Had you asked me at any point in my life if I would ever have the opportunity to meet my country music hero, Brad Paisley, I would have probably looked at you like you were crazy and laughed it off. I mean how likely would it really be to meet my favorite musician of all time? Well, for those of you who read my blog on a regular basis or listen to my random outbursts of entertainment news in mid-conversation: you know that I had quite an exciting time on the week of March 6th, 2010. I attended the American Saturday Night tour in Charleston, South Carolina to see Brad Paisley.

The show was awesome! That is a given for anyone that has ever been to one of Brad’s shows. I decided to record the last song, Alcohol, because I wanted to have the video to keep and watch in the future. That is the exact moment when the show took an unexpected turn. As Paisley was reaching the top of the ramp, he turned to descend and lost his footing. He took a nasty spill in front of everyone. I was absolutely shocked by the fall. My friend that was sitting by me during the show could see it all over my face. Brad was such a good sport and got right back up. He thanked the audience, told them all “God Bless You” and exited the stage. Fortunately, this was the last song of the night. Brad went to the hospital to get checked.

I talked to my brother and sister-in-law and told them that there was no way that I was posting the video. I was actually upset because I thought that other people might post it. I would never want to post anything that would purposely embarrass Brad. At this point, things got really interesting. Brad, being the great sport that he is, posted on Twitter: “Alright, whoever posts the Youtube footage of it gets a meet and greet. I have got to see it. I hit hard. And I mean freaking hard.”

He had actually asked for the video and the rest is history! If you want to read more about the actual process and how I was contacted, etc., you can read my original blog post HERE.

I finally reached the weekend that I had looked forward to since March 6th. I went to Raleigh, NC this Saturday and had the best time that I have ever had at a music event. This particular tour was the H2O tour. Brad went above and beyond for this tour. It was an entire event that far surpassed just being a concert. It went beyond the stage and became a full experience. There was a huge waterslide, a boat simulator and racing simulators. Steel Magnolia, Easton Corbin and Josh Thompson performed on a stage near the ampitheatre starting around 4:00.

The show in Raleigh was at the Time Warner Cable Pavilion. The ampitheatre holds around 7,000 people and it seemed to be packed. The two acts touring with Brad were Justin Moore and Darius Rucker. I was given three tickets and three meet and greet passes. What a special gift that was! The seats were incredible! I have never been that close to the stage at one of Brad’s shows. I saw him in 2006, 2007 and March of this year. My fourth show was epic! My brother and his wife,  Jason and Keitha, went with me to the show.

Justin Moore opened the show. I really do not know a lot about his music but I was familiar with a few songs that I heard on the American Saturday Night tour when he was with Brad Paisley earlier this year. He seems to have increased his stage presence since then. Darius Rucker took the stage next. It was really cool to see Darius because he is originally from the state of South Carolina. He performed some of his new songs from his country album and he played some of his classic Hootie and the Blowfish songs. I am very pleased to see that he is being supported so well in country music.

After Darius performed, it was time for Brad Paisley. He sang a variety of his songs from his different albums. Some of the set list included: Whiskey Lullaby, Online, Celebrity, Wrapped Around, Then, Time Warp, Letter To Me, I’m Still A Guy, She’s Everything, American Saturday Night, Waiting On A Woman, Welcome to the Future, Alcohol and Water. He even threw in a little clip of Single Ladies.

It was so cool to see Brad perform while being close to the stage. His guitar skills are mind-blowing. I was very happy that my brother was able to be there with me so he could see Brad’s skill. He already knew how talented Brad was but I think we all could develop even more respect after seeing it up close and personal. Brad is definitely one of the best live performers that I have ever seen. Vocally and musically, he hits it out of the park every time.

