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SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2011

Good Bye, Fairbanks!!  It has been fun...

Done and Done!  The first city and our third base is complete.  It is crazy to think we have already made it through two weeks of tour already.  If our time in Alaska's interior is any indication of what is to come, things are going to continue to rock and be amazing.

It was awesome meeting the countless volunteers and working aside our troops.  These men and women are working hard to protect our country.  The families we are playing for are the most giving audiences I have had the pleasure of entertaining.  The kids are adorable.  They just soak up the fact they are seeing their 'idols' rock it out on stage for thirty minutes.  What a trip!!!

Now we are off to the Anchorage area and Elmendorf AFB.  According to Les, we are going through the mountains and the wonder that is Mt. McKinley!  Tomorrow's pictures are going to be amazing.  I can't wait!!! 

So good night Fairbanks...I hope to see you again...thanks for the memories...

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Security Alert:  Moose Loose in Eielson

It took us almost two weeks traveling Alaska to finally see our first flesh and blood uncaged MOOSE!!!  I was so excited.  The said Moose was trapped just inside the Main gate at Eielson AFB trying to get out.  With cars all around it, that wasn't happening.  He (or she) was beautiful and HUGE!!!  There were actually two of them.  The second one could care less about what was going on around it.  I hope to take more of the Alaskan wildlife before me leave for Hawaii.  Fingers crossed that Mother Nature is really generous and allows me a chance to capture some pictures of Whales on our way to Kodiak. 

Until then - Enjoy the Moose!!!

Ciao.

Frantic Moose

Carefree Moose

P.S.
As an added bonus, here are some other pics I took while at Eielson AFB.  xoxo

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2011

A Day Off at the North Pole...

So our day off takes us to Santa Claus's house!! 

I am very excited about seeing the Jolly man in hopes he will get me what I wish at Christmas time this year.  Unfortunately, fate is not good to us.  He is on vacation. 

Who knew that the man himself would actually give himself time to enjoy a vacation.  Oh, well.  We did get to see some of his reindeer and even got to sit in his chair. 

Don't worry, he left a note inviting us to do so.

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Someone is a sad little Elf missing Santa...

Alexis and Rebecca relaxing in Santa's living room...

The Company in the Big Man's sleigh...Thank you for letting us visit!!!

A Plug for a place well deserving - Pagoda Chinese Restaurant

There is a restaurant that sits just outside the Hotel North Pole.  Alexis, Hilary, Dani, and I have literally eaten every meal (except Breakfast) there.  The reasons are many: the food is superb.  There has not been a meal we have not enjoyed.  The great thing is we each keep getting something new so we can all enjoy it together.  Les and Robby have also joined us on a few meals.  Another big reason lies with the funniest and most entertaining woman managing the restaurant - Laura.  She has made every visit feel like we are coming over for dinner at a best friend's house.  She is absolutely delightful and has helped make the experience a great one.

If you happen to be passing through North Pole, AK, I urge you to stop in at the Pagoda Chinese Restaurant.  You will not be disappointed.  I promise you that!!!

(All pictures taken at the Pagoda Restaurant were done so by Danielle King, head Wardrobe on our tour.  Thank you Dani for letting me post them!)

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The interior of the Pagoda Restaurant.

Two amazing desserts given to us.  They were absolutely divine!!!

We are about to partake in the feast that is dessert.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2011

On the Road Again to North Pole...Alaska!!

So our time at Ft. Greely is over.  What a great little base.  The kids were great.  The venue was really cute.  The people were AWESOME!!  Our crew of volunteers consisted of pretty much the ENTIRE Fire Department of Fr. Greely.  These guys were amazing.  The personalities, energy, youthfulness of the team was infectious.  They were great.  We had a great time with each and every one of them.  I have not laughed so hard with the antics these guys got into.  It definitely made our time in Ft. Greely a lot of fun.  It is a shame it is so tiny and in such a lonely area.

Thanks guys for all you do!!

The picture to the right is our performance director (PD), Rebecca.  She is standing outside her housing at Ft. Greely.  It just so happens she was given a new name.  So let's welcome Rebecca Rosine.  :-D

We are now off to our third base, Eielson AFB (I have to get used to these initials.  For those of you who do not know, AFB stands for Air Force Base.  If I ever use an acronym that you do not know, message me and I will be happy to share it.  I am still learning them myself).  

Once again our road trip lead us to some fun little stops along the way.  So enjoy today's group of pictures.  Many more to come!!!

