Blake Shelton

Oh my I can see where two lines out in front of the Wildhorse that time of day could be not so much fun, we never had to worry about that at 6 a/m, lol but then again it is CMA FEST and those kind of lines are everywhere, certainly those lines in that weather are not for the faint at heart! It actually does look like their is only some minor tweaking to be done to meet everyone's needs, Blake's and the BS'ers!

Carol I don't mean for it to sound like the whole party was chaos.

Outside, was. I don't pass out. I have done it twice, and it was from massive blood loss. I was getting woozie out front and willed it not to come- imagine the stories my friends would have come back with had I landed a faceplant on Brenda Shelton who was next to me in her wheelchair. Good GOD! lmao!

Once we got inside it was all good, I had the time of my life & it will never be duplicated. I look through my videos & everyones pictures and I still can't BELIEVE that I was FREAKIN THERE! I love my "benefactor" as Ally calls it, I call them my Secret Santa. :) love them big, and forever!

God willing & if the creek don't rise, I am there again in June.

And I am chuckling with you on the temperament of BSers doing crowd control. hang on took me a sec to finish the laughing.
========================================================================
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUb-Cgjfq-M

I did not go last year, as I have said, but I have NEVER thought that any of Blake's parties were a mess or chaotic or anything like that. My friends and I and even my husband ALWAYS say how Blake's parties were ALWAYS the most organized and well planned of all the parties we have ever went to. Of course, when you have lines outside a place, it can get crazy. It's hot or rainy or whatever and people stand there for hours and they get tired. You stand there forever then when it's time for the doors to open... so and so lets others who just come up get in line with them and go in, well, then people get mad about that. Like I said before, there is NO WAY the party planners are going to please everybody so don't even try. They can only do what they think is best at the time. Like Carol said, they take what didn't work one year and try and make it better the next year. That's all they can do. I, for one, have always thought Carol and the others that do Blake's party, have always done a fabulous job. Y'all wouldn't believe some of the other things that happen sometimes at other parties. Blake's has always been well planned, organized and FAIR, in my opinion.

Let me clear something up; the Wildhorse didn't oppose the ropes....Blake did. He wanted everyone to be able to get up there if they wanted.
Again, the plan was to let the VIPs have a chance to get up close at the beginning of the party....which they could not have since they were in
a M&G when the rest came in.....and then allow others to come up there too. But, they staked their spot and held it. I can't blame them; I probably
would have done the same, but the whole rope and VIPs idea did not work. Volunteers that are BS fan club members to monitor everyone; yeah, you guys keep your cool really well.....LOL.....I'm chuckling at the thought. Think about it. :) Actually, the Wildhorse does a great job of crowd control; we have never been anything but happy with them. And, this entire thread makes it sound like last year was a big mess; it really wasn't. All went pretty well and what didn't will change. Letting fan club members in first is a good idea....will check on that.
------------------------------------------------------------

THAT would be hilarious!

I don't think I would be a good volunteer. I have low tolerance for BS & I don't mean Blake.
========================================================================
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUb-Cgjfq-M

CORRECTION:
"Moron's Head Dip Shit"

Claire BLAKE SLEEPS WITH MY QUILT
CAN'T WAIT FOR MY NEXT BLAKE ENCOUNTER

Haaaaaaaaaaaaa :)

[quote=geauxlsu]Of course, I would be right up there to volunteer also

Claire BLAKE SLEEPS WITH MY QUILT
CAN'T WAIT FOR MY NEXT BLAKE ENCOUNTER[/quote]
________________________________________________________________________________
Claire I can see it now...you're shirt saying "Head Dip Shit" ;)

Of course, I would be right up there to volunteer also

Claire BLAKE SLEEPS WITH MY QUILT
CAN'T WAIT FOR MY NEXT BLAKE ENCOUNTER

You are very welcome, Vickers :) I would volunteer, no problem.

[quote=Provie989]fan club volunteers for the party. [/quote]

This is a GREAT idea. So much good input on this. Thanks Lisa for getting it started, and Carol for listening!

