4th

Happy birthday America! I had the privilege this year of riding on a replica Bingatti while representing the agency in the annual Stampede parade. Nothing like riding down 10th ave waving at 10,000 people! While we were in the staging area, I was able to meet and have a brief conversation with Senator Cory Gardner and gubernatorial candidate Walker Stapleton. Thanks for this opportunity Sue. 

Weldwerks

After the success of the first ever Weldwerks Invite, the brewery closed early last Sunday for a volunteer appreciation party. There was free food from a local food truck and the following list of beers on tap, all you could drink. Great night hanging out with friends, but I missed my buddy Scribbs. Cheers! 

The Guys

Here are a few more pictures from the meet and greet. It was a great night. Thanks again Wes for the ticket and for making the 800 mile round trip. 

Farewell

After individual performances from Mark and his new band and Mac and his new band, it was finally time for the last show ever from Third Day. And the guys killed it. They played a few songs from every album they released, starting from their self-titled debut in 1993 all the way through to Revival, which was released digitally this past year. Mac admitted about half way though that there will be a live DVD/cd release of the show later this year. And he only almost cried twice. It was a beautiful night with my favorite brother, worshiping with a band that has ment so much to both of us over the years. 

Backstage

After the Soundcheck Experience, we were usher backstage with about 30 other fans to a receiving room where we would spend the next hour or so mingling with other Third Day fans from around the country. We were able to have a nice dinner of street tacos with all the fixings. There were even several large bowls around the room of Third Day branded M&Ms. About the time Crowder went on stage, Mac and Mark walked in for pictures and autographs. Wes waited in line and I stepped out to see Crowder sing a few. He got a book signed. When I got back, I had Mac sign the messenger bag for Jen. We made our way back to our seats and it was showtime! 

Third Day

Wes and I have been following Third Day almost since the band first started in 1993. We think we have seen them 10-12 times over the years, mostly in Colorado, but a few time in South Dakota. So when they announced their farewell tour this summer, we knew we would hopefully have one last chance to see the band. And we weren’t disappointed. Third Day scheduled their final show, not at home in Atlanta, but in Denver at the iconic Red Rocks. Somehow, amazingly, Wes scored not just VIP tickets, but the SUPER VIP experience, which included early entry to the venue, the sound check before the show with the band, a meet and great, a swag bag, and seats in the first 6 rows. Let the adventure begin!! 

Once we got in, our seats were in the second row. We each got a poster, a messenger bag, and a shirt. Third Day played 4 songs, including “Love Song.” Wes was interviewed about what Third Day ment to him. I took pictures. Then it was time to use our backstage passes! 

Kids

Managed to get one picture of all the kids together while Noah was home. They are getting older, that’s for sure. Also, I’m not sure why I’m the only guy in the family without a beard. 

Ambassador

One of the many fun things I get to do with my job is being an Ambassador for the Greeley Chamber of Commerce. I get to attend ribbon cuttings for new businesses, work the check in table for Chamber events, and generally be a cheerleader for the Greeley community. This was the ribbon cutting for a local business yesterday. 

Darius

Better know as Hootie, from Hootie and the Blowfish fame in the 1990’s, stopped in Greeley last night to perform as Darius Rucker. I know none of his county hits that he has been performing for the last 10 years or so, but when he sang “Let Her Cry”, “Hold my Hand” and even a cover of “No Diggity”, the night became awesome. What joy to dance and sing along with an artist who’s music made up an important part of my high school years! Sorry the pictures aren’t better.