Bringing everyone up to speed...

So…a lot has happened since this summer.  I’ve decided to divide this post into 3 parts so you can skim and read whatever seems to be the most interesting. J

THE PRESENT:

It has been, by far, the best semester I’ve had at Cedarville.  I only have one or two classes a day, I have an internship 2 days a week, and plenty of concerts to keep me occupied.

First and foremost… the internship:

I’m interning with Rush Concerts this semester and it’s, by far, my favorite internship thus far. (yes, “thus far” because there’s still another one coming) **Do you see a theme?!?

Rush Concerts is a concert promoter. There are 3 guys that work there and promote about 80-100 some concerts a year.

I’ve done a lot of telemarketing since I’ve been there. AKA calling up churches and getting them to come out to the shows. I also worked a little bit with radio/tv spots and have led up some street teams for the Rock and Worship Roadshow this fall. I’ve learned a TON about the music industry, concert promoting, venues, etc.

Here are some concerts I’ve been to this semester:

LETTERS FROM WAR-Mark Schultz, 33 Miles, Finding Favour (GOA, one of my previous internships is the booking agency for these bands)
REHAB-Lecrae, Trip Lee, C-Lite (RUSH Promoted)
OUTTA SPACE LOVE TOUR-Group 1 Crew, Shonlock, Rapture Ruckus, Rachael Lampa, Ryan Stevenson  (@THE UG aka my next internship…and a couple of the bands are GOA bands)
COME TO THE WELL-Casting Crowns, Sanctus Real, The Afters, Lindsay McCaul (RUSH Promoted)

There were a few other shows as well that I didn’t make it to, but that’s besides the point. 

Basically I get free CD’s, get into shows for free, and make awesome connections. Who said the music industry doesn’t have its perks?  J

THE FUTURE:

Too bad I didn’t have a blog while I was trying to figure all of this out!  So many decisions! There was a point in time in which I was almost going to move to Nashville in January…. but that is no longer on the radar. (at least for now)

It’s funny because I have been set on Nashville for the longest time and have said that I wanted to move down there as soon as I graduated. (which will be in a little over a month!) 

... I almost thought I was sick (or that there was something wrong with me) when I felt a strange contentment about staying in Ohio. 

But here's the deal: 

I'll be interning at The Underground (UG) which is a Christian concert venue and working on more administrative stuff elsewhere. I'm actually really excited about both of these opportunities! 

The UG-I'll be the "venue management and promotions" intern... which means I'll get to deal with local band booking, venue operations, and local promotions and marketing. YAY for my music outlet! :)

Elsewhere-I'll be able to apply my major even more! For those of you who don't know, my major is organizational communication. I'm taking some awesome classes this semester that deal with organizational leadership, organizational training, etc. And I'm learning a ton. I'm stoked about focusing in more on these areas and being able to apply them to life at the junction. 

Also will be volunteering at any and all shows that come to the area and making connections wherever possible. AND I'm really hoping I can get involved with City Gospel Mission in Cincy.  :)

Excited to establish a routine and settle in somewhere for a while!

CASTING CROWNS:

Yes, they get their own section.
Fun little story: I was helping Rush with “Come to the Well” show (feat. Casting Crowns) and while I was backstage working on will call tickets. Of course I run into Juan who is one of the guitarists for Casting Crowns. Juan and I are ol’ pals. just kidding…but we first met a few years ago at Spirit Song. We got to talking again and let me just say that I am MAJORLY impressed with his memory. He was asking me about my internships and haunting…and I only see him once a year. (guess that’s why facebook comes in handy)  Anyway, all that to say… the members of Casting Crowns are legit. They’re down-to-earth. They walk the walk and not just talk the talk.  And that is why they’re one of my favorite (if not my favorite) bands of all times. Also ran into Chris (bassist) and we had a nice little chat too.  Love these guys! And today Juan, Melodee, and Ashley made it out to EnterTRAINment Junction with the kiddos….so that was pretty neat! 


Juan: "So you don't want to take up the family business?" 
Me: "Nah.... I'd rather work in the music industry and not make any money." 
...laughter ensues

Also... while I was at the Casting Crowns concert, I was hit with two things: 1. The song "Voice of Truth" has a whole new meaning to me now. 2. This is what I want to do. I want to be involved with concerts/live events. I can't imagine NOT doing this... whatever "this" is. (so either working with a promoter, working at a venue that hosts concerts, or being on the road... anything that involves show days!) 

phew... sorry for the long update. And I promise...I normally won't update this much. Just felt like there was a lot to catch up on.