That is a great idea

Claire BLAKE SLEEPS WITH MY QUILT
CAN'T WAIT FOR MY NEXT BLAKE ENCOUNTER

This is just a thought. I have never been to a fan club party before so I have never had the experience but if there is trouble controlling situations and lines, perhaps, whoever organizes this can ask for some fan club volunteers for the party. Yes, they might miss his whole performance but at the same time, it might make them feel part of the whole Blake Shelton organization and the empire he is trying to build. For example, since it was soo confusing outside regarding the lines at last year's event, have some Wildhorse staff available as well as Blake Shelton fan club volunteers to do crowd control. Of course, the wildhorse staff and the blakeshelton volunteers would have to sign a liability waiver but I think most people would do it. In return for their efforts, they could get a "I helped Blake Shelton with his BS" t-shirt and it could say Fan Club Party Volunteer 2010 on the back that way it would distinguish them from the regular crowd. The shirt would probably have to be neon green or pink to make it stand out but it's just a thought. These volunteers could be plugged into the actual party itself as well. I think it might be a good idea for Mr. Shelton himself to post a video of thanks on his website for the volunteers as well.

I agree that BSers (FC members) should have preference. If you can't take the time or $20 to join, then that's not the rest of our fault.

Pearl- there were 2 lines outside, but not really- it was a MESS. I don't think there is a way to keep 2 nicely formed lines- the sidewalk was a clogged artery of irate BSers, with passersby having to try to get through us all without going in the street & being hit.

Chairs for seating at the party will mean only half of us fitting in there, that could. Plus most of us are happy to finally get to a Blake "show" where someone isn't yelling at us to [b]SIT DOWN![/b]

I figured with us being brought through the Wildhorse and up the stairs, that the same liability would occur if we entered through the back door.
(*Note from Carol: Back door is even funkier than the route you took...LOL)

I am confident that with all the suggestions, and prior knowledge of what worked, that Patti & Carol will come up with a feasible solution.

========================================================================
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUb-Cgjfq-M

[quote=Sandra4265]I so agree![/quote]I was agreeing with ozarkgirl!

Most of us are in agreement that it should be a fan club party and we love the idea of having Blake put on a concert with his band. I think we would also all hate the idea of not having a meet and greet with Blake. I do think most of us will be happy with whatever those in charge plan for us. We realize it is a very hard job to do. I do and would be happy with whatever they do. I hated that I could not go last year. That's why I am so excited about this year. I can't wait to hear what it will be and for the tickets to go on sale.

I don't think that is the point. I think everyone agrees that last year the party was awesome. The fact is that most people think that it is a fan club party first for the fans that support Blake and want a little special something. I so enjoyed having the band there to enjoy in the festivities also. I am sure something will be worked out.

Claire BLAKE SLEEPS WITH MY QUILT
CAN'T WAIT FOR MY NEXT BLAKE ENCOUNTER

Like I said before last year was my first year. I went to 2 other fanclub parties besides Blakes. One of them was a breakfast party. The other was lunch. Both of the other parties were limited as to numbers, the lunch one more than the breakfast. Blake's was the sole reason I came to Nashville. He gave us one heck of a show. It was not just a Blake concert but his interaction with the guests that he had chosen to perform was priceless. There was just something about the fact that the show was in Nashville, lasting until the wee hours of the morning that made it inviting. Blake did not disappoint! I enjoyed the full long concert and think Blake put a lot of thought in to how to make it enjoyable for his fans. I am looking forward to this year!!!!!

I agree it is a fan club party & should be special for fan club members. There are not enough chairs for numbered seats. Before last year there were tables set througout the place.

