Show Buzz #2

D34!

A week at home or to go sightseeing is always such a treat for us since we have only been home for about a total of four weeks in the last year along with doing over 500 shows!

Still pushing through though, it was time to start the West Coast tour!  We definitely hit the ground-running opening the day after most of us arrived in Kansas City, Missouri. 

So many simple things were greatly appreciated coming back from Mexico such as the coolness of the arena, large make up rooms, and house ice!  Not to mention the area was great that we were in.  The Kansas City Power and Light District has a little bit of everything for everyone.  Not only were there places to eat like Bar Louie, the Flying Saucer, and the Yard House, but there was also a place for outdoor concerts and we were lucky to catch a little bit of two after the shows.  Hard to believe we were able to see the Eli Young Band and a classic rock band perform. 

Before we knew it, the week had finished and the tour was underway.

Bringing up stop number two, we were literally doing the Indianapolis 500 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  It was only the second city and we already had a 12-pack! 

Somehow though, we did manage to find some time to enjoy ourselves in the city whether it was playing giant Jenga, making post cards in the Town Center, going to an Indianapolis Indians game or the Arcade, or shopping at the mall literally two minutes away, or taking a tour of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  It was also a pretty busy week for families to come visit as well, so seeing familiar faces at the beginning is a nice way to start things off.

And then it was time to say goodbye and hit the road again. 

This time we wound up in OKC!

And with some luck it just so happened to be the same time that the state fair was going on.  So, if you weren’t happy with our laser tag matches in Bricktown or testing your bowling abilities in Midtown at the Dust Bowl, or seeing how many goals you could score in our soccer nights at the hotel, you were bound to find something to entertain yourself at the fair. 

From the carnival rides, to the animal stables, to the dart throwing or fishing games, to the food stands and piggy races; there was literally something there for everyone.  I have never seen a fair this size; it just kept going on and on in every direction.  I mean there was even a petting zoo, a western show, and a RAM truck driving course!  Too bad there wasn’t something similar to this every week because no one would get board being at the arena all day on a three show day then. 

But, like any other time, we were back on the road and heading towards The King.  Yes, I mean Elvis Presley.

Beale Street, B.B. Kings’, Bass Pro Shop, Rendezvous BBQ, the Mississippi River, and the Memphis University vs. Cincinnati football game were all in for a treat.  We were headed in their direction hot and heavy and ready to take on the easiest week we have seen on tour with only ONE three-show day and a total of SIX shows!  That is literally unheard of with this show.  No one knew how to take it.  Not even a multiple three-show day?  It was a weird concept to grasp.  However, we managed and just as we could get settled in, we were retracing our steps right back to OK.

Round number two in Oklahoma went a little like this –

MMMMMOOOOOO, BBBBAAAAHHHHH, NNNNNEEEEHH

Haha – We were back on state fair grounds, the very place that Disney On Ice opened 75 years ago and here we are 34 shows later, officially opening our show here and still going strong. 

And even though we were kept pretty busy with the shows during the week, there was some time for a little fun. 

Along with Opening Night Party, there was time for soccer in the park and a big game of laser tag.  Luckily not in that order though and by the time the week had reached its end, we were all ready to see a change of scenery. 

Off to the Lone Star State.

After two short flights and a long layover we found ourselves in El Paso, Texas and it definitely was a mirror image on Mexico.  However, we were strongly advised not to cross the border into Juarez, Mexico; one of the most dangerous cities in the World. 

So, most of us stayed in the states and were able to find plenty to do in what little free time we actually had.  Some went shopping as usual while others went hiking in the state park or walked around The Plaza.

And of course we were all gearing up for Power Skating; which kicked all of our butts, not to mention we started into a nine-pack the day directly preceding the class.  Talk about not being able to sit down, walk up stairs (where are our make up rooms were), or lift our legs (i.e. kick-line in In Summer).  But, if we can make it through over 550 shows, we can keep pushing now.

Heading back further into American soil, it was time to explore what the great state of Arizona had to offer and until next time… See you down the road.

Place to see:

Kansas City, MO – Flying Saucer, Bar Louie, Kansas City Power and Light District, Chipotle, Constantino’s, Jimmy John’s

Indianapolis – P.F. Changs, Steak N’ Shake, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Victory Field, Luca Oil Stadium, the Coliseum, Rock Bottom Brewery, Buffalo Wild Wings, Circle Center, Panera Bread

Oklahoma City – Performed and rehearsed on the OKC State Fairgrounds while it was going on, Mid Town, Brick Town, laser tag, Marble Slab, Earl’s BBQ, Dust Bowl

Memphis – Beale Street, Mississippi River, Bass Pro Shop, B.B. King’s, Hard Rock Café, Graceland, Gibson Guitar Factory, Rendezvous BBQ

Tulsa – Tulsa State Fair, Laser tag, soccer – Veteran’s Park, Mix Co.

