Lisa Casinger

Music to My Ears
August 5, 2008

It’s been a busy time here at Kids Today. Aside from putting out our monthly issues and dailies at the markets, we’ve welcomed a new managing editor, Gerri Hunt, and been on the summer show circuit. Needless to say, I haven’t blogged as much as I would have liked.

When we were in Atlanta covering the gift show we spent the day with our friends (and our upcoming September cover story) from New Baby Products. Kelly’s written about it on her blog so I won’t go into details, but suffice it to say, I love that family. Any family that can spend as much time together working, living and playing and not kill each other deserves kudos : )

Next we covered the Las Vegas Furniture Market where I got some great advice from a long-time friend and industry icon, Mary Frye from Home Furnishings Independents Association. I met Mary when I first started working with NHFA a lifetime ago it seems.

I was talking with Mary about my blog and how I felt it lacked something. She gave me some sage advice that really seems like a no-brainer—she told me to get personal.

I’ve been thinking about her advice and am now going to share something totally personal. Is it still personal if pretty much everyone I talked to in Las Vegas knows about it? Maybe not. I am a HUGE Rod Stewart fan. HUGE. I’ve seen him twice in concert but when I heard WMC had booked him for market I literally screamed in the news room.

I was beside myself and counted the days until market. My co-workers egged me on and left little messages (from Rod) on a flier hanging in the office. Every day there was a new note that said something like “L, Tonight’s the night, Love, Rod.”

Monday of market came and I could barely contain myself. Heidi, my 11-year old, said it sounds like I acted like a 12-year old at a Jonas Brothers concert : )

I ALMOST got to meet Rod backstage; I came within six feet of him. Gerri and I (thanks to my boss and WMC) had second row seats. Unbeknownst to me, Gerri taped my reaction as Rod came out on stage, and though it is totally embarassing, she's not fired and I'm sharing it with you here, you'll need to turn your head sideways for the full effect. He gave an awesome performance. I have been floating on a cloud ever since.

Rod Stewart performed for more than 1 1/2 hours.

More than 100,000 market goers attended the concert.

Yes, he sang Maggie May.

He had three wardrobe changes.

Now, I’ve spilled the beans on my secret (not so much) musical crush. Who would you love to see at an upcoming market?

In case High Point or Vegas personnel are reading—here are a few suggestions: Van Morrison, Phil Collins, Prince, Maroon 5, Counting Crows, Train or the Eagles.

Posted by Lisa Casinger on August 5, 2008 | Comments (1)