Claire BLAKE SLEEPS WITH MY QUILT
CAN'T WAIT FOR MY NEXT BLAKE ENCOUNTER

Last year was my first year, so I am not familiar with years past. LOVE the concert, but I do agree, it's a FAN club party and that's who should be in attendance. I like the idea of a reception type thing first, then the concert. If M&G are done away with (a shame) then there should be something special for the fans.
~~~~~~~~~~

I know, but there COULD be seats, if they decided to do the numbered seats. That's what I mean.

Sandra sweetie, there are just a few chairs, not really seats. It is standing by the stage and the VIP area was roped off.

I so agree!

This will also help members not to lose their seats when they get up to go to the bathroom, buy items at the merchandise table or when they want to linger around a bit. If we have to rush in and find our spot, we then could possibly lose it if we don't stay in it the whole time or we have to have someone keep it for us. This is hard for people to do sometimes, especially as the room fills up. It is very unfair for us to arrive hours early and stand in line to have the chance to get a great spot up front only to lose it the minute we leave it for some reason. How many of us stay in our seat or spot we have picked the whole time anyway?

[b]Lori Wrote: I hadn't been to a fan club party before. I went to Joe Nichols' that afternoon. It was awesome. I loved the intimate setting. I went to Blake's that night. It was an awesome concert with wonderful guests. Blake's band really had to have worked their hineys off to learn all those songs. I definitely think a combination of the two would be the perfect solution. You get the best of both worlds.[/b]

[i]Great idea Lori![/i] [i]And I love your idea about Bsers first with just Blake, even better would be the ideo of no one who is not a fan club be allowed to come at all. After all it is a "fan club party"![/i]

Ann

Another idea I think is good is to sell numbered tickets, sold in the order they are bought. You could have assigned seats that correspond with the numbered tickets. That way, the ones that get the early tickets have the best seats and it goes from there. This will also alleviate the problem of people having to arrive so early and try rushing in to get the good seats and also the long lines outside the venue. If my friend and I get tickets 10 and 11, we know where we are sitting and we don't have to get there two hours early and stand in line, outside in the hot heat or rain. If there is a M&G, we could all also line up in the order of our tickets. This seems fair to me. Just a thought!

OK. I didn't go last year. It just shows you can do a party without food. Thanks!

There was no food last year.
------------------------------------------------------------

Another thought I have is to do away with the food. I don't necessarily have to have food at a FC party. I can eat before or after. I would rather have a party with a M&G with Blake and a concert than food!

I agree with you, Jessica. I like the full concert too, but it could be a 40 or 45 minute show because of the time. It doesn't have to be two hours. That's my opinion.

I personally am more for the [b]full-band[/b] stuff. Acoustic is good, but only if it's not ALWAYS like that. I love Miranda's parties, but they've been acoustic, short 3-4 song sets for the past 3 years and I think it would be really awesome if they did it different this year. Depending on the artist's time frame, of course (which is why I think they do the short acoustic sets at Ran's).

And, I agree, just for FC members I think is best. :)
---
Jessica

I always thought that Blake's parties ran more smoothly than any others I have been to. I wasn't able to go last year so I don't know what that was like. I did think the way they always did the breakfast party was great. M&Gs were first while others ate then Blake coming out for the talking, joking and singing. I loved that. I admit the concert idea is great though. I do think that fan club parties should be just that... FAN CLUB parties, with only fan club members. That's the whole point of it, not just for everyone. This is a time for the fan club members to spend a fun time with Blake and other members. Other people that are not FC members can go to a concert or join the fan club so they will be members. I have joined my husband in the few fan clubs I belong to just so he can go with me. Also, my friend and I have joined the fan clubs of each other's favorites so we can go together. We were both Billy Ray fans and were in his FC. She loves Trace like I love Blake so I joined Trace's FC and she joined Blake's FC. We both like Darryl Worley so we both joined his. That way, we are members of the ones we really like and can go to the parties together. I love going to the CMA Fest, but the parties are what I love the most. That's what's fun and personal, at least the way they used to be. Having no M&G would be awful. That's one of the things we look forward to. The parties we have attended in the past, of the different artists, are all different. I always thought Blake's was the best!! No fan club is going to please everybody so they don't even need to try. It won't happen. I know Trace's only sells a limited number of tickets. First ones online that buy a ticket, get a ticket. Yeah the ones that get a ticket are happy. The ones that don't aren't. Like someone said.. it's the luck of the draw, so to speak. His FC does this so he can have that one on one time with his fans.. In the M&G, you only get a picture with him, no autographs, which makes it also go faster. I know Blake did that too. They both have pre autrographed items that are given at the party so you do get your signed item. Now at DW's parties, he does a M&G with pic and autograph for each person. It takes forever, but he stays there until he sees everybody. That is nice, We just always tried to get in the M&G line as soon as we could. He always had his band there and sang too. Now Trace just answered questions from the fans and he had a couple of band members and sang a few songs. Billy Ray's parties were a lot of fun and had it all. He had his band there and put on a show too, but he also had M&Gs. The first few years, they were group pictures. The last few, were individual M&G pics. None of us are going to like everything about a party... time is too early, too late, too long, not long enough, no M&G, group M&G, the food, whatever. There will always be something. Now for my two cents... I like M&Gs, the concert idea and the party just being for FC members. We take what we can get though. Thanks for listening!

