Real South Africa Stuff

So yesterday….

Sound check, school show at the venue. Both went well. The day started so early, everyone thought they’d be exhausted zombies for sound check, but instead, they were bouncing off the walls! Kyle turned on the Lion King sound track and they started jumping off the walls. So fun to see that much energy in them though. Micing them was a hoot because Dora still had tape on her neck from the show before. Haha.

We had a long break between shows, but no vehicle, so we hung out at the venue. Kyle was in love with the EAW stacks in the house so we were there playing music just to listen to how good it sounded. Queen. I finished my book and got some work done. Sarah did as well, reading and whatnot, and Sharye was with us. Kyle called his dad online and piped it through the PA, which we all made fun of him for, but we like talking to his dad.

Then there was a night show. Both went really well and the crew was great. Strike was probably the fastest we’ve ever done it! We were trucking. Afterwards, Kyle and I were up far too late on the phone trying to figure some things out.

Today, another way too early day. We loaded in in the rain, into a high school. I was stoked that there were high school students there, but Sarah said I was not allowed to play with them. Hurried load in and good school show. There was not really anything I needed to do, so I got to watch the show and be backstage for some of it and take pictures. There’s a line where Robert says “Now, let’s take you to South Africa!” Then he comes in later and says “Members of the Zulu tribe are very proud of their heritage. They dress in animal skins…” or something like that. Today he said “This is really South African stuff!” Oops.

Between shows, we had lunch and played with the kids (ours, not the big ones). They were crazy! Stella was teaching me new words in Luganda; Rita was singing for me; Martie was running around with my camera; we played tag. I also got a bit of work done. Second show went well too. Great response from the audience!

We loaded out and bid farewell to our wonderful crew, then hit the road. A few days ago, our can of paint spilled in the truck and is all over the lift gate, so Kyle is driving around in his sexy pink truck. Dinner at Famous Dave’s was great, yum… barbeque. 4ish hours of driving, and we find ourselves in one of the final hotels, for 3 nights even.

As tour comes to a close and we are transitioning in so many ways, I’ve been trying to reflect back over the last few months and what I’ve learned and experienced. We’re now down 4 team members- Bev, Garry, Rachel, and Ryan, and we’re up John. The crew dynamic has shifted dramatically through it all.

So many times I’ve felt like the “other Auntie.” I’m not with the kids much at all; I don’t know them as well as I wish I could, and in reality, I’m not sure how I could’ve done it differently. But they day I did not mic the kids, I felt missed, especially with the comments made and inquiries about why I did not do it. And today, I was backstage during the second show, and I was dancing like a mazungu and singing, and Elijah looked at me with his huge smile, “Auntie, you always make me laugh!” Maybe I’m around more than I think.

I’ve learned so much about designing, the industry, live shows, troubleshooting (boy, have I!) New techniques I’m excited to try, DMX protocol, programming—I think I added 5 new desks to my resume. Kyle’s taught me a ton about sound as well, which is always fun. I’ve learned Keynote, more drafting, become more Mac proficient. I’ve read more in these three months than probably in the rest of my life combined. And I’ve learned how much it makes a difference to get up and love your job, and how that attitude can shape your day.

My lift until recently has pretty well only been in Spokane, and I know the ropes there. A week or so before I left for tour, God reminded me that He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and He added one more to the list… and everywhere. And He has proven more than faithful, even or especially in the difficult times.

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