Lima Rotary Club gets a backstage look at concerts.
When you enjoy a concert, most people don't think about all the work it takes to put the artist on the stage. Nick Ebbing and Charlie Weidel produce the concerts at the Allen County Fair, and many other venues around the country, and they told us that planning starts months in advance. They typically have to make a number of offers to bands before they find a popular band in the fair's price range who is available during the fair. There is an extensive contract that has to be followed which includes the band and crew's stage and equipment requirements, lodging, food, and many other items which can be as detailed as the color of towels they want on stage, and the color of M&Ms they prefer. Every year the fair has to rent a stage, sound, lights, and even instruments. The crew gets an early start on concert day erecting the stage and setting up all the equipment, often during very hot, humid weather, and even rain. Then when the concert is over, the crew tears it all down and loads it into trucks so the band can perform somewhere else the next night. Nick and Charlie have a regular crew that helps them, and they use a number of temporary workers as stage hands. This year's concert is Koe Wetzel who is performing on August 22. The Lima Rotary Club is taking tickets for the concert. If you would like to volunteer, contact Anne Decker.
Also at Monday's meeting, the Rottery Committee presented the proceeds from our second quarter 50/50 drawings to the Scholarship Fund in the amount of $371. Tim Seilschott told us that the Social Committee is planning to have monthly socials this year, with many of them being family-friendly. And Jeff Unterbrink encouraged us to sign up for the Rex Perry Memorial Golf Outing which is being held on August 19 and benefits the Scholarship Fund. There are a few opportunities for hole sponsorships, and he is seeking some more door prizes. Contact Jeff if you would like more information.
