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Notes From The Honky Tonk Trail!!

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Bob Manning & The Honky Tonk Road Show



Last Updated: 12/13/2009

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Status: Single
City: TOLEDO
State: Oregon
Country: US
Signup Date: 10/24/2006

Who Gives Kudos:

Tim (2)
Countryside.. (2)

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Vivien Searcy
January 12, 2009 - Monday 

Category: Music
The Epiphany...
Well everybody, what you're about to experience (if you continue to read) is the philosophical ramblings of a fairly seasoned Honky Tonk Man, that just spent 3 full days at a Talent Buyers Convention... and believe me, after an experience like that, philosophizin' is a "Snap" (just like in the Amber Didby tune... "and just like that... "snap").

I've attended this convention (and have been a member of the association) for about 6 years.  Every year I attend, set up my booth, showcase in one form or another, meet & greet, attend formal dinners, network and generally get into the proverbial gutter of self promotion... This year was a little different, and because of this simple difference, I was graced, if not gifted with my Epiphany!  The difference you ask?  I attended this year with the attitude that I was NOT going to be a member of the "Herd" attempting to sell themselves body, soul & pride be damned!

Now that I've said that (and probably just got excommunicated from every entertaiment associate and enclave in the Northwest) I should probably clarify...  I pretty much showed up this year with my show schedule full, minus 2 or 3 dates I needed to fill, so I didn't HAVE to "Herd Up".  Nonetheless, because of this I had my Epiphany...  What is the Damned Epiphany you ask?  Well here it is:

Epiphany = There are only 2 types of people in the entertainment industry.  Type I: I want to be the best at what I do, I want to learn something about my craft everyday, I strive to collect the experiences I have and use them to make me a happier kinder person, I am happy to help someone who needs help... and most importantly, I am confident enough in MY ability, MY talent and MY craft that I don't have to try and destroy another persons passion to convince myself I'm successful.  Type II:  I am an Errogent, name dropping, one better than you, even though on the standard talent meter I fall 2 places to the RIGHT of the decimal point, mother pimping, undercutting, slimebag who will even steal YOUR bio if I think it will get me a gig playing music I hate for people I hate AND there being a huge chance I'll die in the process... Just because I wanna be the next Garth Brooks!!!

Now, if you've been following along, you can probably guess that I "collected" a couple of those experiences this weekend... But here's the surprise!  The most incredible thing about my Epiphany is that it gave me an incredible level of focus and filter in my travels as I navigated the conference.  As I stood outside the herd, watching the stampede, I felt like the kid in the movie "The Sixth Sense"... I SAW DEAD PEOPLE!!!  The Type I folks had a great time, got some gigs, made some unforgettable connections and came out the other end happier kinder people.  The Type II folks SAID they got all those things (because their lying bastards)... but came out the other end unchanged!

Folks, if we can't evolve as artists and human beings, in a positive direction, all at the same time, we may as well quit... if you don't, you'll eventually stand out just like those dead people to that kid in the movie.

NOW!  The cool part... I met some young, talented, energetic, beautiful human beings this weekend that truly touched me and renewed my spirit... It is my hope that they remain Type I folks and continue sharing themselves as they did this weekend.  So, I say to Carrie Cunningham, The members of Countryside Ride, Kenny Heinz & Melody Guy, Do yourselves and this industry a favor... stay true to your craft, your soul and keep evolving forward.  No job is worth your integrity!

Wow!!  I told ya I was gonna ramble!

Bob Manning   
6:54 AM
 
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Boots
Bonnie Lee Van Atta

 
I love your Epiphany- I think maybe you have made it to what is important. You are a gifted man in many ways- my heart was touched in a way it has not for 38 years.
Thank you Bonnie
 
Posted by Boots on January 12, 2009 - Monday - 6:42 PM
[Reply to this] 
Bob Manning & The Honky Tonk Road Show

 
Bonnie,

Thanks so much for the kind words and your vision... If it weren't for people such as yourself, we'd just be making noise with musical instruments and our voices. It's meant to make a difference, whether we understand that or not. It's nice to know people are listening... thanks again! Who touched who here?
 
Posted by Bob Manning & The Honky Tonk Road Show on January 12, 2009 - Monday - 6:52 PM
[Reply to this] 
Tim
Tim Bishop

 
Bob, you are a true professional and great person. This is soooo powerful and needs to be read by all. You are 100% correct...man I hate telling you that!!! ;) Keep on Keeping on brother.

 
Posted by Tim on January 12, 2009 - Monday - 6:42 PM
[Reply to this] 
Bob Manning & The Honky Tonk Road Show

 
Thanks Brother... That means a bunch! I hope you know I was including you in my remarks regarding Carrie as well. I really enjoyed hangin' out with you & Carrie. Y'all are what make this music thang a family I'm proud to be part of... thanks again for your hospitality and your genuine spirit!
 
Posted by Bob Manning & The Honky Tonk Road Show on January 12, 2009 - Monday - 6:58 PM
[Reply to this] 
Boots
Bonnie Lee Van Atta

 
I was so busy I didn't get your schedule but sounds like you are really booked. I will show up at one of your gigs and I promise I won't sit in the front row and cry when you play the Anthem.

 
Posted by Boots on January 12, 2009 - Monday - 7:50 PM
[Reply to this] 
Kimberly Murray (and the Lost Lawmen Band)

 
I think us Texans would probably be sitting with you watching the herd... and laughing. Who wants to be the next Garth Brooks?? Not me... I don't like being dangled over the crowd on a cable wire. I have issues with heights. And besides that it gives me a wedgie.

 
Posted by Kimberly Murray (and the Lost Lawmen Band) on January 13, 2009 - Tuesday - 6:07 AM
[Reply to this] 
Bob Manning & The Honky Tonk Road Show

 
The sad part is... the funnest part is the wedgie! The things some people do for a thrill!!! I prefer to hang out with red-headed love beasts!!! a definate thrill, with an element of DANGER!!
 
Posted by Bob Manning & The Honky Tonk Road Show on January 13, 2009 - Tuesday - 6:16 AM
[Reply to this] 
Countryside Ride

 
Hey Bob, really enjoyed your epiphany. I'd say you hit the nail on the head! :) See ya down the line.
-Bret
 
Posted by Countryside Ride on January 30, 2009 - Friday - 12:28 AM
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