1. It's friggin' Auburn, Maine. How many big concert or theatrical events pass through this metropolis? The closest "hotspot" is Portland, which is approximately 30 minutes away. Still, Portland isn't quite a must see for many famous acts.
2. I have no life. Really.
On the rare occasion where something is happening, I'm too stupid to realize that I can tap into my "vast resources" and try to get behind the scenes. The one classic example is the time I went to see the Boston Pops in Augusta two Decembers ago. For years, I've been a huge fan of the orchestra's conductor, Keith Lockhart. It wasn't until the day of the concert that my friend (who got the tickets for us) asked:
Hey, why didn't you get a press pass or something? You could have gone backstage!
I'm not sure I could have gotten a pass or even access, but the fact that I didn't even think about it raised my awareness of how dumb I can be at times. In the end, though, it was a good thing I didn't get backstage. I had just switched meds for my depression, so things were a little--uh, off kilter. Oh, and I had thrown my back and was taking back meds, which I had a violent reaction to about 10 minutes into the performance. If I had been granted a brief meeting, it probably would have turned out a little like this:
Publicity manager for Civic Center: Mr. Lockhart, this is the reporter we told you about. She just has a few questions for you before you go onstage.
Me: (drooling and half coherent) Smifnu greebok
Keith has me physically removed and my ass winds up in the parking lot in 15 below winds
Things turn out certain ways for a reason.
So, when I discovered in September that another act was coming to town --Lewiston to be exact!--on the first weekend of November, I sprang into action! I made some calls, arranged for an article for our paper, got publicity clearance, scored a personal interview via phone and got the grand prize...tickets and a backstage meeting! I felt pretty damn impressed with myself and my "connections".
So, after 3 years of hard work, here is the fruit of my labors:
My kids had a blast...
This time, Doodleboops, next time The Stones....