When the show ended, it was time to find the area where I would meet Brad. When we walked up I met his tour manager, Brent. Brent was extremely welcoming. We got in line to meet Brad. I was standing at the corner of where they were taking photos and I made sure that I got my stuff ready that I brought to give him. One of the items was a local newspaper with the story of what happened back in March. The other item was a DVD that I had made with the fall video and all of the interviews (radio and television) that I had been a part of after his concert in March. Brent allowed me to turn the corner to meet him first and then brought my brother and his wife behind me.

Brent said “Brad, this is the guy that caught the video of you falling.” Brad’s eyes got wide and he immediately started smiling. He told me that it was so cool that I caught that and gave me a handshake. I gave him the gifts that I had brought for him. He said, “Thank you. I appreciate that. I’m sure we can make good use of this video one day.”

He told me that he really appreciated the way that I handled the situation and that I did not post the video without thinking about if he would want it posted. I met some more of his staff while I was back there. They were all so friendly!

My brother asked him how much he practices playing guitar because my brother plays guitar as well. He said that he does not practice too much anymore. However, if you really think about it, he practices every single night because he plays an awesome show somewhere in the world! He told my brother, “I hope you get to where you want to be.” A comment like that means so much coming from someone who has made this journey to success.

We talked a little more about how the video posting came about and how I was contacted. I told him that it was really cool of his wife to send me a message on Twitter to confirm that they had seen the video. He told us about how bruised he was after the fall.

We took a group picture in the middle of talking back and forth. I do want to kick myself though, because in the middle of my talking and being so excited to meet Brad, I forgot to ask for a picture of just the two of us. What was I thinking? Maybe next time! *Crosses Fingers*

Brad told me, “I was really hoping that you would make it out to one of these shows.” I told him, “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world!”

I’m sure that we probably talked about some other things but to be completely honest, my mind was running in a thousand directions. There was so much I wanted to say and I cannot remember how many of those things I actually did say.

I told him that I know he does not usually sign at Meet and Greets but I had a favor to ask. He started nodding his head before I even finished the statement. I said, “I brought the camera that I used to video the fall. Would you sign it?” He smiled really big and said “Absolutely!” He joked around, referring to my camera, and said “It’s probably out-of-date now, huh?” Sadly, since the concert was in March, that’s probably the truth. But it does not matter because it will now be retired and put in a showcase for all to see! I would not dare risk smudging his autograph.

The fact that he took time to sign my camera was so awesome! My camera now reads on the front: “Great Shot! -Brad Paisley” How cool is that?

We thanked him for a wonderful night and then made our exit. They gave us a signed 8×10 as we left.

My months of waiting for this experience had finally arrived and I had a blast the entire time! I finally met my favorite country musician. I still cannot believe it!

I hope to have the opportunity to meet him again in the future. After all, I was told on the phone in March: “You are always welcome!” I am not exactly sure what that means but it gives me reason to always be optimistic! However, if I never get the chance again, I can truly say that I will never forget my experience at the H20 tour in Raleigh, NC. I finally met Brad Paisley and it is all because I was blessed enough to “catch a falling star.”

Tags: Brad Paisley

Check back later this week for an in-depth post about my experience at the H20 Tour and meeting my country music hero, Brad Paisley!

I had the awesome opportunity to meet David Archuleta again this weekend in Greenville, SC. This was my third time meeting him since American Idol. The first was on the American Idol Summer Tour and the second time was last summer. David performed at the Zoo-A-Palooza on August 21st. The event was held to raise money for an Animal Clinic at that zoo location. (Once again… David is always willing to help a great cause!)

Photo Courtesy of B93.7

I met David before the show started. B93.7 based out of Greenville, SC hosted the event. It was really cool to get to talk to him again although it was really quick. The line was kind of long so we rushed through so he could have time for the show. I was still able to talk to him briefly which was great! I told him about my favorite chapter of his book, Chords of Strength. For those of you that have not read his book, I definitely recommend it. Chords of Strength is great for anyone who loves music and wants to think about the affect that music can have on those that come into contact with it daily! I gave him a letter that I had written. He was extremely friendly as usual! He told me thank you and we took a picture before I left. He gave the familiar Archie thumbs up!