Ciao.

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My new friend, Moose.

TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2011

Remember that big event in Columbus, OH??

I was visiting the White House website (www.wh.gov) and came across a video recap of the First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's two day, four state tour to kick off their Joining Forces campaign.  Guess what?  We made the video.  It was brief, but we are there.  Here is the video in it's entirety (we appear around 3m54s in). 

To read more about this or visit the site you can click on this link: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/04/26/joining-forces-travels-first-lady-michelle-obama-and-dr-jill-biden.

You can also visit www.joiningforces.gov to find opportunities to support military families in you own community.

Enjoy the video!!!

MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2011

Travel Day to Ft. Greely with a few stops along the way...

We are off to our second stop in Alaska and on the tour (technically third if we include Columbus...which is still a blur in my memory).  Before we arrive there though, Les, our amazing bus driver, took us on a City tour of Fairbanks.  By the way, keep an eye out for a chance to meet Les, our Alaskan guide.  I can't wait for you to meet him and hear some of his amazing stories from the road.

Here are some pictures from our stop at the Visitor's Center in Fairbanks...

After our visit to the Center, Les took us to see an area of land COVERED with migrating birds.  It was incredible.  They were all just sitting there chilling out in this field.  Check it out if you don't believe me...

After we enjoyed our time gawking (get it) at the Party of Birds (kinda sounds like a title to a movie), we headed to another fun little location in Fairbanks:  The Museum of the North located at the University of Alaska.  This was a beautiful museum.  The art was gorgeous and the building itself was stunning.  Here are some of my favorite pieces.  I hope you like them as much as I do...

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)

I love when Museums let you touch stuff. 
This is a bone.  From what I forgot...I didn't look...I'm sorry.

Artic Shadow (1996)
Cast bronze with white marbled patina
Artist: Jacques and Mary Regat

Black Bear (Ursus americanus)

Baby Raven in Nails #2 (2007)
Recycled nails, rebar, steel, paint
Artist: Rachelle Dowdy

Okay, the next three pictures are from a painting that crept me out from multiple angles.  No matter where you stood, it looked like the guy was watching you. 

The piece is titled "Old Hardrock"  It is an Oil on canvas board by Eustace P. Ziegler circa 1951.

It's Robby...do I need to say more...

The rest of the trip went fairly quickly.  The drive to Ft. Greely is beautiful.  We did make one stop along the way at an overlook.  Again, the picture does not give the view justice.  You will just have to come see Alaska for yourself.  It is truly a breathtaking state!

Ciao.

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011

Soaking it up at the Chena Hot Springs...

One word describes my experience at the Chena Hot Springs: RELAXING!!

I had a wonderful day.  The weather was nice, the ride was (fairly) smooth, the scenery was breathtaking, my massage (Thank you Rosa) was therapeutic!!  I had a great day!

Upon arriving at the Springs, my companions (Alexis and Robby) ate lunch.  Les (our bus driver) recommended their salad because it is all grown on site and is the most fresh you will ever get in a salad.  So I did.  He was right.  It was so crisp and delicious.  If you ever visit the Chena Hot Springs EAT A SALAD!!!

Afterwards, we decided to skip the Ice Museum tour and head straight for the springs to relax and enjoy the beautiful weather.  Justin, a member of the  Army and will be deploying to Afghanistan on Wednesday, joined us.  He is a really good friend of Les's and spent the day at the Springs with us.  It was great listening to his story and getting to know him as the day went on.  He is going to be missed as he begins he 3rd (?? - I hope that is right.  Justin, if you read this, let me know if I got this wrong) deployment.

So the springs were everything I hoped they would be:  AMAZING!!!  The pictures do not do the place juistice, though I tried.  It was just breathtaking to be lounging in this pool of natural hot water and look out to the surrounding mountains and see snow.  It is amazing what wonders the earth provides and how little we get to experience them because of what life throws at us.

Enjoy the pictures.  If you ever get to travel to the Interior of Alaska (the area Fairbanks and the Chena Hot Springs sit in the State), visit this Natural wonder.  It is worth it.  Oh and make sure you get a massage from Rosa.  It was thirty minutes I would repeat anytime!!!

Ciao.

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PUPPETMAKING 101 w/ Kyle:  Learn how to take a regular stuffed object and transform it into a puppet.

Robby, Alexis, Tom and I with one a true hero: Justin Porter. 
"Thank you Justin for all you do for us and our country."

