As you all (hopefully) know, I go to concerts a lot. I work for a promoter, The Lighthouse Events, and a website called NewReleaseTuesday. Between the two of those, my life is surrounded by Christian music and concerts. Every show I go to has something new and unique about it; the venue, audience, crew, sometimes just the artists, catering, stage layout, meet & greet/signing, or even some of the volunteers there. The things that go into making a show happen include a large array of personalities, talents, hard work, blood, sweat, and tears, and months of preparation. It all leads up to a small gap of down time the afternoon of show day before the doors open, and then what is hoped to be a successful concert.
The last show I went to was on Wednesday, the fourteenth with American Idol alum, Danny Gokey. There was a lot of hype around it for me because I watched this guy audition six years ago and he was my favorite up until the end when he snagged third place. I followed his career after American Idol up until there was somewhat of a lull between his album 'My Best Days' and the first single off his newest album, 'Hope In Front of Me.' So the chance of seeing Danny was exciting. Six years ago, I never thought he would end up in Christian music and booking a show with the promoter I would someday work for.
I arrived at the performing arts center at the designated time, awkwardly changed my entire outfit in my family's mini van, and helped the two person crew set up the stage a little bit, including crawling around and taping cords to the floor. The afternoon was quiet with the few volunteers, small crew, and promoter's family all spread out through the building. I was sitting on travel cases backstage and chatting with some friends when I started hearing, "Our American Idol is here!" We all made our way outside into the freezing, 20 degree weather to the van so we could help unload the band's luggage, and get them to their green room.
Everything and everyone was inside in just a few short minutes, and after helping with Danny's confusion about thinking a supply closet was the green room and hearing the promoter ask his wife to grab some throat coat tea for Danny, things went back to normal.
After a few hours, some run-ins with the band and Danny, searching the building for a band-aid because of injuring myself, and an energetic soundcheck later, the doors were opening and people started arriving in the auditorium with Taylor Swift filling the space. (Yes, there was totally dancing when Shake It Off played, don't worry.)
The show began and ended without any big problems (aside from the typical clumsiness of the photographer...). There was lots of laughter, dancing, some tears, singing along, and moments of worship. Soon after, the lobby was suddenly booming with people in line to meet Danny. The first thing the promoter said when he walked out into the busy lobby with Danny was, "Danny's not allowed to talk tonight! You can talk to him, but he can't talk back."
Ah yes, the dreaded vocal rest.
A few 'aww's followed but the signing went on, and the line started going by the table where fans got an autograph and picture. And that's where the point of this blog comes in.
Voiceless Danny still greeted everyone sweetly and did the best he could to interact and make sure everyone felt appreciated. He gave hugs, smiles, silent words of gratitude, and did far more without a voice than I can with one. People were walking by me to leave, saying how truly down-to-earth and kind Danny was... and they didn't even talk to him. That, my friends, is so incredibly admirable. Portraying a genuine heart without words proves how genuine it actually is.
That amount of time with Danny was further evidence that actions speak louder than words no matter what the situation is. It's a lesson you're taught from day one, but when you really give it thought, it's a lesson for every age that just keeps on teaching. If my words make me out to be a fake, I'm not doing it right. Same for you. But if my words give just a glimpse at my heart, I'm on the right track.
Here's a challenge for you and I both, friends: let's work on our hearts more than our words. In the end, our voices are only vessels.
Danny did talk after the show... just for NewReleaseTuesday! Check out the video here
Twitter: @kyork97 | Instagram: @kristynyork | Facebook: facebook.com/kyorkphotography // facebook.com/kristynyork