As a handicapped fan I would like to thank everyone for helping me have a wonderful time. Thanks Crazy Connie for helping in the line, and Jennifer for all your help inside. Most of all thanks Carol for the table never thought I would ever get to see Blake up that close!! Had the time of my life or at least the best time I've had in 5yrs. Just hope I can come again this year, but it's sad to think that there might not be a m&g I so want to meet Blake. Oh well just have to wait and see if I dont get to meet him hopfully I'll meet some more great BSers!!!

[quote=GodBlessTexas]I didn't think the back door idea would work because for the most part most venue's would have a hang up about "liability" issues attached to that LOL

We'll all have to brainstorm like Carol said to make this a WIN-WIN for everyone, keeping in mind that the concert idea is something Blake loves! AND then keeping it special for the fans as well.

I agree that the MG needs to be preserved because some fans don't get to see Blake that often during the year, and they save this moment for that very reason! But I can totally relate to how time consuming they can be as the fan club grows. I too wasn't pleased with the thought of a group MG pic when I first encountered it, but let me tell ya, once you're back there all misgivings go away, AND it's actually become fun, because it gives fans that have built friendships a great opportunity to cut up and have a great pic as a group, I can honestly say that I hardly remember them being any other way now! So in the interest of saving the MG's all together I hope the FC does consider group photos!

Keep VIP, but yeah all BS'ers are VIPS! Give us all early access, time to get a few munchies, drinks, mingle and hunker down front and center, And IF Blake had even a brief 20 mins or so to give us 3 or so acoustic songs all the more wonderful...

then let the masses in for a hell of a concert!!!!!!!! We'll entertain the crowds while Blake freshens up!

[/quote]
Love it Ronie!!--WADE-- AKA Mirandas2cool

I agree! Those are great ideas Ronie. I wish I had thought of that, especially the early access for BS Fan Club members!

_______________________________________________

Sandi

The only thing I will add is that I would love for the band to be there. I so enjoy them and get to visit with them.

Claire BLAKE SLEEPS WITH MY QUILT
CAN'T WAIT FOR MY NEXT BLAKE ENCOUNTER

Wow! Sign this woman up! GREAT IDEAS ALL AROUND!

[quote=GodBlessTexas]I didn't think the back door idea would work because for the most part most venue's would have a hang up about "liability" issues attached to that LOL

We'll all have to brainstorm like Carol said to make this a WIN-WIN for everyone, keeping in mind that the concert idea is something Blake loves! AND then keeping it special for the fans as well.

I agree that the MG needs to be preserved because some fans don't get to see Blake that often during the year, and they save this moment for that very reason! But I can totally relate to how time consuming they can be as the fan club grows. I too wasn't pleased with the thought of a group MG pic when I first encountered it, but let me tell ya, once you're back there all misgivings go away, AND it's actually become fun, because it gives fans that have built friendships a great opportunity to cut up and have a great pic as a group, I can honestly say that I hardly remember them being any other way now! So in the interest of saving the MG's all together I hope the FC does consider group photos!

Keep VIP, but yeah all BS'ers are VIPS! Give us all early access, time to get a few munchies, drinks, mingle and hunker down front and center, And IF Blake had even a brief 20 mins or so to give us 3 or so acoustic songs all the more wonderful...

then let the masses in for a hell of a concert!!!!!!!! We'll entertain the crowds while Blake freshens up!

[/quote]

I didn't think the back door idea would work because for the most part most venue's would have a hang up about "liability" issues attached to that LOL

We'll all have to brainstorm like Carol said to make this a WIN-WIN for everyone, keeping in mind that the concert idea is something Blake loves! AND then keeping it special for the fans as well.

I agree that the MG needs to be preserved because some fans don't get to see Blake that often during the year, and they save this moment for that very reason! But I can totally relate to how time consuming they can be as the fan club grows. I too wasn't pleased with the thought of a group MG pic when I first encountered it, but let me tell ya, once you're back there all misgivings go away, AND it's actually become fun, because it gives fans that have built friendships a great opportunity to cut up and have a great pic as a group, I can honestly say that I hardly remember them being any other way now! So in the interest of saving the MG's all together I hope the FC does consider group photos!

Keep VIP, but yeah all BS'ers are VIPS! Give us all early access, time to get a few munchies, drinks, mingle and hunker down front and center, And IF Blake had even a brief 20 mins or so to give us 3 or so acoustic songs all the more wonderful...

then let the masses in for a hell of a concert!!!!!!!! We'll entertain the crowds while Blake freshens up!

