Annie Clements Music

I’m Lovin’ it!

Posted on 28. Aug, 2008 by annie in Notebook

Here’s something awesome that happened. We recently played a show in Camrose, Alberta Canada, the great white north. This was one of the many festivals we played this summer and there were several different bands on the bill. Naturally, Ronald McDonald was onsite with his camera crew from Mc-D TV to interview all of the different artists! Here’s a series of events demonstrating my attempts to get close to Ronald and what a huge nerd I am.

1. While relaxing in the catering tent, I spot Ronald and his crew walking to an area which has been barricaded, presumably for the purpose of keeping undesirables away from Ronald as he does his interviews. I immediately want in and go into panic mode. My mind is racing, thinking “Can I get in there? Am I allowed? How can I get close to Ronald?” (It should be noted that both the legendary Randy Travis and Randy Owen of Alabama were on the bill today and I focused all of my energies on meeting a man dressed like Ronald McDonald.) I ran backstage to grab my camera and Brandon Bush who I begged to take pictures of me, should I get a chance to talk to the Mc D Man.

2. Brandon and I calmly and coolly approach the gate. Despite the fact that we’re members of the headlining band, I’m convinced we’re going to be denied access. There’s some shifting of bodies behind the gate and a giant box of french fries comes into view. I lose my cool and snap a picture when I hope no one’s looking. I’m about to burst with excitement and fear. Turns out we’re able to walk right in…

3. Once in, I spot Ronald surrounded by handlers and a camera crew. All I want to do at this point is run to Ronald and give him a hug of delicious thanks. I begin to inch closer, look back at Brandon (who’s really getting annoyed at this point) and inch closer still. Ronald was deep in conversation with his crew and the timing just didn’t feel right to me so I chickened out.

4. I slink into the background as Ronald commences an interview with American Idol finalist turned country crooner Josh Gracin. I’m really starting to get nervous that I won’t have a chance to meet Ronald. I’m trying to casually snap pics of the interview without arousing the suspicions of Ronalds crew or Josh Gracin’s band who I’m sure are on to me. After what seemed like an eternity, the interview came to an end.

Here’s a discreet pic of Gracin and Ronald…

5. Then several things happened at once. Both parties separated and began walking away from the interview area. I panicked and made a break for Ronnie. I wedged myself in between everyone, stuck out my hand and boldly announced, “Hi Ronald; Annie Clements, bassist and back ground vocalist with Sugarland. I just wanted to say hi and was hoping to get a picture with you.” I immediately realized what a huge nerd I looked like, but I couldn’t help myself. I HAD to have my picture taken with Ronald McDonald.

6. To my great surprise and delight, Ronald was thrilled that I had introduced myself and wanted to interview me on the spot! He rallied his crew and away we went! I was feeling pretty eloquent and composed for the most part until I got tripped up on Ronald’s insistence for me to “C’mon and admit it. Aren’t Alberta’s fans the best?” As usual, I couldn’t remember what part of the world I was in at that moment and didn’t put together that Alberta IS Canada and Ronnie was trying to get me to give a shout-out to all the Canadian fans. I was thinking, “Who the heck is Alberta?” After a brief pause, I gave a sort of confused, non-committal “Oh. Oh yeah, sure. The best.” It was awkward.

Check out my slouch!

In the end though Brandon got some killer pics of the encounter and I think I made a true friend in Ronald McDonald. As far as any negative effects my comments may have had on Sugarland’s Alberta fan-base, I’m pretty sure the damage was negligible as I haven’t seen the interview anywhere on the ‘net. As far as any negative effects my eagerness to meet Ronald may have had on Josh Gracin’s impression of me, I am sure they are bountiful. I’ll make it up to him next time with one of Ronald’s delicious Big Mac’s…

Thanks Ronald! You’re the best!

Tags: annie clements and ronald mcdonald!