After the Meet and Greet, we went back to the stage area and watched the opening act perform. The group is Runner Runner. I had never heard their music before but I really liked it. They are very talented guys. I will definitely check into more of their stuff.

After Runner Runner completed their set, it was time for David to take the stage. He opened the show by telling us all that he had been “hanging out with the primates backstage” in the zoo.

Photo Courtesy of B93.7

The first song that he performed was his newest single Something ‘Bout Love. This was his first live performance of the song. Everyone really got into the song and we were all really excited to hear it for the first time live.

The next song on his list was a cover of Gnarls Barkley’s Crazy. This was the second time that I have heard David sing this song in person and he never disappoints. He adds so much to that song and makes it very unique. He accompanied himself on the keyboard.

David introduced a new song called Elevator that he co-wrote with Mike Krompass. It was definitely a fun tune with a catchy melody. This was the first time that he had performed this song anywhere. Was that an awesome opportunity for us as fans or what? He talked about his new release that is coming out on October 5th called The Other Side of Down.  He said that he had been having a blast in the studio but that he really missed performing for everyone. This was one of his chances to do just that!

David ended his set with his classic first single… Crush. The crowd was excited when he started performing this song. I cannot believe that so much time has passed since we first heard Crush on the radio. Wow… time flies!

The Zoo-A-Palooza event had over 3,000 people in attendance. I was so proud to see everyone gather in South Carolina to give David a nice, warm welcome! (This was only the second time that he had ever been to South Carolina. He came last summer when he was on tour with Demi Lovato.)

We all felt honored to be the first audience for the live, acoustic version of Something ‘Bout Love and the premiere of Elevator!

I will be looking for a tour schedule later this year and if there is a show in or near South Carolina… you better believe I’ll be there!

If you are interested in pre-ordering David’s newest release, The Other Side of Down, click the graphic below.

Don’t forget that you can leave comments below. I love to hear what all of you have to say!

Tags: David Archuleta, The Other Side Of Down

Join a Live Video Chat tonight at 7:00 EST with the Director and Actress from the upcoming movie Flipped. I will also have a poster to give away! Just use the share feature and tweet this link and one lucky person will receive a signed poster from the Director of Flipped!

Many of you may be asking… What is this movie about? Well, I’m glad you asked. Here is the information provided by the team that will be bringing you the movie:

When second-graders Bryce and Juli first meet, Juli knows it’s love. Bryce isn’t so sure.

Beginning that day, and for the next six years, young Bryce (Callan McAuliffe) does everything he can to keep his outspoken wannabe girlfriend at arm’s length…which isn’t easy since they go to the same school and live across the street from each other.

Smart, dreamy, independent and willing to stand up for what she believes in, Juli (Madeline Carroll) is different from anyone else he knows and, frankly, it’s a little overwhelming. What’s a guy supposed to do when a girl tells him his hair smells like watermelon or wants him to sit in a tree for the spectacular view? There’s just no telling what Juli will do next, and Bryce is one guy who’d rather be safe than sorry.

Though disappointed by Bryce’s unwillingness to see things her way, or even to see the things in life she finds most meaningful, Juli continues to give her potential dreamboat the benefit of the doubt. Until those doubts stack up so high that she finally thinks maybe she was wrong about him.

It’s just about the same time Bryce starts to think maybe he was wrong about her, too. But is he too late?

The coming-of-age romantic comedy “Flipped,” from director Rob Reiner, takes Bryce and Juli from Grade School to Junior High, through triumph and disaster, family drama and first love, as they make the discoveries that will define who they are—and who they are to each other.

