BET Hip Hop Awards Trip--Part 1

Last weekend, I met my little sister, Rochelle in ATL for the 1st Annual BET Hip Hop Awards. Let me tell you, it was a weekend to remember. Rochelle and I were certain that this was our first trip to Atlanta, but my dad reminded me that we used to go to Atlanta frequently when we were little. It is funny what you forget about your young childhood.

We arrived on Thursday night just in time for dinner at our hotel, the Marriott Marquis (which if you have ever been there you know that the Marquis is one of the most dizzying hotels ever). I was pumped to see my little sister. Rochelle lives in Nashville where she is attending Meharry Medical College. She is quite studious and so I don’t see my girl as much as I used to. I was thrilled to have Rochelle as my date for the event. The next day Rochelle and I went driving around the city. Atlanta is beautiful. Rochelle is the official driver in the family which works out well with me because I hate driving. So Rochelle took the wheel and we met up with my dear friend from college and beyond, Chris.
Chris took us to an excellent restaurant owned by the Buckhead Life Group (I remember that because Chris said the name repeatedly). We caught up with Chris before we headed to the malls; there are literally two awesome malls across the street from each other, for a little shopping.

When it was time to head home, we spotted a Rochelle favorite, Panera Bread, and encountered an employee whose sole source of entertainment was tricking us. He kept leading us to believe that our order was wrong only to find out he was messing with us. After engaging the employee in his game, we headed home and got ready for the Interscope Records party at The Verve, a new downtown club. Knowing that we had two more days of events, Rochelle and I paced ourselves and went home relatively early. More on my Atlanta trip to come . . .
- RXW

Bobby Bones & Blue October

So last week I had the great pleasure of attending the Bobby Bones Show 77th Anniversary Bash. Bobby Bones is my favorite morning radio show (you can listen on KISSFM in Austin).

The Bash featured Blue October. Now I will be the first to admit I knew I liked their song but I couldn’t remember which song they sang. I mean there are a lot of new bands on the scene i.e., Snow Patrol, and The Fray, Blue October, Hinder—I can’t keep them all straight! Nonetheless I was excited to see them perform and get to the bottom of this.

Never one to be unprepared, I got on MySpace and figured out that Blue October sings, Hate Me. I love Hate Me—it is the ultimate love song of thanks. And the violin is so beautiful amidst the tragic song.

I went to the Bash with Sarah (from the Baylor/UT game) and met up with Daniel and Deanna.
I will admit that I didn’t know what to expect. I wasn’t sure if it was going to be a huge party or an intimate gathering. I am happy to report that it was an intimate gathering of the show’s friends and family. We mingled, laughed, and when it came town listened to Blue October.

I walked in as a fan of Hate Me, and walked out a fan of Blue October. They were excellent live. I mean excellent. The lead singer’s voice was better than it is on the radio. And my beloved violin was there front and center. I loved Hate Me and actually loved another song they sang even more.

The Bash was fun from beginning to end, and I am glad I was able to celebrate with my favorite morning show: The Bobby Bones Show.


Thank you Bobby, Lunchbox, Sara, Amy, and Intern Carlos, for waking me up in the morning.

-RXW

Jazzercise for the Cure -- The Results

I could not make it through Breast Cancer Awareness Month without doing my part for the cure! About six weeks ago, Jazzercise Inc. District Manager, Judy Carson, Donna Gore-Frieburger, Jeri Saper, Terri Bartlett, and I began talking about organizing a Jazzercise event benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Our group along with Judith Gann soon turned into a committee organizing Austin’s Jazzercise For the Cure.

Sometimes events were meant to happen--Jazzercise for the Cure is one of those events. Everything came together and the event raised money for the fight against breast cancer, while creating as sense of community among the Jazzercisers of SWTX and the generous sponsors and vendors. I sincerely could not have asked for more. This event was bigger than my desire to do something for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here are the highlights:

We spent only four weeks completing tasks including, setting the class schedule, coordinating instructors, aligning advertising, acquiring sponsors, selecting vendors, and encouraging participants.
In the end, 350 women and a handful of men gathered at the Hyatt Austin at Town Lake and raised over $50,000 for the fight against breast cancer.

I have to give a “shout out” to my co-emcee and Jazzercise Inc. Vice President of International and Corporate Events Kenny Harvey.
It is known that where Kenny goes, laughter will follow. Kenny is on top of his game and has fun doing it. I loved emceeing with Kenny, and definitely learned some tricks of the trade backstage.

I taught the first routine of the event. I have to say that before I got on stage to start the festivities with Kenny, the crowd seemed sparse.
But by the time I started the first stretch in the first routine the room was packed and the energy level was through the roof. For the next three hours, we danced to the music of Christina Aguilera, Natasha Bedingfield, Keith Urban, and more.

During one of the intermissions the Junior Jazzercisers of Austin performed and adorable routine to Peanut Butter and Jelly Time – they were so cute and had more rhythm than I could muster in my tweens.


I have to give a special thanks to the Founder and CEO of Jazzercise, Judi Sheppard Missett who generously taught our finale class. We were delighted when Judi agreed to attend our event.
Not only did she teach a power packed, fun-filled class, but she also was supported the local instructors by watching the two classes prior, and did a meet and greet with the participants. When you meet Judi and take one of her classes, you know why Jazzercise has such longevity and just completed its’ most successful year ever.


The success of this event would not have been possible without our sponsors: Hyatt Regency Austin on Town Lake, Persidea, The Waters, Armadillo Clay & Supplies, Anna Maria’s Boutique, and Premier Atelier.

I can’t wait until Jazzercise for the Cure 2007!
- RXW