My alarm sounds and the time is 3 am.
As a corporate entertainer, this is not an uncommon morning as most of my flights are early… around 6 am or so. The early bird gets the worm and in this case gets to the job on time.
An early flight allows leeway for any delays that may occur. It also allows for an early arrival to the city I will be performing in that night. This will ensure we have plenty of time for sound check and setup, both being essential parts to a good show.
I fly about 200 days out of the year so the miles really add up and so does the status.
Achieving top level status with an airline really does have its perks. I can use the “fly by lane” for fast and easy access through airport security. It’s a running joke that I should change my address to the airport and start getting my mail when I arrive. I feel at times I live at the airport more than my home, but it’s just a part of the business of being a corporate entertainer. Long travel days, lots of waiting around, conference calls, and planning.
After events are booked, thorough planning goes into the show and making sure equipment is shipped in time to arrive to the venue when it is needed. This job is much more involved than just showing up at a venue and giving your best performance. Most people only see the end result, the show. They don’t see the rehearsals, the airports, the hotels, the packing… you get the idea.
The truth is, this life is not for everyone, but I can honestly say it is for me.
I would not trade it for anything. After all, I get to do what I love, go on stage and make people smile, make people happy.
I don’t get nervous about performing, I get excited. The excitement that out of all the acts in the world, I was selected to entertain top executives, celebrities, raise money for charity, and so on. Whatever type of event it is, I was the one that stood out. In a tough and grueling business, I made the cut. I put everything I have into my work to make a company gain confidence that I am the right choice to entertain their guests.
In turn, I am grateful for each and every company that hires me for a performance. I am grateful to each committee that is presented 10 corporate entertainment ideas and narrows those down to me. The last corporate entertainer standing.
This business is tough, definitely not for the faint of heart.
It’s also not for someone who has a tough time being in front of people. It takes time to be good, it takes more time to be really good, and it takes a lot of time to be great. Comfort on stage does not happen overnight. It takes work, it takes hard work. I can say I definitely put in the time.
The payoff, I get to share my passion with the world. I leave everything I have on the stage during each corporate performance. The people watching deserve my best and that is what I am going to give them.
After a great performance, all the equipment has to be packed up and shipped along to the next show. Up at 3 am and usually in bed by 11 pm.
The most common thing I am asked is, “do you like this city.” The truthful answer is, “I don’t know.” I can tell you if I like your airport but not your city. I typically don’t get to see the places I perform. Often times, I am in most places under 24 hours. Most often, not even enough time to step outside the hotel.
Despite all the hard work, I don’t think there is anything I would change. I live my dream, I live my passion and no one can take that from me.
Gotta go, my alarm just went off. It’s 3 am and I have to get to the airport.
