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Alyson Hilland
Lets bring it back to April 7th, 2017. It was a dark and stormy day. No, it actually was kind of nice outside, just being dramatic. I was over the moon excited because I was given the opportunity to work the Kesha Concert and the After-Show with Groove Boston at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). I wasn't the biggest Kesha fan at the time, but just the fact that I would be able to work a concert of a large magnitude thrilled me. I knew I had to show my skills. I remember Groove Boston had me come mid-afternoon because the equipment truck was still stuck in traffic. When the truck arrived, we all had to prepare a vast setup in minimal time. From setting up audio world with the Behringer X32 to making sure all wires were properly gaffed, we knew that the show was going to go on! After all gear was set up, the crew prepared for soundcheck. This was such an inspiring opportunity and made me realize how far I can get in life if I continue to pursue my passion and fuel my drive.
Then, the show begins. Probably the most animated show I have worked, but in a good way. Kesha, or at that time, Ke$ha, was so inspiring. She gave a mini motivational speech on stage about hitting rock bottom but coming back stronger than ever. At the time, the new album wasn't even existent yet. Kesha kept mentioning during her performance that she had so many songs written, she just wasn't at the right place to release the album yet. But she asked us all to trust her and wait. So what did I do? I waited.
Flash forward less than a year later and her new album was announced!!! A few months following, the album was released. To show my support, I bought the CD the first chance I was given. I listened to every song, everyday for about a month straight. The words, the message, the inspiration; it was all there in her lyrics. From then, I moved to Philly to jump start my life, got connected with the Recording Connection, and will be taking my Final Exam tomorrow. Crazy how time flies. All it takes is one person to remind another that its ok to try again.
Lets bring it forward to July 25th, 2018. Kesha and Macklemore were coming to the BB&T Pavilion in Camden, NJ for a concert!!!! Unfortunately, this time I didn't have the right connections to work the show and be behind-the-scenes, but I was still there. For the first time since I could remember, I actually attended a concert as a guest. Got the cheap lawn seats because I know wherever I sat, the show would be good. Then, it started torental downpouring. My best friend and I had three options. 1. We could leave and get dinner instead. 2. We could stay in the pouring rain and hope we didn't get anmoneia. 3. We could try to upgrade our seats. We ended up upgrading our seats to a much warmer section inside the pavilian. Luckily, we didn't miss the concert besides the opening artist while talking to guest relations. That concert reminded me of what a little spark of positivity does for everybody! Kesha & Macklemore had the audience on their feet the entire time. This is a show I would pay to see over and over again. But I would give anything to be backstage (even if it meant missing the show) to help the sound crew in audio world. If Kesha can follow her passion through thick and thin, SO CAN I!
