May 9th, 2007

It was after I had purchased tickets to Brad Paisley's "Bonfires and Amplifiers" tour, that I found out about an acoustic show in Wichita, KS featuring Taylor Swift. The concert was hosted by KFDI 101.3 FM. I had talked to Taylor on the phone after ordering tickets to Brad's show. Taylor was one of three opening acts. The other two were Kellie Pickler and Jack Ingram. I didn't want to sound too desperate and I certainly didn't want to call too soon. I reluctantly called Taylor one morning around 10:30 a.m. to ask for meet and greet passes to Brad's show. She said that it wasn't a problem. I mentioned her show in Wichita and she asked if I was going to come. I initially said no. I worked at an investment bank and taking time off during the first 10 business days wasn't a good idea. But the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to go. I talked to my boss and was able to get the time off. The next challenge would be securing tickets. They were not available online. You had to go to the radio station to buy them. Since I live in Overland Park, this was not feasible. So I sent an email to Carol Hughes. Carol works for KFDI. I explained my situation and asked if she would purchase four tickets for me. She agreed to do so and I went to the post office to get a money order. I immediately sent her the money order and she indicated that she would leave the tickets for me at will call. My mom and I had invited my fourth grade teacher Joan to come along with us. She also brought a friend. I was a bit nervous when we arrived at the venue. I was hoping that the tickets would be there. They were! I immediately saw Carol Hughes and thanked her for securing tickets for us.

The show took place at the Mosley Street Melodrama. It was the perfect venue. There was not a bad seat in the house! Prior to the show, we were asked to write down questions for a Q&A session with Taylor. I wrote down a question and submitted it. My question got picked!

"If you could sing a duet with any country music singer, who would it be?" Taylor's answer was Brad Paisley.  Although they haven't officially recorded anything together, they did share the stage a few times on his tour.  As the show drew to a close, it was announced that Taylor would be staying to sign and take pictures with all of the fans. I had been told by one of Taylor's friends to look for a lady named Mandy. Mandy works at Big Machine Records.  I found Mandy and we decided to wait until the end of the line. I remember Mandy being so nice and down to earth. The line dwindled and we got closer to Taylor. I had prepared a little booklet about myself. I felt like I knew so much about Taylor and she hardly knew anything about me. I put together my iTunes playlist...just like certain celebrities have theirs. I wrote down why I chose the particular songs. I also had my two best friends write letters about me. I gave this to Taylor and she immediately started reading it. She noticed that one of the artists on my playlist was Chantal Kreviazuk. She asked if I had heard the song "In This Life." I hadn't but I downloaded it later that night. Whenever I hear that song, I think of Taylor. :) Thanks for a great recommendation!

We chatted for a little while and Taylor told me about one of her pet peeves. This is really random but I found out that it bugs me too. All of the tables had bottles of water that were half empty. Whenever I open a bottle of water, I finish it!

Left to right: Joan's friend, Joan Moore, Taylor Swift, Dianna Heidebrecht, & Ann (Heidebrecht) Dark

I said goodbye to Taylor and told her I would see her in two days!