It’s Tuesday, March 30th and two full days have gone by since Birds on a Wire. We didn’t get to sleep until about 4:30AM on Sunday morning. There’s still a lot to do before Birds on a Wire 2010 is officially behind us, but before the memories get too foggy, I wanted to thank a few people. This festival was put together with too little time and money and a lot of people were asked to give a lot more than was reasonable and we know that there’s no way this thing could’ve happened without so many people going out of their way to help.
First off, I have to thank my lovely wife, Bethany. One of the coolest things about this festival for me has been how much more in love with her I’ve fallen because we’ve had the chance to work side by side together. Honestly, the festival would have been a disaster without her and if you had any fun at the festival, you should be sure to thank her!
Moving on – David Dalbey. David’s the most talented designer I know and the fact that he’s got a work ethic to match made working with him a pure joy. Thank you David (and Leesh!) for the dozens of late nights tweaking posters and ads for me – and for never complaining. There’s no way I would have asked so much from any other designer, but you always were able to pull through & I always had 100% confidence that I could trust everything you produced would be beautiful.
I’d also like to thank Mike Yates for believing in this idea and getting important people behind it. You’ve always taken Stereopathic seriously and that means a whole lot to us.
Travis – this festival couldn’t have happened without you – literally. Thank you, not just for backing this festival financially, but for your encouragement throughout. A lot of folks say family and business should never mix, but you were great!
The Volunteers – there were so many and you were so awesome! If we had the money, we’d buy you each a car.
David Hoos – for keeping the crazy ideas coming and always being ready and willing to help in whatever way was needed.
Robbie – for making us a beautiful website (almost overnight!) and then putting up with the 10,000 updates and tweaks we threw at you.
Brendan – for being a filter and a cheerleader from the very beginning. This fest had your stink all over it and we like it that way.
Bart – you’ve really stepped up your game for this festival and we noticed. You guys couldn’t have done a better job on sound!
Chelan Lippencott & Evan Reyes & the KZUU kids – for going way above and beyond the call of duty to help us get this thing off the ground. We don’t deserve the kind of support you guys have always cheerfully volunteered to give us.
Shawn O’Neil – for your encouragement and support – it really meant a lot to us.
Austin & Laura Storm – for getting on board right away and pushing those tickets!
Vic Hudak – for all of the help – with tickets, sound gear, and moral support.
Kenna Eaton – for being the first to jump on board as a sponsor.
Nate Wolffe – we don’t deserve friends like this! I don’t know how much you spent on ice (or tickets or travel to Pullman from PDX), but you’ve treasured up rewards in heaven brother!
Ted Powers – for pulling through in the clutch as our one-man street team!
Jon Tollefson - for your eagerness to pitch in wherever needed.
Drew – for your steady encouragement and support and for striking fear into the hearts of our enemies with your big muscles.
Josh Stervenson – for being someone I always knew would just be positive and encouraging about whatever new hair-brained idea or bit of news I shared with you. It’s nice to have nice friends like you.
Suzanga – just another one of the amazing friends we don’t deserve. Thanks for being one of the first to buy a ticket and then for being one of the first to volunteer your help and then for kicking butt left and right. You’re awesome!
EMSI – for letting me take the week off and for keeping food on my family’s table and a roof over our heads. You’ve got to be the most awesome employer in the Palouse.
The Johnsons – for taking the plunge into the unknown with us.
Leah Sottile – for your enthusiasm – we never would’ve imagined you’d support us the way you did. Your articles were beautifully written and they were so fun to read! We’re not accustomed to that kind of quality coverage!
Jennifer Bauer – for helping us get the word out!
Josh Loveseth – for being a believer from the get go & helping us get the word out.
Nathan Alford – for supporting the festival.
Alan Solan – for all of the great coverage.
John Saltarella and all the lovely people at Inland NW Broadcasting – you guys were HUGE and we really appreciate it. We look forward to working a lot more with you all.
Som Jordan – thanks bro – we’re looking forward to collaborating with you more very soon!
Steve Lowe – for taking on security for this crazy festival last minute & doing a great job. Especially, for bouncing that drunk/wigged out girl in the green room – that was pretty pimp!
Andrew Colvin – for believing in this fest and taking the leap of faith with us on JTE.
Seth Fein – for always being ready and willing to help us figure this thing out.
Zale – for the great suggestions, encouragement, and promo on the Pickathon blog.
Eric Gilbert – for always being an enthusiastic cheerleader.
Will Thompson – for your excitement from the start and for picking up those t-shirts and for busting your tail for us wherever needed at the festival!
Aaron Bradetich – for pulling through last minute with some beautiful banners & brochures.
Charlene Jasper – for the coffee and support!
Paul Kimmel – for getting behind us early on.
Trevor Bice – for the last minute lamination and for the good deal!
Tiffany, Sean, and the rest of BDB – for giving Joe a ride and for the super sweet card!
Barton Carroll – for coming out last minute even though the budget was maxed out – you’re awesome & we were honored.
Grace Sullivan & Aaron Stevens – I know you guys did a ton to promote the fest and it really meant a lot to us. Thank you! You guys were amazing!
And of course, to all of the artists – you all were so amazing and such wonderful people. It’s always a pleasant surprise to meet nice, humble musicians and almost all of the BOAW 2010 line-up fit that profile. We hope we can have you out to the Palouse again soon!
I’d also like to throw out a blanket “thank you” to my friends and family who were all so supportive and encouraging throughout – even though I’m sure most of them thought I was crazy.
There are only about 2,000 more people that I feel I owe a “thank you” to. You know who you are (and we do too!). Thank you for coming along side us and investing in our community. Let’s keep making history together and transform the Palouse into a rocking music scene!
Thank you!
