Plogs

Fanaticism

Yes, that is the face and logo of Brooks & Dunn that you are seeing on this custom painted truck. It belongs to Carrie, a fan club member from Seattle. It is important at this point to say that Carrie is not crazy. Upon seeing such a demonstration, many people make these sorts of broad statements. However, I know firsthand that she is quite a stable and competent woman—she just really likes Brooks & Dunn. She likes the music, what the guys stand for and has followed the group from the beginning. So, while it may seem odd to some how Carrie chooses to display her fanaticism, it’s no different than someone who loves baseball and has card collections, sacred jerseys, a room in their house designated as a shrine for their favorite players, even a tattoo of one. Carrie knows what she likes and she’s not a bit shy about it. I want to be that kind of fan and I want to earn that kind of fan. Like I said, she really has this truck, she really drives it and she’s really not crazy.

The Exception List

Have you ever wondered who the celebrities are at the award show after-parties? Obviously, we aren’t them! However, Evan, Sara, Kenny, Ashley (not shown) and I saw quite a few of them that evening. This was taken at last year’s CMA after-party at the Global Café on Broadway. And yes, I do have a few chunks of pink hair. What can I say? A girl gets bored. Since this particular gala was thrown by ABC conglomerates, there were all sorts of stars from television there. A couple members of the Desperate Housewives cast, as well as some from Grey’s Anatomy were in attendance. It’s funny, too, because inside the business you often see all kinds of stars and tend to become accustomed if not immune to it. However, I remember when Kate Walsh (the redheaded ex of McDreamy) walked in, the place started buzzing. And let me tell you first hand, she’s even hotter in person—just stunning. I’m certain she makes many exception lists. For those of you who are probably single and don’t have one of those, it’s the agreement between you and your significant other that if ever given the chance with anyone on your exception list you can take it. Usually the three crushes listed are famous people with whom you’re never really going to rendezvous, but nevertheless you list them. I think there was even a Friends episode on this very topic. And who knows? Maybe that was half the buzz when Kate entered the party: a whole bunch of guys getting out their lists…

I See London, I See France, I See Julie’s…

Underpants! Well, “nudies” to be exact. Not as cute or lacy as you were expecting? That’s kind of the idea behind this lovely pair of knickers. See, we have a portion of the stage we call the “T” that extends into the crowd allowing performers to further their interaction with the fans. The problem this poses for chick singers is the potential to accidentally give a little too much show to the audience members below. Often dressed in skirts and shorts, I’ve come to love my nudies. Rather than worrying about an unexpected gust of wind or Kix deliberately bumping me off balance (he thinks it’s funny…and it is…for everyone else), fans getting a peek at my hoo-hoo isn’t going to happen with these babies. Now if only Britney, Paris and Lindsay had a pair.

A Horse Race, Kenny Chesney and a 2-year Old

No, this is not the opening line of a joke. This stuff actually happens in my life. We were on the Chesney summer tour when the Kentucky Derby ran and so Kenny had a big theme party for everyone. We all wore crazy looking hats and this giant silver horse was in the center of the room covered in years worth of tour laminates. It just so happened that my brother brought my niece out for that show and she, of course, loved the horse. Kenny came over to say hey to her and all she could say was “Horsey!” He was a good sport about it, but I’m pretty sure Kenny isn’t used to not receiving attention from the ladies. Some of the girls on the management team even dressed up in full jockey uniforms—the fitted kind, too. Let me tell you: they were a huge hit! The party was a lot of fun and one of our crew guys had taken the long shot at 30:1 on the bet. He won. Needless to say, he bought drinks that night.

Fiddler and Friend

Meet Jimmy Stewart and Cosmo. Jimmy is an artist on Warner Brothers Records and Cosmo is a Jack Russell/Pomeranian mix. Prior to getting signed, Jimmy played fiddle for everyone from Alan Jackson to Rascal Flatts. He’s been with Brooks & Dunn since nearly the beginning, but Cosmo is a new addition. He comes with Jimmy to rehearsals, the studio, in-town gigs and rarely leaves his side. So, along with being a talented musician and singer, Jimmy is also quite the dog whisperer. I know you ladies are wondering and the answer is no—Jimmy is not married. He was actually part of the Nashville Hottest Singles list this year. Cosmo barely missed the cut, but if you see them out on the Row—don’t mention that: he’s sensitive.