From The DH Files....another Bucket List item checked!

"If I die young, bury me in Satin." And, if I die now,...I can say that I have crossed off a lot of Bucket List items....including The Band Perry. They have always intrigued me. I love their sound & look. To me...they are unique! So young & talented. Before they hit the charts, we played their music on WHATS NEW. (Occasionally, we'll play an international tune.) They immediately became one of my Bucket List items to see perform. Little did I know just how close to them I would get!!!!

Last summer, as the station celebrated 10 years, we gave away Route 93 Concert Trips to our listeners....one was a concert to see Tim McGraw, with openers Luke Bryan & The Band Perry. Ahhhhh, 3 Bucket List items in one shot. I was asked to go down by Limo with the winners, along with our Cruiser Guy, Allan Gibbons. Huge surprise of the night; Allan yelled out to Tim McGraw as he was walking by us (heading to the stage) and Tim actually turned around and shook our hands. Silent scream! OK - SLAP - back on track, Donna.... I left the concert content. It was such a fabulous night! And, I saw The Band Perry!!!

Not long after, word came that I would be going to the CCMAs in Hamilton. Another Bucket List item crossed off! I have to tell you...The Canadian Country Music Awards are something to take in...such a fabulous experience for industry members, artists and fans. I met so many of our great Canadian talent & the artists (whom a lot I consider friends) that have been on WHATS NEW. Seeing them shine as part of the Songwriters Cafe or at Fan Fest or actually winning an Award (like Hey Romeo) was such a thrill. After all, these artists are like my babies!

So, just before the New Artist Showcase: I'm out in the lobby chatting with indie artist Traci Kennedy & her husband (fabulous people, by the way)...when I get a tap on my shoulder. Traci has this expression of "OMG" on her face, and as I turn around it is none other than The Band Perry. Kimberley, Reid & Neil smiling at me. I break out into a Hot Flash sweat - GREAT....only me! Kimberley says, "Thank you for giving us so much support. We wanted to meet you." Are you [ Insert not so nice word starting with S.. ] me? Wanted to meet ME?! Incredible. You have no idea how I felt! All my hard work feels like it is finally being validated. I was shocked, stunned, in awe & immediately jumped right in between them for a photo shoot! NO WAY was I missing this opportunity. [ Insert smiley face x 1 million ]

This is why I help Indie Artist....to see you succeed and the gratification of helping others. After all, YOU could BE the next Band Perry, or Johnny Reid, or Terri Clark. This is also why I love my job! SMILE!!!!

Donna Henry, former Bathurst resident & CKBC Announcer, currently On Air for Country 93 - Mornings/Middays/Emerging Artist Coordinator in Owen Sound, ON.

Enjoy life....there are no re-runs!!!