We arrived in Stowe a few days before our show (thank you David) to enjoy the resort and the surroundings. We took advantage of the slopes (well, at least the guys did) while Cindy and I enjoyed the spa. Keith and I took in the James Taylor concert; and me and Cindy took advantage of the snow and went on a sleigh ride over the river and through the woods. She was like a snow princess! Later that night, we also watched the fireworks over the mountain – very cool!
SPRUCE PEAK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
We had the great privilege of being a part of the grand opening week of events at the new Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center in beautiful Stowe, VT.
The week of opening acts included: An Evening with Ben Vereen; the Brooklyn Rundfunk Orkestrata; Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul; Sara Watkins (Nickel Creek); An Evening with James Taylor; and Spencers Theatre of Illusion.
The week of New Year’s is one of the busiest in the resort. We had to leave the truck down the mountain about a mile because there would be no room for cars to park, etc. The day of the show, I brought the truck up the mountain early, like 7:45am. The crew all showed up around 8am and started clearing the stage in preparation for load in. Once that was all done and Keith went through the safety/non-disclosure speech with everyone, they opened the trailer and started bringing things in.
The rest of the day moved along very well. The crew here, under the direction of Tom Rowell, was outstanding. They were attentive, hard-working, and ready to do whatever needed to be done to get the show up. I can’t say enough good things about these guys.
Ticket sales had been very strong before we even arrived in Stowe. And by show time we were sold out – over sold actually. Doors opened, people came in, and then ushers started bringing in the chairs to set up extra seating. And the audience was there to have a good time! They were fun, energetic, enthusiastic, and very responsive. David, the executive director, even did a little fire eating for us!
Our time in Stowe, VT was awesome. And it looks like we’ll be going back in May for a residency and two more performances for the residents of Stowe. I’m already looking forward to it!