is picture #1 which you will see on this years holiday card.

Then Daryl took another one. Yes, Dave Matthews, security guard is the best meet and greet documentarian of all meet and greets!!

Next I asked if he did full fontal hugs, and he said yes and then we then proceeded to hug. Taylor Swift style, I got to FREAKING HUGE DAVE MATTHEWS!!

Then Dave or "David" as he was calling himself went to hug Chris, although Chris said he didn't need a man hug. Dave insisted saying he liked full frontal man hugs! (Chris, I can't believe you almost turned down a hug from Dave Matthews)

Then Chris got his picture with Dave.

I got my camera back from Daryl and it was over. Chris and I ran out of there of course after profusly saying "thank you" like little school girls looking at our pictures. I immediatly started calling and texting everybody I knew while posting to facebook.

Throughout the entire night we gripped our autographs like they were a life raft and we were drowning. I made Chris put the camera in his pocket and not take it out during the show. I wasn't letting anything happen to my camera or those pictures.

The show was great, it was a perfect way to end a beyond perfect meet and greet! I am so beyond thankful for the experience to meet Dave Matthews. 

Thank you everybody who has put up with me for 10+ years on my quest to meet the man. I thank each of you and finally... WE DID IT!!

Run in the rain and howl at the moon.....

So much has happened in Awesometown since I last blogged so here it is and of course not in chronological order...

Jack Ingram released a new CD and broke a Guinness Book of World Records record and visited Austin in one week. He made a stop at the KASE/KVET lounge and played an amazing intimate performance. He played my favorite country song ever Happy Happy Country Country. Friends, if you could have seen how big the smile on my face was it would shock you!

Of course we took a pic and it was just wonderful. Please notice my awesome new necklace and my new dress.....

That week Jack broke a Guinness World Record for doing the most interviews in 24 hours. Here I am holding the coveted award.

Marcia, one of my favorite people in the world got married to another one of my favorite people in the world, Seth and they had a lovely wedding in Fort Worth. Here is me with the happy couple. Please notice my new green dress and super neato yellow necklace!!

I got to see Alyson and Blake too! I love family! it is hard to believe it has been a year since their wedding.

Have you heard of Radney Foster? One of the greatest country music songwriters ever, one of the most awe-inspiring people in the industry? Well he came by to play for us, I was so starstruck. He is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G

We had karaoke day at work, which was probably one of the most fun in-office days I have ever had. The entire office was split up, put on teams and we had to create karaoke songs and dances! I was on a team that did Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody and was Garth from Wayne's World.

This picture is of Mac the KASE/KVET Program Director, Tracy Walker (my boss) and myself from the day! We make an awesome team .

I KNOW most of yall know who Bob Pickett is. Well here he is in a wig and a dress with boobs!

Ari and Ellen came in for a birthday party and to visit me! Ellen is right around 6 months pregnant with a baby girl! This little girl has no clue what fun she is getting into. Yall would be very proud that I haven't bought her anything, outside of the 3 Sesame Street bowls in the dollars spot at Target. Oh the fun we are going to have together!

While Ellen was getting a pregnancy massage and attending the birthday party, I got the opportunity to go to the UT football game with Ari, VIP Style. I created a full VIP experience for us beginning with a tailgate (free beer) and seats in a suite at the game! The suite belongs to one of our clients Denise and Jerry who are franchise owners of all the Sonics in Austin! Their suite was beautiful and it was gracious of them to host Ari and I for the game!

Ari and I had a great time in the fancy seats and a game is always better when UT wins, obliterating UTEP! Hook em!

Eric and Bucky make up 2/3 of the 98.1 KVET Morning Show, Bucky & Bob! The three of us are all snuggie wearers as well. Our office is freezing cold and we are the only three who wear snuggies. (snuggie pics to come next time)

The night before the football game was a little George Strait concert. This concert was a key focus for both KASE and KVET for months. It was such a relief for the show to be over and an even bigger relief once the show sold out. I didn't get to meet George but we did sneak backstage to watch him come on stage which was took my breath away. I was never a huge fan of George until this night and man he puts on an amazing show of non stop hits!