El Paso – The Plaza, El Paso Zoo, Camino Royal, State Park

Border Town

El Paso, Texas

Well, I can now say that I have been to eight cities in Texas from Waco to Laredo to Corpus Christi to Allen to Houston to Dallas to San Antonio and now to El Paso.   And after being in Mexico for five weeks earlier this tour, El Paso is by far the most similar to Mexico rather than American culture. 

A lot has to do with the fact that literally not only out the window of our hotel can you see Mexico, but if you happen to miss the exit for the arena, you will end up in Juarez, Mexico.   And from what we have heard, that is not exactly the best place you would want to stumble upon. 

So, for the most part we stuck to exploring in America with only a few that chose to cross the boarder.  However, since it was a flight-type of travel day and a pretty tight turn around there wasn’t a whole lot of time left to explore. 

Staying close, some went shopping or hiking in the state park a little ways away, but most just stuck around the hotel and walked around The Plaza in preparation for our Power Skating class later in the week.  (We all died a little) (Power Skating – interval track workouts skating style; jumps included).

Getting out and soaking up some sun was much needed though.  It was comfortable with a slight breeze and lots of sunshine and no humidity, but that did not stop the thunderstorms that occurred almost every night. 

Some enjoyed the light show and some clung to our covers when the thunder rumbled over-head. 

Grateful for a roof over our head even if the hotel was older.  The Camino Royal was rich in history, but way behind the times and it may not have been up to the standards of some, however it was a place for us to stay for the week and seek shelter.  I am sure that back in 1912 when it was built, it was absolutely beautiful though. 

And after this week, I think we are all going to be happy to perform in an arena and a stay in a hotel that is not only up to date, but also that isn’t covered in dirt from the outside.  It has really opened our eyes and made us realize how lucky we are to have the luxuries that we do. 

Excited to get back on the road after this week.  See you in Tucson, AZ!

Horses, Cows, Goats, OH MY!

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Round two back in OK on state fairgrounds again! 

It may be a different city, a different arena, and a different crowd, but again we were beside the goats.  Who would have ever thought? 

We didn’t have as much time to explore the fair this time, but most of us did manage to make it out and enjoy some more yummy fair food.  Some of us even got to see the animals.   We even found the horses and cows!  It still amazes me though that these are state fairs and there are more carnival rides and food booths than there are barn animals, 4-H tents, or FFA booths. 

The county fair back home (Washington County Fair) not only has these, but they have baking contests, truck and tractor pulls, demolition derbies for both cars and school buses, along with band night (local high school bands perform).  There, it is more about the outdoor life than it is the entertainment side of things even though there are still the game tents as well as the carnival rides, but they aren’t the biggest attraction of the fair.  We like it a little more country, a little rough around the edges at home. 

But enough about that, it was time to get cleaned up and brush off that fair dust because it was Opening Night Party!   I know the show has been open for a few weeks and its tradition to have a celebration like this when the first show of the season has commenced, but as usual our show is a little different.

Finally having time in our schedule and having most of the cast in the same place, it was time.  We finally made it happen.  It was a long, crazy ride last year and we are in for about the same this year, so it was time to officially get started. 

And where better, than to open in Tulsa, where the very first Disney On Ice Show performed 75 years ago. 

Hard to believe, 34-shows later, we are still going strong and performing all around the world.  But next stop for us…El Paso, Texas. 

BBQ, Blues, Beale

Memphis, Tennessee

About nine hours, four stops, and one bus change later, we made it to Tennessee!  Arriving in the morning after traveling all night, we went straight back to bed.  Then started the day, or well afternoon off again waking up in a bed instead of a bus seat.  And just like that it was time to get busy. 

Beale Street was calling to everyone since it is such a renowned attraction for the area.  It has a feel like Bourbon Street in New Orleans, but not as crazy and much cleaner mixed with downtown Nashville, but geared more towards blues and jazz instead of country. 

B.B. Kings Restaurant was also located in the area as well as the famous Rendezvous BBQ and just around the corner was the Gibson Guitar Factory.

A little further away some stumbled upon the Mississippi River, the Bass Pro Shop in the pyramid where all of the live events used to be performed and even Graceland with the King himself.  

And even though this may have been our easiest week ever on this show, we were all still wore out from the previous two weeks leading up to it.  But, that didn’t stop us from having some fun and pushing through it. 

Especially since my parents came this week and not to mention bumping into a college friend by pure accident!  It just goes to show that you can never be too sure who you may run into when you are on the road and that seeing your family can do wonders!

And speaking of college and friends, I was feeling right at home sitting at the Memphis University vs. Cincinnati football game.  However, I will say that the Memphis stadium probably more than tripled the number of people that the SRU (Slippery Rock University) stadium could hold, you had to buy tickets to get in (SRU – we used our student I.D.’s), there were multiple stands for food (SRU – one concession stand), and both teams were DI (Division 1) unlike SRU which is DII (Division 2).  It still did not change the fact that it made me miss my college days though.  It really took me back. 