The Mountains from my vantage point at the Hot Springs. 
Yes, you are not seeing things, there is snow on them.

The Cast working on the routine that will hopefully win them a spot in the Synchronized Swimming portion of the Summer Olympics.

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011

"In the News" Update Part One:  Fort Wainwright

A news article appeared in today's Easter Sunday Edition of the Daily News-Miner.  Click on the picture to be directed to my "In the Press" section.

Oh and HAPPY EASTER TO EVERYONE!!!  I hope the Easter bunny brings you all your wish in chocolate eggs!!!  The cast is enjoying a day at the Chena Hot Springs!!!  I can't wait...

Ciao.

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"In the News" Update Part Two:  The Muppet Cast Podcast

This amazing podcast (Thank you Kyle for pointing me towards it), hosted by Steve Swanson, has been broadcasting for the last 4 years and has recently celebrated their 201st episode today!!!  The Muppet Cast is a show for fans of the Muppets and admirers of Jim Henson.

What makes this episode extra special is the fact that is The Muppet Cast coverage of our Kick-off event of our USO show in Columbus, OH last week. 

Steve and The Muppet Cast had a chance to interview both Sloan D. Gibson (USO President and CEO) and Gary E. Knell (Sesame Workshop President and CEO).  Steve also brings you the complete audio coverage of the entire show (yes, from start to finish.  You will hear all the speeches, our entire show and even someone at the end saying how amazing our show was).

Enjoy listening to the audiences' response to the show.  You will understand just how special and thrilling this night was in the lives of these Military Families, the USO, Sesame Workshop, the Cast and Crew.

To listen or download the podcast, Episode 201: April 24, 2011, click on the logo to the left to visit their website.

And if you like the podcast as much as I did, please continue to support The Muppet Cast.

"Thank you Steve for visiting us in Columbus, OH and good luck on future podcasts!!!"

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SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2011

An Amazing Day of Shows in Ft. Wainwright!!!!

Today was our official opening day of tour.  We finally got to perform the show on a US Base in front of thousands (and I mean thousands) of Military families.

We had a three show day that was a part of Ft. Wainwright's "Month for the Military Child Carnival".  Our shows were packed!!!  It was crazy.  At the end of the day it was estimated that we performed for 3840 people!!!!  And they LOVED IT!!!  The response was incredible.  The kids enjoyed it, the parents were having a great time and I was proud to be bringing them this show.  Because each and everyone of those families deserved it! 

We found out from a representative from the MWR (the people sponsoring the event), that our show came at just the right time.  Many families have already had a member deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan within the last two weeks.  She said that most of these families were looking for something positive and kid-friendly to help deal with the separation.  On the opposite side, we also had families who are about to go through a deployment in the next couple of days and they are looking for a last minute thing to do as a whole family.  It was amazing to hear and humbling.  I got choked up just listening to that story.  If this is what the rest of the tour is going to be like, we are in for a very emotional celebration of family and love!!!  I will definitely keep bringing it because these families deserve 100%!!!!

A big thank you goes out to all our Volunteers and our POC Megan!!! She rocked.  She honestly treated us like we were royalty.  I have never been so spoiled in my life.  The MWR even presented us with an amazing cultural gift for bringing this show to their families.  Check it out!!

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It is called The Alaskan ULU (pronounced oo-loo).  As quoted from the ULU Factory, an ULU "has been used for centuries by the native Eskimo people of the Arctic.  ULUs were first shaped from slate, a stone that can often be found in its natural shape, curved or tapered to a fine edge.  The ULU offers better control and versitility for all cutting needs."  This particular ULU has "Fort Wainwright" carved onto its handle and comes with a base that says "Thank You".  On the actual blade, it has the U.S. Army MWR logo that reads "Soldiers, Families, Retirees, Civilians".  It is absolutely beautiful and very sharp.  LoL.  We also received the pride of Alaska: a bear wearing an U.S. Army MWR shirt.

Another great story that happened after we arrived back at the hotel from load-out.  We were approached a mother with about 3 kids and a mini dog (so cute).  She recognized Tom immediately and began thanking us so much for the show.  She said her kids loved it and and it was amazing.  She asked if we will be doing anymore shows cause we could bring her kids again.  I wish I could show your her face.  You can tell her day was made by our show and it was an honor to bring that to her and her family!!

Wow!  You cannot beat that!!!

