Holy S#@!...what the F&%$ do I do now?

One of the craziest things that has ever happened to me on camera occurred during the Mountain Country Music Festival. It was the night I videoed Carrie Underwood and Gretchen Wilson. Carrie Underwood’s performance went off without a hitch. After our 20 to 30 minute break, I had just gotten back on the Front of House camera for Gretchen Wilson when I heard Bill yelling about an open microphone over the intercom. This sort of thing happens all the time, so I double checked to make sure everything at my end was off and taken care of. But the yelling did not stop. To put this in perspective when a microphone is open on the end of the camera it is extremely loud on every other end. It can be tremendously painful, depending on what is going on at that given time.

As Bill continued to shout over the noise coming through the open mic, I once again double-checked everything I had, including my mouthpiece. When I brought it closer to my face, I discovered that it was my microphone that was open. Though all the buttons said it was off, a definite malfunction in the camera, my mic was in fact on. Here is where the apprehension, and much needed quick thinking came in. I had to do something, there is no way we would have a successful show if that mic remained open and would be killing the ears of everyone else. So I just took the initiative and ripped my connector out of the camera and swung it around my neck. I would now be doing the entire Gretchen Wilson performance without any guidance from my director.

If you read Bill and Cory’s blogs, in them, they discussed how we were growing as a team and how at points it was like we were reading each other’s minds across the stage. There has never been a truer statement, especially on the night of Gretchen Wilson’s show. Having lost my com completely I had to rely on my own instinct and I had to also work with my team and play to their styles, while simultaneously guessing what my director wanted. Being in my position, I knew what my job and responsibilities were. Now, to be completely honest, I was pumped and anxious all at the same time. The show went on and we all acted as one. Our moves transitioned into one another’s like they were destined to be there. It to me, was one of our best shows.

When it was over, I did not regret a single move. Knowing and understanding the team so well, I knew that we had close to a flawless show, if not completely flawless. I have to thank Bill, Cory, Will, and Aaron for all their hard work during that time. They are truly my “A-Team” and without them, we could not have done such a great job. Thanks a lot, and I love you guys!

--Katie...see you all at Rockfest!!!