My boss, Chuck, is in a partnership with a man, John, whose company is doing video and camera work for a lot of concerts. This company is doing all of Keith Urban's concerts. Chuck found this out and knowing what a BIG country music fan I am, he asked John if I could go to Nashville where they would be rehearsing with Keith Urban and do a meet and greet. OMG!! When Chuck and Jen told me, I was so excited and shocked and nervous. They told me on Thursday, April 16 and I was going to fly to Nashville on Monday, April 20. Chuck explained that the trip might not happen - he was going to talk to John on Sunday to make sure everything was ok and he said he'd call me Sunday night ONLY if the trip was off. I spent the week-end shopping for cute tops and accessories . . . my personal stylist, Michele, helped me pick out some cute stuff!
I never heard from Chuck on Sunday, so I headed to LAX early Monday morning. My plane took off 6:00am (there was actually a LOT of people traveling that time of day). I was flying from Los Angeles to Denver and on to Nashville, but by the time I landed in Denver, Chuck had left me a voicemail saying that the rehearsals had been closed to guests and he didn't think I'd be able to meet Keith Urban. What a bummer! Needless to say I was disappointed; but the trip ended up being awesome anyway. I had called my mom and sister to let them know I would be in Nashville and they drove up and stayed with me. We had the BEST time sight seeing and exploring Nashville.
I did end up getting to see about 30 minutes of Keith Urban's rehearsal. John called after I landed in Nashville and said he could sneak me into the rehearsal, but we had to keep it really low key. It was amazing even though I didn't get to experience the ultimate Urban experience of meeting him. I can't wait to see his concert in LA at Staples Center.
This is the back of the Sommet Center where Keith Urban was rehearsing - John snuck me in the back door.
The Ernest Tubb Record Shop on Broadway.
The historic Ryman Auditorium. Mama, Donna and I went to a concert here - "Songs of Faith." This week is the Gospel Music Awards and several of the Christian bands played this concert - Point of Grace, The Whites, and Mercy Me. Also playing was Hal Katchum, John Conlee, Bill Anderson, and The Grascals. It was a great concert.
Me, Mama, and Donna before eating dinner at Demo's - a really good restaurant recommended by the bellman at the hotel.
Me posing by a big, red cowgirl boot!
This was on 2nd Avenue next to the Wildhorse Saloon - MTV was filming an episode of "Can You Duet" at the Wildhorse.
Me, Donna and Mama on the trolley tour. It was an hour tour that showed you the sights around Nashville. It was windy and a little chilly, but a really good tour. It took us by historic downtown, Fort Nashborough, the State Capitol (I thought about Glenn's dad - he visited the state capitols of every state he toured), the Parthenon, Music Row, Vanderbilt University, and by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Inside the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: this is one of Porter Wagoner's jackets and guitars. I used to watch Porter Wagoner with Mom-mom and Papa when I was at their house.
Me, Mama and Donna at the Ryman Auditorium.
Me, Mama and Donna inside the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center - this hotel is HUGE, almost like it's own city. One day we would like to go back and stay here.
21 years ago I was in the hospital with a bouncing baby boy! Tyler Glenn Van Evera is now 21 years old - can you believe it? Monday May 11th was Glenn's birthday and we were at Kern River for part of the day. When we got home, me, Glenn, Michele and Tyler went to a late movie, then at midnight we went over to Sunset Terrace (a bar and grill close by) so that Glenn could buy Tyler's first "legal" beer. Some of Tyler's friends were there also. On the 12th after work, Tyler grilled carne asada and we had some great burritos. Tyler had a few shots and beers - he can drink legally now . . . . is that a good thing??????