Our interns and part-timers who worked the show up until the end got to enjoy the show along with me. I am very grateful for the wonderful staff I get to work with and love the experience to let them experience such treats as great George Strait seats!

Quick Cake Ball shake break!!

The 26 week Free Texas Music Series has ended. For all of the Jewish blog readers to express the length of the series, it went from Passover to Yom Kippur. For those who have no clue what either of those holidays are it was 26 weeks long. For 26 weeks throughout heat, rain, and extreme heat KVET had a free concert on Wednesday night at a local restaurant Hill's Cafe. From big shows to little, the music was free, the beer was cold and much fun was to be had. I was lucky that I got to spend my Wednesdays with such wonderful co-workers like Eric and Chris!

The last night of the series was Cory Morrow! I love Cory Morrow, so it was a wonderful treat to go out instylee with one of my faves!

And now my friends, this blog gets video!Beat of Your Heart by Cory Morrow is one of my top 15 songs of all time and he was nice enough to play it for me. Throughout the entire series Chris Mosser and I shot videos of all the artists and our web guys created nice little montages of the performance.

Looking forward to the next series which fires up in less than 26 weeks!

The Texas Music legend Robert Earl Keen did an hour broadcast on The Roadhouse on 98.1 KVET. Getting to see Robert Earl up-close and personal was beyond a treat and my mom says I use awesome too many times in this blog, but it was truly a neat unforgettable experience that i am so glad I got to be a part of.

Austin City Limits Music Festival came to Austin. A 3 day festival with 180 bands and 8 stages is what ACL is made of. This year it happened to rain on this glorious festival, which added to the unique elements of a festival. Please check out my feet halfway through the day.

Dave Matthews Band played Saturday night at the festival after a day of rain, and mud. Seeing Dave with 50,000+ of my favorite friends was a true experience, a true sign of fandom that I would do again despite the lovely elements. Look how close I got!

He only played for two hours but the new stuff was greatness and Dave will always be my favorite concert experience!

Winding down the insanity is October, breast cancer awareness Month. KASE 101 has tear pads at our local HEB grocery stores, pretty neat!

We have a huge concert for the cure next week starring 3 up and comers in Country Music. It should be delightful! The second annual Bras Across the Bridge is also upon us in the month of October.Taylor Swift is coming to Austin in March and rumor has it I have no clue what I am in for.

My friends Scott and Candice came for a visit in which we went to see the Eli Young Band, ate at Hill's Cafe, embibed a few drinks and spent great fun times together. I'm going to go home this weekend to see some friends, atteed a fry party and get some QT time in with family and friends.

We have had two days of winter, or temperatures below 60 degrees and I am already sick of it. I joined a gym and go about 5 times a week before work. I have made some new friends and have fully been in Austin for over a year now, which means you need to visit.

shake the glitter off your clothes now....

It's been three months since I have updated, I have no clue where to begin, there will be no chronological order to this blog but this is a little insight on what I have done since we last chatted....

I had the opportunity to help/work at a concert featuring two of my favorite bands/singers in my universe, Jackopierce and Creede Williams. They put on a show at a private ranch here and it was amazing to assist two of the groups of people who have been with me since the beginning of my passion. It was a dream come true and this could be one of the coolest pictures I have ever taken.

I bought a brand new car! It was time I buckled up and make a real adult purchase, so I bought a 2009 Ford Escape. This is me saying goodbye to my old car, as I was very emotionally attached to "the boat". My Bubbie and Zadie sold me "the boat" for a $1 when I graduated from college and I have been through a lot with that vehicle. I think my new car is named Billie Coozie, but I have yet to really decide. My new car is everything I want it to be besides payment free! If you are looking for a new car in the Austin area see my friend Dennis at Covert Ford!

Joe Nichols came to the station to perform. Joe was the first person I ever met while working in country radio way back in 2004. My how the times have changed! The other two gentlemen in the picture are Mac Daniels the KAE/KVET Program Director and Bob Pickett the KASE APD/MD!

