Hanging Out With Rock Stars

So on Thursday I was able to attend an End Zone, which is a very intimate performance at the local radio station (http://www.1019theend.com/) and it just happened to be one of my favorite artists, Matt Nathanson (http://www.mattnathanson.com/)

On Wednesday I cut out of work a few minutes early to go pick up the runt, and when I climbed into the car the afternoon show was saying that the next day was an End Zone with Matt and whoever called right then could go. I called and got right through, probably because many people don't know who Matt is (they are missing out.) I was instructed to come the next day to the station and bring my camera and something for him to sign. I was so excited, especially since he wasn't come here on his current tour listing and now that I have "responsibilities" I can't just head to other states and see concerts.

I called Trizia and finally after a comedy of errors with our cell phones we worked out the finer details. She loves Matt too and even came with me when I drove to see him in Colorado.

We showed up the next day to wait until the took the small group of us to the "End Zone" area. While we waited, we filled out cards with questions. Once inside a small, conference-y looking room where Matt was set up with his guitar, Trizia and I took a seat front and center. Then it was time to get on the air. The DJ had looked over some of the questions and at one point said "wow, that's really deep!" I was called on first to ask my question. I had no idea that they were going to hand me a microphone and have me ask my question directly. I didn't know which of my many burning questions to ask directly! When I was given the mic, the DJ asked me to sing then everyone started to chant "sing, sing" and I was so embarrassed but quick on my feet, so I said that they wanted people to listen to their station. I asked my question, which was Hollywood gossip. I'm a fan of Howie Day as well, and I know the two are friends because of entries on Matt's website so I asked, "Since you and Howie Day are friends, is he really as much of a cad as people say he is?" Matt seemed very caught off guard but he is ever the showman so he said, "It's hard growing up in the public eye, and he's had his brushes with the law and with Britney Spears. But you know, he's a good guy." So basically without saying so, Howie Day is a total cad.

Trizia got to ask her/my questions next which was "When are you going to play a real show in Salt Lake?" He said there was a possibility that before the tour started in September there might be a show in Provo somewhere and also that they were working on a show at the end of the tour in Salt Lake. But then that's what he told me last time and his time frame came and went without a show, so I love him, but I don't think he know/has any control.

Another person asked which song he would choose to play over and over if he could only play one. He chose "Falling Apart" which is a new song or "Suspended" then someone asked if he could only listen to one song, what would it be. Without hesitation he said U2's "With or Without You" When asked what type of animal he would be it was a shark since he just watched shark week.

He played "Car Crash," "Come on Get Higher" and "Laid" on the air. It was interesting because talking and being near him was one thing, but when he opened his mouth to sing, the sound was incredible, and it couldn't have been the acoustics in the room because nothing else sounded that cool. It was like there was a bottle of champagne that was shook up and the stopper pulled. The room was flooded with this amazing sweet sound. The records cannot capture the essence that was in that room, it was truly amazing. After the 3 songs, we went off the air and he sang "To the Beat of our Noisy Hearts" and "Suspended" which he was maybe about a foot away from me. I could have tripped him! But I didn't. Afterward Trizia and I were first in line and I'm sure everyone hated us, but Matt said he remembered me which I can hardly believe, but I'd like it to be true. I had my picture taken and of course it was blurry, Trish looks awesome because I took her photo and I don't suck with cameras.

This really did make my month. Too bad everyone I know was not listening to the radio and completely missed my first radio appearance. Oh well, when I'm famous I'm sure you'll be able to download it online.

Me and the Man!