Planning a Cross-Country “Blind Busking” Live Stream Music Tour: Part 2
A series about coordinating a huge adventure in public.
When Anthony and I announced on October 16th, 2020 we were planning a Blind Busking Live Stream Music Tour across America, I had no idea the adventure we were truly about to embark upon. A LOT has happened since October 16th so I’ll do my best in this post and the next few posts to fill “y’all” in.
Today is Monday, November 9th, 2020. 1 week since we left Spring Lake, NJ, and took the Blind Busking Live Stream Tour on the road. I am writing this from an Airbnb in Nashville, TN.
Rewinding a bit before our trip and back to the planning phase. There was a lot that went into the conception of this Tour.
Quick Recap from Part 1
Things we still had to accomplish before starting our Tour included:
Taking the car in for cleaning + tune up
Creating flyers and posters for the tour to share on social platforms
Create a production schedule
Narrow down our landmark list of where to visit and play
Create an outlet for on the road podcasting
Finish part 2 of the planning process writing series
Organize our packing list for music & camping
Leave rent checks for November and December
Organize all my work deliverables to support short yet efficient working days
Seeing as many of our friends and family before we leave for 7 weeks
Cleaning the house for renters
Organize financial plan and bring back up credit cards for emergencies
Things we ACTUALLY did before starting our Tour:
Took the car in for cleaning + tune up – Thank you, Tommy, for the recommendation to visit Guten Parts!
Created a production schedule
Bought a Go Pro!
Created an outlet for on the road podcasting – CHECK IT OUT on Apple or Spotify
Organized our packing list for music & camping
Left rent checks for November and December
Organized most of my work deliverables to support short yet efficient working days
Saw so many friends and family before our trip!
Got house cleaned and rented!
Organized a financial plan for emergencies
Benefits of Planning in Public
One major thing I noticed after we published Part 1 of the planning series was the overflowing of unsolicited help that began to roll through the door. Some awesome things included being featured in the Local Newspaper – The Asbury Park Press and BOTH sitting in on an amazing Podcast about wellness in NYC called Off The Strength.
In the past, I have been advised NOT to share a plan with someone outside your direct team until you have solidified it yourself. In my mind – if you tell too many people ahead of time, all their advice will cloud you from your original vision. This can be true BUT I found out from this experience that finding a balance between my plan and the ideas others have can in fact lead to a better end result.
Here are some notes I took over the past few weeks as advice rolled in:
People like to offer advice if you seem like you need help
Sometimes saying no to other suggestions is the only way to execute in your original visión. You need to Focus.
Writing produces more writing
Writing makes an idea in your head tangible and shareable with the masses.
Writing can separate the idea from reality
There is always too much to do in so little time
Prioritize highest risk items
Ask myself what day can I allow myself to begin to think about this
Context helps breed results closer to the end idea
Some people who seem like they want to help are really only interested in stealing your idea beware of brain dump conversations – dramatic but possibly true? – This is not necessarily a bad thing – inspiring someone to execute a similar plan is a great compliment!!
Be open and trust referrals!
Use your gut
Don’t stress details and if you hire an artist give them artistic freedom!
Shout out to the awesome artists who created our tour poster – Mattie Maynard
Emotions & Surrendering to the Flow
Once a Phish girl always a Phish girl?
Leading up to this trip was overwhelming emotionally. Anthony and I were now “out there”. Everyone knew our “plan” and the pressure to make it happen started to become overwhelming. There were times we had to look at each other and simply remind ourselves that whatever happens would be an awesome experience. All the fears and the unknowns would pile up but we found ways to knock them down and retain our control of the situation. We tried to focus on what we could and enjoy the days leading up to our journey as much as the journey we were about to go on. We were leaving behind our amazing home, most of our family, the comforts of our AWESOME home town for so much unknown on the road.
Anthony and I are very similar but also very different. The way we balance one another is critical in times of high stress so we don’t “turn” on one another. Simply put if we don’t focus on communication, kind tone of voice, and patience with one another then both of our emotions can get the best of us.
The two weeks leading up to this trip reminded me why I am going to marry Anthony Ferraro. He will never give up. He will never give up on a dream or a vision. He will never give up on his family. He will never give up on himself -- even in his darkest moments, I have seen him take a deep breath and KEEP GOING. I am honored he picked me to be his fiancé and future wife. To stand by his side and never give up on him. This trip has shown us so much already about the love we share and how strong we are together.
I am so excited to continue updating you on what has happened on Stops 1, 2 & 3 of our journey so far.
Useful Links to Follow our Journey:
Official Blind Busking Tour Links
Kelly’s Blog for written updates – Turmeric Tea Time
Kelly Personal Links
MEV - Custom Software Development Services ;-)
Anthony Personal Links
Next recap writing pieces to look for: Washington DC on Election Day 2020, Asheville, NC, Nashville, TN & Memphis, TN!!!
Thanks for tuning in!!
Great update!! Good luck on your new Vehicle!!! Stay safe.
Trying for Blue Bird cafe Monday open Mike????