Ah the good ole days…

But, moving forward, the week was done before we could even realize it and we were on the road again heading back to where we just came from…OK!

The State Fair

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Deep fried chocolate chip cheesecake, kettle corn, chocolate covered bacon, a deep fried donut burger, and foot long corn dogs…yep, we were at the state fair in OKC at least for our second week of being in town.

While the first week was full of rehearsals and run-throughs, week two meant presentations, shows, and the FAIR!

And for not only the show itself, but for myself as well as a few others, it was our first time performing the show in a fair atmosphere instead of just another arena.  This being said, there were a few differences. 

The building was not only very open to the public, but it was also covered in a decent amount of dirt, smelt like goats every now and then, and had its own permanent visitors; one being a gray and white cat and a pigeon we liked to call Ralph, who at times wanted to be part of the show both in the set as well as on the ice. 

We also had a group of police officers stop by while we were rehearsing one day.  Of course they were on bikes and some of us had the bright idea to try to ride while we had our skates on.  Some were successful, while others did not dare to try.  To our surprise, they came back day after day, even to watch the show and each time they did, the numbers in their group increased as did the audience and fair.

It seemed like it just went on forever in every direction, there were always more food booths, game tents, rides, or contests.  There was a petting zoo, a western show, a RAM driving course, of course the stables for horses, cows, and sheep, but one of my favorite attractions were the Piggy Races!  Yes, little pigs would race around a track and one even went for a swim. 

It’s no wonder that it took us walking around on all of our breaks to be able to see the whole fair and I still think in the end that we didn’t.   However, it did make the days pass by a lot quicker and when we weren’t at the fair, we found other things to busy our time. 

One day was dedicated to laser tag where of course it was Girls vs. Guys for the first round followed up by Earl’s BBQ and Marble Slab ice cream in Bricktown along the river walk.  And then it was off to Midtown for some bowling and ping-pong at the Dust Bowl.  And of course you can’t forget the mall and soccer night at the hotel.  It’s always nice to have an outdoor area to be able to escape to even if it is a late night on the field. 

Calling everyone to play, we were off to where The King was laid to rest.

Here We Go…Again

Indianapolis, Indiana

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, No!  How about a 12-pack!  Yes, you heard right, its only the second week on the West Coast Tour and we are already doing a 12-pack! (4 days of 3 shows each day)

I guess there was no sense in getting back into the swing of things again in an easy way and the preparations for the weeks ahead have already begun.  Higher standards, expectations, and goals are all on the line.  Staying focused, we all chalked off one show at a time.  Of course though, by the end of the day you end up going a little crazy anyways, but that’s what keeps you on your toes and makes show business, show business. 

However, before the madness began we had one day to catch up on some much needed sleep from the long bus ride into the city and another to see what Indy had to offer. 

So, we were off to the races.  From the Arcade to the Indianapolis Indians baseball game, a Triple A Farm Team to the Pittsburgh Pirates, to of course shopping and milkshakes at Steak N’ Shake, to walking around Town Center and making post cards, to seeing some familiar family faces stroll through the hotel, to a nice dinner out at Rock Bottom Brewery, to finally some much needed girl time. 

It all may have been a blur, and we may all have been worn out, our toes were all about to fall off, but the laughs and memories that came from the experience will always be there to remind us. 

So it’s been great Indy, but it’s time for us to part.

See you in OKC!

First Stop

Kansas City, Missouri

And we were off.  Just like that it was time to get back at it again.  All of a sudden our week at home or for some the week sightseeing was a thing of the past and the only thing in the future was the beginning of the West Coast tour!

The first stop on the list of many was Kansas City, Missouri. 

Coming from different travel destinations some of us arrived a day before others.  For the majority that only left one day; our travel day, to really see anything before most of our time was spent at the arena. 

Of course everyone wanted to catch up and meet the new faces as usual and we were in the perfect place for that with numerous places to eat in the Kansas City Power and Light District.  Places like the Flying Saucer, Bar Louie, and the Pizza Bar just to name a few, were just down the street along with a space for outdoor concerts.  Luckily we were able to catch a few as we were leaving the building.  The first night featured the Eli Young Band and the next night was a classical rock band that played a variety of artists’ songs. 

When we weren’t enjoying the live music, it was time to celebrate a few birthdays that all seemed to occur within the week.  It was a nice way to mingle with everyone as well as enjoy the weather and catch up from the short break we just had. 

Its crazy to think that it hasn’t even been a year yet and we have already done over 500 shows!!

We can’t wait to see what the rest of this year brings! 

Here goes nothing!

Starting the first travel day of the season off with a nine-hour bus ride to Indiana! 

See you at the home of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway!