Sue Finestead On Friday, February 3, I had the opportunity to be Matthew’s personal assistant for the Surf Ballroom show in Clear Lake, IA.  The day began with a 3 p.m. departure from the hotel to the venue for soundcheck.  While Matthew, Gunnar, and Cary Park went through soundcheck, Tami, Michelle (Gunnar’s PA), and I checked out this historic venue and made arrangements to have the merchandise table relocated to a more visible location.  Once that was accomplished, we settled in to watch soundcheck and take photos.  Shortly before the doors were scheduled to open, we caught a ride back to the hotel to change and get ready for the show.   In no time at all, it was back to the venue to help Tami get the merchandise table in order and start selling CDs, DVDs, and photos.  I performed a wide variety of duties from getting the setlist copied to making sure the backstage room the guys were using was secure to working with Michelle to make sure the stage was ready to taking guitars and equipment on and off the stage.  Once the show began, I spent part of the time watching from a barricaded section up front and also helping Tami at the merchandise table.  The guys played to an extremely enthusiastic crowd of approximately 1,800 people.  As with every NELSON show, the meet and greet line was very long with everyone anxious to get items autographed and have photos taken with Matthew and Gunnar.  It was an extremely late night but well worth the sleep deprivation to get the chance to help.  Many thanks to Tami, Matthew, and Gunnar for providing such a great opportunity!