We had been standing in line in the pouring rain, carrying nothing but a bag full of glow sticks. Our new uniforms were on containing "THE KSMPHANS' KREW" on the front, and "GOT KSM? WWW.KSMPHANS.COM" on the back. (THE KSMPHANS' KREW will come into play with the site in the near future.) As we started handing out glow sticks, everyone was begging for one. We had a limited supply (80-100) and were to hand them out to the first Mitchel/KSM phans in line. When we had them all passed out, the doors opened to the venue. To our surprise, we saw our glow sticks being taken away from the other phans, so we took it up with security. "Uhm, we got permission from the second act, KSM, that the glow sticks were a go - so, why are they taking them away? We've been tweeting KSM and other members about this operation for almost two hours now." said Rachel. The security guard immediately took it up with the headliner, Mitchel, and asked if the following information we had displayed was true. After waiting ten or so minutes, we were notified that operation glow sticks was go, after they were taken away from their rightful owners. As we walked into the venue with almost one hundred glow sticks in hand, we were bombarded with our once failed attempts to bring them in, including a tweet from KSM. "Operation glow sticks got shut down, sorry guys. Still gonna have a fun show tonight though! PARTY PARTY PARTY." After re-passing the glow sticks out, we responded to the tweet saying things such as, "NO!! We got them in!", etc. We were shattered just thinking about how KSM thought we let them down - one problem with that theory though. The KSMPHANS always pull through.
We waited in the venue for about an hour, hoping KSM got our tweet. See, this is why twitter is so important to us. The show had begun with the opening act, Josh Golden. Then, it was time for KSM. We geared up our cameras for a performance of a lifetime - one that we, or KSM, will never forget. Although the other phans didn't understand what we meant by, "Do not crack the glow sticks until the second act, KSM comes on stage," we were determined to make this work, some way, some how. Rachel had gotten so used to coming up to every random stranger giving them up to date information on KSM - this was a tid bit of what was said, "These glow sticks were sent to us via the KSMen. You may have one each for free if you promise to wave them during KSM's performance, They come on as the second act, and their music has appeared on ABC Family's new hit series, “10 Things I Hate About You”. They are an all girl rock band dedicated to inspiration all across the U.S. They have dared to break boundaries, and have done so successfully. Their genre is mostly rock. We are sure you'll enjoy their performance." By the end of the night, Rachel had be accustomed to saying that on an hourly basis.
As the curtains opened, Tyler's eyes focused on his crush
, “Shae” and Rachel started recording and her mother start taking pictures along with Tyler. Their performance was phenomenal, as always, Rachel and Tyler were circling the stage to make sure every band member was featured. "Almost Always, she gets goosebumps listening to music. She's got this connection that's indescribable to it. But, when KSM starts playing, her face is gleaming from ear to ear. She won't get over this for months," says Mrs. Bigham about Rachel. By the end of their performance, Rachel's arms were bound to fall off. Maneuvering around the tallest of people while trying not to get too shaky. Tyler's finger was so tired of snapping shot after shot. They knew this concert was a success and waiving those glow sticks added so much more to their performance. Their confidence was higher than most shows, it was shown throughout their entire performance. So, this calls for pizza!
While Rachel hurriedly scarfed down three pieces of pizza, Tyler was slowly trailing behind since he is a slow eater. Mitchel's performance was another great one like he had shown in Chicago the previous day, and once it was over, the KSM meet and greet began. We made sure to have the very ending spot in line, letting whoever in front of us. While reaching the peak of the line, one of The Pageant staff members was talking about how everyone came to them about the glow sticks, wondering where they could get one too, which put a smile on both of their faces. Operation glow sticks was a complete success, now it was time to chill.
When it was finally our turn, we had seen the mothers of the band, Mrs. Cecil and Mama Cobra. We quickly walked over to them and gave them a gift which was long over due. We had given them shirts from our Kansas City Tour saying "PHAMILY" on the back. They were ecstatic about the shirts, to the point of saying I love you. Hugs were immediately given. Rachel stated that her mother had ironed the graphics onto the shirts, because she knew that she deserved some gratitude.
When we finally started conversing with KSM, Tyler actually asked Shae for her guitar pick, she said sure and pulled one out for him. During that time Katie over heard about the guitar pick, who offered to give us hers. However Katie didn't have one on her, so she yelled to her mom asking her if she could run and get one. Her mom said not now, so she said maybe at the next show in Chicago if you can come, and Rachel immediately replied, "Well, Tyler was sorta' hoping' to have Shae's guitar pick" and Tyler under his breath said shush to Rachel with a nudge, and the girls laughed. Rachel sure knows how to make Tyler embarrassed at times. Rachel was chatting' it up with Kate and Shelby about how it rained and her hair turned into wave central, and of course we talked about hats. Later on, Katie said that she had liked Rachel's photography, which was the best compliment she could've given her at the time. Also, Shae stepped in and complimented on how well we have put this site together. In the end, we were asked to see what show we were going to next. So KSM, Chicago - September 19th, 2009 - be there.
Special thanks to the KSMen for funding the rush delivered packages full of glow sticks to two different locations! and also, we'd like to give a very special thanks to the girls of KSM. We had a great time promoting you and the site and we had an even better time talking to you at the end of the show. Thank you for all compliments received that night, whether it be about our site, or about clothing. Your presence was fully enjoyed, and we can't wait to see you the 19th!
Love,
The One and Only, KSMPHANS - Ty and Rache