For Fathers Day, I made a trip to Fort Worth for a few things including Father's Day festivities. Uncle Shayne-o made his famous guacamole and he won the Father's Day Burger Challenge. Congrats Uncle Shayne-O

I turned 26! This is the carrot cake Robyn made me for my birthday with green icing. I am not a fan of people calling me Whit, so commonly people will say Whit, and then wait a few seconds only to say ...ney. That is acceptable, however Whit isn't, unless you are in the circle. If you have to ask yourself if you are in the circle, you are not in the circle. As a reference on where you stack up, Jack Ingram isn't allowed to call me Whit....

Luling is a small town outside of Austin which is world famous for its Watermelon. Every year they have a festival called the Luling Watermelon Thump. Seeing as I am a HUGE small town festival junkie I went for work and had a wonderful experience. Here are a few pictures of me devouring watermelon and spitting speeds down the main street of Luling and on the official "Spitway" of Luling, Texas!!!

Gloriana, an up and coming band who happens to be on tour with Taylor Swift made a stop by the KASE 101 live Music Lounge. Fun, group, fun music, good looking guy in plaid shirt! Another great day to be alive in Austin, Texas when these guys came around!

My boss and I went to go see Keith Urban. Good picture, good concert, good times. It was ironic that the whole KASE programming department came to Dallas for the show, so it was like we never left Austin.

You never know you you will run into on the Barley House patio...like John Winchester... Slayer!

Sprinkles Cupcake paying homage to the greatest state ever!

My cousin Elizabeth turned 1 and we had a little celebration. I gave her two of the greatest books ever, "Oh The Places You'll Go" and "I Love You Forever" we had a great time crying and laughing while reading them, more baby news to be coming at the end of the blog!

Saw the Counting Crows, not the best show I have ever seen, no Around Here or Anna Begins but one of my favorite bands ever!

Luke Bryan came to the station to perform as well, what a nice guy and a great performer. I had a great time with him and his people!

I bet you didn't know that there was an American Cheese Society, I didn't know either until they had the yearly cheese convention in Austin with a Festival of Cheese. Of course I HAD to attend this event and got myself and Robyn some tickets to eat tons of cheese. There is NO WAY to quantify the amount of cheese that was at the cheese festival or how much cheese we ate that night. If the cheese society is ever in your town, go to the cheese festival!

Dan, Lindsay and Chrystal came to town for 4th of July! We went and floated the river and watched great fireworks and ate great food. We have started a nice 4th of July tradition of spending time together and I can't wait for next year. I also had another round of visitors when Dan, Lindsay, Ragon and Wendy came down for my birthday. Floating the river is the most relaxing thing to do and going with friends makes for a memorable time. Too bad it is almost 200 degrees here and the lakes and rivers are down because water fun is fun times.

It is hard to believe I have been in Austin a year. Time has flown by quicker than expected. I love the life I have created for myself here and Austin is a perfect fit for me. I still love country music and getting to play with the format every day makes me smile from ear to ear. The next few months will be crazy. Here is the September concert schedule just off the top of my head. Roger Creager, Cory Morrow, Pat Green, Eli Young Band, Radney Foster, CCR & Robert Earl Keen and some guy named George Strait plus many more. UT Football starts and the weather might dip below 150 degrees. Jack Ingram comes out with a new album on Tuesday and Thursday evening Jack will be in Austin supporting his album.

The most exciting news I have to share is Ari and Ellen are going to be parents and I am going to be an aunt at the same time, funny how that works! We find out the sex of the baby on Wednesday and I can't wait to have a kidlet to play with. I look forward to taking my new niece or nephew to their first concert, meet and greet and so much more! Help me think of names for the little tot to call me because Aunt Whit is not acceptable.

Have wonderful days and come visit Austin!

Aweseometown!!

Clearly I neglected the blog for quite a while but here is the latest on my daily insanity!

When I last left yall I was getting ready for Rodeo Austin. The rodeo down here in Austin is rather small in comparison to the State Fair I am used to in Dallas or the Fort Worth Rodeo but it got me my rodeo fix of bull riding, muttin bustin, calf roping and more. The highlight of the rodeo for me was of course the music. Here are some pics of my multiple and I mean multiple trips to the rodeo!

Jimmy Wayne

Jack Ingram.