“Flipped” stars Madeline Carroll (“Swing Vote”) as Juli, and Callan McAuliffe (Australian TV’s “Comedy, Inc.”) as Bryce. Rebecca De Mornay (“Wedding Crashers”) and Anthony Edwards (“ER”) star as Bryce’s parents, Patsy and Steven Loski; and Emmy Award nominee John Mahoney (“Frasier”) as his grandfather, Chet Duncan. Penelope Ann Miller (TNT’s “Men of a Certain Age”) and Emmy Award nominee Aidan Quinn (HBO’s “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee”) star as Juli’s parents, Trina and Richard Baker; and Kevin Weisman(“Alias”) as her Uncle Daniel.

“Flipped” is directed by Oscar® nominee Rob Reiner (“A Few Good Men”) and produced by Reiner and Alan Greisman, who most recently collaborated on “The Bucket List.” The screenplay is by Rob Reiner & Andrew Scheinman (Oscar®-nominated producer, “A Few Good Men”), based on the novel by renowned author Wendelin Van Draanen. Martin Shafer, Liz Glotzer and David Siegel serve as executive producers.

The creative team includes Emmy Award-winning director of photography Thomas Del Ruth (“The West Wing,” “Stand By Me”), production designer Bill Brzeski (“The Hangover”) and Oscar®-nominated editor Robert Leighton (“A Few Good Men”). The music is by five-time Oscar®-nominee Marc Shaiman (“The American President”). The costumes are designed by Durinda Wood (“A Mighty Wind”).

Castle Rock Entertainment presents a Rob Reiner/Alan Greisman Production, a Rob Reiner Film: “Flipped.” Rated PG by the MPAA for language and some thematic material, it will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

I was introduced to this video clip today in my Education of Young Children class. I find this absolutely amazing. This little boy is 3 years old and recites the poem “Litany” by Billy Collins. As a future early childhood teacher, this video just makes me smile! I’m sure you will want to share this with your friends too. If I could make one request for his next poem, it would be: Wynken, Blyken and Nod by Eugene Field. Wouldn’t that be adorable? I could say a lot about this clip but I’ll just let you see it for yourself:

Please post your comments below!

Do you ever lose sight of the big picture? I think we are all guilty of that from time to time. This movie will really help you put life in perspective. I recommend that you watch Letters to God.

Tyler Doherty, a young child diagnosed with cancer, writes letters to God on a daily basis. The impact that his letters will have on all those around him are too many to count!

I will be the first to admit that not all of the acting is “fantastic.” However, the story is beautiful and will touch your heart.

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I do believe that Tanner Maguire portrays Tyler Doherty with excellence! He captivates the audience with sincerity and passion.

Letters to God is now available at RedBox! I think that it is so important that you see this movie that I found a promotional code for you to use to rent it on your next visit! When at the home screen, click the coupon button and enter the following code: “BREAKROOM” Enjoy your free rental!

I just wanted to share this video with all of you from the Teen Choice Awards 2010! This is Travie McCoy and Bruno Mars performing Billionaire. Love this song!

My freshman year of college, I was required to read The Road by Cormac McCarthy. I will admit that I am NEVER a fan of assigned books. I want to read my own selection, not one that is chosen for me. However, I really enjoyed this book. It’s actually one of my favorites.

Therefore, I have been really excited about seeing the movie adaptation of The Road since it was scheduled to be released.

I was able to watch it this week and I have to say that I was not impressed. Maybe I just had a different vision while reading the book than the director portrayed in this film.

The movie was not horrible. It definitely had some unique elements but I cannot picture myself watching it again for enjoyment.

It is currently at RedBox if you are interested in watching it. If you decide to watch it, I would love to know what you think about the final product.

David Archuleta debuted his official music video for his new single, Something ‘Bout Love! Check it out below:

Thoughts?

David Archuleta has debuted his brand new single for his upcoming release. This will be his third studio album. The single, co-written by David, is Something ‘Bout Love. The song will be made available for purchase on DavidArchuleta.com on July 13th and everywhere else on July 20th. Check it out, leave comments and share with your friends by using the Twitter and Facebook icons below: