It was two days and four SOLD OUT shows..Black Hawk, CO. ROCKED! Originally I was going to be Gunnar's PA on Friday (3/17) but I got switched to Thursday (3/16) which was actually great because this way I would be able to watch the soundcheck, it never really dawned on me that they may not need to do a shoundcheck on Friday simply because everything would have already been set up from the day before. So, I was very excited to have made the change. I met up with Tracy, the other PA, outside of The Flamingo Bay Ballroom. Soon Tami came out and after the introductions she took us into the Ballroom, then she went to get Matthew and Gunnar. That was an interesting wait, lots of anticipation! I must admit that when they walked into the ballroom it actually took me a couple of minutes to figure out which one was which. Usually I have no problem with that..but now I felt as if I was seeing double! However, once I knew who was who I didn't have that problem again. Tami introduced me to the guys, they were very polite and shook my hand. Tracy, who had gone out to get another camera from her car, came back in and was also introduced to the guys. Watching the soundcheck was like an education in itself, real interesting stuff. 

One of the highlights of the soundcheck (and there were a few!) was when they did an awesome version of "Peaceful Easy Feeling" by The Eagles. And at one point Gunnar gave Dog Boy a break and played the drums himself for a few minutes and quite enthusiastically I might add! Tami had him sign the sticks he used and then she gave them to us..a very pleasant surprise!! All during the soundcheck Tracy and I were writing down songs for them to do during their set. Matthew sat down and went over them with us, taking our suggestions into consideration. (that was very cool) 

Tami had us put towels and water on the stage for the band..well, Tracy put out the towels and water, I taped the set lists down by the mic stands and one by the drum kit..that was kinda fun! The concert was awesome, lots of energy. It was really a great crowd too lots of true Ricky fans, everyone was singing with all of the songs. When Matthew was telling the "Garden Party" story the audience literally 'gasped' when he said how Rick and band were boo'd off of the stage. And by the way an interesting bit of trivia, most of the members of the Stone Canyon Band were from Colorado! And also must note..Dog Boy may be full of antics, but as a drummer..WOW! And Cary Park (hope I spelled that right) is a jaw dropping guitarist.

Matthew and Gunnar didn't do the meet and greet after the first show, it was scheduled to happen after the second show..which actually makes sense. So in-between sets we had some down time and Tami took us up into the hotel and into a kind of meeting room where Matthew, Gunnar, Dog Boy and Cary were. Gunnar invited us to eat whatever we wanted. They were being very accommodating! 

After a bit, Tami took us back down to the Ballroom, wile we were riding in the elevator she said 'aren't they down to earth?'  We agreed, they really do know how to make you feel comfortable. Tami took us back to the Ballroom and had us put fresh bottles of water and towels on the stage and then she made sure that we had front row seats. The second show was as awesome as the first, they stayed pretty true to the set list, maybe altering it a little here and there and I'll tell ya it was very hard getting through "Just Once More" with out feeling a little teary. 

After the show, Tami told us to go backstage to escort the guys out to the meet and greet..we waited and waited and then someone came in and got US because Matthew and Gunnar were already out there! Okay yea, that was a little funny! We ended up hanging out behind Matthew ( when Matthew saw me he goes..'I know you') and Gunnar and just watched them interact with the fans, that was very cool. They truly made alot of people happy that night. I was glad to be a witness to that. 

After the meet and greet Tami took pictures of Tracy and me with the guys, and then that was pretty much it..and I can promise you that this was far more fun than it was work!

Thank you to Matthew and Gunnar for an awesome experience, and much thanks to Tami for getting the guys where they need to go!