“The Way I See it”- Rock Stars are People Too.

by Lora Bong

I have a confession. I have always been Star Struck when it comes to musicians–not actors or other entertainers, just musicians. So, thanks to a certain epiphany I’ve been hit with lately, my world has started spinning a little backwards. Are you ready for the revelation of my earth-shattering discovery? “Rock Stars” are people, too. Shocking, I know right?!? This realization for me is comparable to when you were a young kid and you see your favorite teacher at Target buying toilet paper. Your reality spins as this worshipped adult falls off that 20-foot tall pedestal with the plush, purple velvet cushion on which you had them carefully perched.

I had the pleasure of volunteering at the Higher Ground Music Festival – ever heard of it?  If you haven’t, shame on you! It was an incredible experience of sensory popping pleasure…. non-stop music played by extremely talented local bands, breath-taking scenery in Central City, mouth-watering smells from delicious local food vendors, and people watching of epic variety (including a life-size silver dancing cardboard robot). I do realize that I left out the sense of touch, but I thought I shouldn’t go there in order to save the faint of heart.

I was stationed at the Registration Tent. My duty was to welcome the arrivals, collect tickets, and place the wristbands on each guest. Ah, the all-important wristband, the thin piece of heavenly plastic that allows your entry into total bliss. My registration gig also included checking in the band members and their entourage. It was here in which my epiphany emerged. While chatting with these musically talented geniuses, I came to realize they are delightfully real people. On stage performing, they are bigger than life, dripping with character, and commanding our eyes to not stray from their act. And while back on the ground, they are by no means “Average Joes,” but they are, in the most part, passionate, beautifully talented, and kind human beings. And I, for one, am very glad that I had the chance to meet the “real” them.

Tags: lora bong, higher ground music festival, central city, star struck

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