Here are a few more suggestions that I would like to add: How about having fewer people and making it only for FC members since that is the main purpose of the parties- to thank the FC members for their support. The full concert last year was great, but I don't think it is necessary because FC parties are meant to be laid back and on a more personal level than a normal concert. The M&G is always a great bonus because some of us don't get to travel to many of Blake's show throughout the year and instead spend money on the trip to Nashville and really enjoy getting the chance to meet him then. I personally liked the early morning parties where everyone got to meet Blake and then have the acoustic show- that always ran very smoothly and seemed to be on a more personal level. Just wanted to add a few ideas :)

There were instructions included with the tickets last year on how things would be handled at the party. But, when there are
over 1,000 people on a sidewalk not equipped to handle that many people, things go awry. I think allowing members in first is
a great idea and will brainstorm with others over on how it could be handled.

------------------------------------------------------------

It seems that the Wildhose staff can do a better job with what needs to happen. There was no one from the Wildhorse coordinating where people should line up until the line had well begun to form. People are not going to give up their spot in line then, even to the VIPs. The reason we went there to eat last year, even though we had VIP was to see how it was going to be handled. I had been to the Wildhorse before and was curious to see how it would all come together. We asked three different employees and got three different answers. I even told my sister that if I had to make a choice between my M&G or being up front for the concert I would be staking out my spot out on the floor! Its not that I did not want my Blake hug. I just really love seeing him perform. Carol, you are right, once everyone gets in everyone wants to be as close as possible. The guy standing next to me in the VIP area knew nothing about Blake, he was a friend of a friend from the opening act and he managed to get right up front with the BSERS. I hope you all do not do away with the M&G but at the very least I hope there will be some way to offer early entrance so we can get our places up front. All the Wildhorse has to do is have someone out front telling people where to line up. If you are one of the ones going in early you will be in a line with those poeple, not mixed in with general admission. Where to line up could be communicated with the VIP ticket. I was a fairly new BSER last year and I was glad that the "quiet" ones got Carol and Patti to come out and get us in. Honestly the way all the BSERS banded together at that time is what convinced me that I had joined an awesome group of people. I am looking forward to seeing Blake again SOON!!!!!

Carol, I do think that since it is a fan club party that we should have something special at the party, m&g or something. I know we need to promote Blake, but all the dedicated fans would like something special.

Claire BLAKE SLEEPS WITH MY QUILT
CAN'T WAIT FOR MY NEXT BLAKE ENCOUNTER

The original plan (2009) was to get the VIPs there and then bring the ropes down. After that, others could mingle to the front.
The ropes did come down but not as quickly as they should have....everyone was so crowded up there, I think the workers
forgot the ropes were there. Anyway, once you gave up your spot, they really weren't obliged to let you back in there.
Also, 100 people had the VIPs and there were more than that in there...so everyone, understandably because they all want
to get close to Blake...didn't honor that anyway. So, the logical thing to me is to do away with it. Now, letting members in
early sounds feasible if there is enough time to do that....good idea!!! Back door...no, that can't happen. It is a maze back
there.

------------------------------------------------------------

I think there should be VIP and if the concert is going to be open to everyone, the VIP tickets should be available for all fan club members. Last year, I was lucky enough to have a VIP dog tag and I was very thankful but as hard as a time some of us with VIP tags had getting to the front of the line what about the BSers that didn't have tags? They were left to wait in line with people who weren't in the fan club. That doesn't sound fair to me. Perhaps VIP will just mean that you get in early...and I don't mean like five or ten minutes early. I mean an hour to an hour and a half. That would give everyone a chance to mix and mingle plus find their places for the concert.

If it's getting to be too much for Blake to do individual M&G's then perhaps the group M&G's would be the way to go. Although I'm sad to see the M&G's go, it is a wonderful sign for Blake's popularity and that makes me very proud.

These are just my ideas. I don't know what all the logistics are behind making something like this happen but I would like to see something done for the fan club members that makes them feel just a little bit special.

It makes me happy to see people planning! :)

I sure hope to make it this year!!
--WADE-- AKA Mirandas2cool

haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa :)

Yep Lisa, I have to have a M&G so I can get it off my chest about him calling me a dipshit.

Claire BLAKE SLEEPS WITH MY QUILT
CAN'T WAIT FOR MY NEXT BLAKE ENCOUNTER

U just want a chance to get even for him calling you dipshit LOLLLLLLLLLLL :) I <3 u, Claire.

NO M&G, THAT JUST BREAKS MY HEART, If anyone doesn't know it yet, I love Blake Shelton. I agree, I do think we should still have VIP's. All fan club members have the same chance to get the VIPs. Back door sounds fine or early M&G. But please don't do away with M&G. That is one of the highlights to CMA Fan Fest. I was one on those really quiet ones at the front door. HA

Claire BLAKE SLEEPS WITH MY QUILT
CAN'T WAIT FOR MY NEXT BLAKE ENCOUNTER