A funny little story here... When Jack was at the office he tried to call me Whit. Now if you know me, you know I don't like to be called Whit unless you are in a very small circle of close friends or family. Well clearly Jack is outside of the circle and at the rodeo I told him, I didn't like to be called Whit. He sent me a little note on twitter, just another reason why he is my fave!! (click on the photo for a closer look)

Quick Turkey Leg break

A little band, Eli Young Band played the rodeo as well on the rotating stage. The rodeo stage rotated, kind of creepy if you ask me.

EYB from the front

Without moving my seat, EYB from the back

The rodeo and SXSW were both happening at the same time which made for an interesting couple of weeks in radioville. It was nice when they both were over, but were both opportunities for massive amounts of fun.

Steff and her now fiancee came to visit, and of course I took them to Torchy's to eat mexiacn food out of a trailer!

A quick stop in from Wade Bowen was pure delightness.

Beginning in April KVET began another wonderful summer of the Free Texas Music Series, weekly free concerts happening at Hill Cafe featuring some of the biggest names in country music. From Stoney Larue, Roger Creager to Rick Trevino and Radney Foster this summer concert series is amazing. Usually I am out at Hills on Wednesday night soaking up the summer heat and listening to outsdanding free tuns. Check out my view from the "treehouse".

June 3rd is Cory Morrow and I can't wait. If you are reading this and can be in Austin on June 3rd be there with me!

If you don't think I go to enough concerts, there was a huge party called Lonestar State Jam featuring all my faves.

We had an Eli Young Band meet and greet at our tent, total insanity. KASE/KVET rocked the show and it was AMAZING!

Enough of work for a quick second. Somewhere in April I made it home to go camping with old summer camp friends. Despite the freezing cold, I had a blast tent camping outside, drinking Shiners with friends around the fire reminiscing old times! The best part about summer camp friends is that it may have been over 5 years since we had all seen eachother, but life didn't skip a beat.

Me & Holly, one of the greatest people I have ever had the chance to work with.

Speaking of summer camp... this band called Jars of Clay who sings many "campy" songs came to perform for our sister station 102.3 The River Pretty col to see a group this big in our little radio station airplane hanger!

My sequence of events is totally off here, but isn't all yall care about the celebrity pics?

Randy Rogers Band came to our live lounge to do an intimate performance. These guys blow me away every time! Love, love, love Randy Rogers Band. Do yourself a favor and check them out!

Should I send this pic of Joe Nichols and my radio peeps to the trades?

I helped put together a pretty big golf tournament with KASE which benefitted the Ronald McDonald House. What a whirlwind of an amazing day, we raised over $50,000 for the RMDH and had a blast doing it! We had different activites at each of the holes which made the tournament even more fun like teeing off with a marshmallow and bands playing at hole 9! My two buds Chad Hudson and Curtis Grimes played as well. Another HUGE success!!

Like I could forget another show with the Eli Young Band!? EYB played another KASE Benefit show this time for our friends at Make A Wish. 2 hours of awesomness and $10,000+ later another huge success was under the belt of country radio in Austin. Thanks to Mike, James, Jon and Chris for hanging out with KASE 101 yet again and for being so gracious with your time and playing some amazing tunes.

I took another interesting trip home to go see Dave Matthews Band with Ragon. Unfortunately it was raining really, really, really, really hard and our meet and greet with Dave got cancelled but, when does a Dave concert ever suck?

Ragon and I waiting in the rain

Work took the Promotions Department on a little work retreat/team building/vacation extravaganza to San Antonio to stay at a resort called La Cantera. It was two days of sitting by the pool, drinking cocktails, and hanging out with a tad bit of work! This was a great trip and I am thankful to be working for a company that appreciates their employees and is able to provide such luxuries.

On this Memorial Day I am recovering from a wonderful week of vacation, fun nights drinking, new friends, finally taking that shot with Gary Allan and so much more, that I must report some sad news. In the middle of all the madness of concerts, meet and greets, parties, and more my Zadie died. Talk about a very difficult time, but in the worst of times as my Zadie has taught us all so well, family is the most important!

Keep your nose clean!