So much to say! It actually took me a week to start getting in the swing of things after our intensive week of getting there getting settled and then performing. It was all so worth it. Its funny because I still get nervous when I perform and I know not alot of people who have seen me perform think that I don't but I do. Especially when it is your show you have alot more to be nervous about.
Coming on to that stage in the black as the blue light hits the band while they are droning to a monstrous intensity, I thought to myself... what am I doing here? How did I get so blessed by being in a position I am in. I remember as a kid if someone told me you were going to be going places and singing and dancing to stuff you had created I would have said there is no way. But as that spotlight hit and Im looking at Trailerpark (my drummer who is now a legend there with David and Pat) for that downbeat....I havent looked at the audience yet but I hear them screaming and BAM! Dave comes in with BU Bada Bu Ba "If your looking for trouble, you came to the right place" I knew that this is why we do what we do and to feel it and share it with people I have gotten so close to during this journey (since June) it made it all the more special!
You figure it out 4 guys in a van cross country 26 hours, yes much bonding. Rheagan and Jessica who in the mornings I would cook breakfast for and have coffee and Hank and Tracy's house, it was literally a family atmosphere and I was proud of them like a brother to a sister, a brother to a brother. Did I tell you we had close to full houses every performance? It is an amazing feeling to come to a theatre where the expectations are high and exceed all of them to a glorious roar of applause. Here is the kicker... I could not have done it without them! David, Pat, Trailerpark, Rheagan, Jessica. It was because of them we had standing ovations every night and because of them they kept asking for us back. Still we are just one happy family and glad I got the opportunity to share it with these talented people!
Everyone at the theatre from Sara and Dennis to Lisette and Chris and Ty and Tara made sure that we were okay and we had everything we needed...except time. I wish we had more of that. But I want to thank them for making my crew so comfortable with their stay.
I want to thank Ron because without Ron I could not have been able to do it the rest of the way. He took care of the little things. Even if it was to take the girls back to the house so I can get a little nap, or if I needed Tshirts because my others were soaking wet (ever seen Ron with a blow dryer on leather, you could pay admission) Him being there made it so much easier and I thank him for his friendship because he is just priceless
A big thank you to Pam Moody who believed in all the merchandise we were selling and sold more in five performances than we sold ever!!! Guess who helped.... CAT!! Number one fan and best friend. What a job they did for us and such wonderful supporters for our cause. I say cause but its a company I am creating. The vision of having fans like you to come out support our company because you know the quality of our shows beats anything out there. As Elaine Liner from the Dallas Observer said "Elvis August is the best thing on local stage right now!" Powerful words and it is my job as an artist and producer to give you that. See I look at things the way you would. I want the regular person who doesnt do alot of theatre going to come see my shows and get WOWWED! Our I GOT THIS mentality is clearing the way for bigger and better things in our future so stick around the best is still up ahead.
I want to also thank HANK AND TRACY. Wow! They make my soul and spirit smile. For letting me be part of their family and as TRACY said THE THRILL IS BACK. When she says that you know we have something special. Everyone who have not met them you need to. The dancers fell in love with them and their hospitality and of course every night after the show it was off to their house for conversations and friendships and more bonding time. Can't thank them enough and on behalf of the crew and cast we thank you for being so honest and open with your hearts and time. I think one of the things that came out of this trip was how we really got to know everyone and how close friendships can be without having just to perform. From eating together to driving together to laughing together you find out that we are just people who can make other people live, love and laugh
One last note I met a couple who came saw the show and they were the most adorable couple I have ever seen. Bob and Doris. He was 70 and she was 82. After the show we go out to the lobby and I talked with them and Doris who was just a pretty as button gave me a hug and cried on my shoulder and said "You bought him back to life for us" Those words were so profound for me and this couple had such an impact on me I couldn't tell you how many times I talked about them and I still do. Thank you Bob and Doris for making me believe Im doing the right thing
So saying all that. We have a Christmas show to get ready for. But before that CHOCTAW November 4,5. So lets get those reservations to come in. My Christmas wish is to have just as many sell outs as we did in California. You will not be let down. Promise! I love you all!
Jack
