Pocono News Section

Road Crews Make Shows Successful

Road Crews Make Shows Successful - Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 6:01PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Wednesday, Sep 24, 2008 @ 06:01pm EST
Bloomsburg, Columbia County-

While the headlining acts get all the attention on the Bloomsburg Fair's main stage, it's the people you don't see who truly make the show happen. We went behind the scenes with country music star Blake Shelton's road crew as they set up for his show.

As the big rig rolls in, the main stage at the Bloomsburg Fair goes from almost empty to full of equipment very quickly. About five members of Blake Shelton's road crew and twenty local helpers will spend nearly four hours setting up for his concert.

It's a job they all enjoy.

Lighting Director Jody Marsh said, "I mean, we do the same thing every day. But it's a different stage, a different town, so it's just fun."

Monitor Engineer John Stoffel explained, "We see each other more than we see our families most of the time. So it's the camaraderie between the guys. We're all buddies and we just have a good time with it."

Catering is also a big deal here. A good home cooked meal means the world to crew members spending weeks or even months on the road.

Caterer Maria Lynn noted, "I don't know how else to say it except to say that it's a good feeling to be able to take care of folks and that they appreciate it so much."

Crew members say communication and experience are the two biggest factors for a smooth setup and great show. Enter Doug King, the Bloomsburg Fair's stage manager of 36 years, and the man who oversees every important detail of each show.

Marsh said, "Doug is, you know, a pro. He's been doing it for years. So it's a good day with Doug King, definitely."

King noted, "They have a comfort level. They know that I'm on top of everything. They come in, it's going to be right for them."

King is in charge when it comes to the stage setup. He also makes sure performers' requests are met as soon as they arrive.

He's seen no-name acts turn into superstars. And he says he loves working with both the performers and the people behind the scenes that we often never see.

King added, "The best part is the end of the night when they say, 'Thanks guys, it was great. Thanks a million, it's been a great day."

After this concert, Blake Shelton's crew is packing up and hitting the road for a show at the Durham Fair in Durham, Connecticut on Friday.