I will leave you with some pics from the facility (which was great).  Tomorrow we have a day off and the cast is heading to the Chena Hot Springs.  I am totally excited.  I am going to sit in the natural hot springs, tour the museum and possibly get a massage.  I will ttyl.

Ciao.

This is one of our awesome volunteers (There were definitely others - a big shout out to Jeremy and his son Riley!!!). 
His name is Nayle and he put his cowboy hat on Honker's head (which Honker did not know), hence the reason he has one eye...
But Honker didn't mind!!!
Thanks, Nayle!!!

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2011

Travel Update:  We have arrived in Fairbanks, Alaska!!!

After a long travel day that started with arriving at the airport at 6am and arriving in Alaska at 6pm, 5 time zones and three planes later, it is crazy!!!  I cannot believe it.  The flights were actually really great.  No flight problems or travel craziness.  I got to meet up with the gang in Seattle, WA (well most of the gang...Rebecca and Kyle took a different route)...I took some pics from the plane.  I will post later today (I mean, I have 16 hours of daylight to do it).  For now, it is time to find some food.

Ciao!!

Cell Phone News!!!  PLEASE TAKE NOTE...

To all my Family and Friends that love to text me or call:  I DO NOT HAVE CELL SERVICE IN ALASKA!  This is great practice for when I go overseas.  If you want to contact me, there are a few ways to do it:

        1)    This Website under the "Contact" tab.

        2)    My personal email address.

        3)    Skype.  We can video/audio chat or IM (and it's FREE no matter where I am...as long as you have a skype account        
                        too).  Add me: jbaez811

        4)    Facebook.

Thanks everyone for your understanding and please send me a message by one of these methods.  I love messages. 

If you still wish to call my phone, it will remain on/active and I will check it periodically.  Just give me time to respond.  If you text me, I will not receive it until my return State side early Fall.

Photo Blog:  Flying the Friendly Skies in Three Parts...

PART ONE:  Louisville, KY to Minneapolis, MN
(Cross One Time Zone = Lose One Hour)

This was still fairly early in the day. 
Though we were above the clouds, the Moon was still watching over us.

A small break in the clouds allowed us a view of the ground.

Arriving in Minneapolis to a bit of a snow storm.

PART TWO:  Minneapolis, MN to Seattle, WA
(Cross Two Time Zones = Lose Two Hours More Hours)

Ice and snow caused us a late departure so they could De-Ice the aircraft.

Here is the guy starting the Process.  They start by spraying a Pink Liquid on the plane to get off the ice and snow.

Then they spray a Green Liquid to do something.  Not quite sure. 
It stayed on the plane until we got airborne.

Makes you feel like you are in Space...

What the ground looked like somewhere over Montana.

These three photos show our progress towards Seattle. 
Some crazy numbers there (Look at the 'Outside Air Temp')

PART THREE:  Seattle, WA to Fairbanks, AK
(Cross One More Time Zone = Lose One More Hour)

These are not all clouds.  Look closer and you will see Mountain Peaks covered in Snow...ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!

I believe we are somewhere over the Pacific between WA and AK.

About to touchdown in Alaska.

FINAL DESTINATION:  The Westmark Fairbanks Hotel in Fairbanks, AK
Officially 5 hours behind EST!!

This photo was taken between 8:30 & 9:00pm Alaskan Time.
They are experiencing 16-17 hours of daylight.
Darkness falls around 10:30pm Alaskan Time.

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2011

One more day before flying off to visit the Home of the 'Arctic Warriors'

Tomorrow I begin my official travels with the USO!!!!

I am heading to Ft. Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska.  I found out that it is home of the 'Arctic Warriors'.  I am looking forward to finding out how they came upon that nickname.  I will update you with what I find out.

I also learned that our show is apart of a BIG EVENT on base.  The event is called the "Month of the Military Child Carnival".  HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!?!  I hope they will let us partake in the festivities between our three shows. 

Before we get to Carnival day, we will be experiencing our FIRST FULL Load-In and some more rehearsals to try and remember what it was we were doing before Columbus, OH.  LoL.  Either way, I am excited beyond belief.  I cannot believe I am finally going to visit Alaska and I still cannot believe I am working with the USO!!!  I keep pinching myself thinking I am going to wake up from a dream.

Anyway, I will post pictures as soon as I can.  Until than, here is the poster for the event at Ft. Wainwright!!

Ciao.

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Click on the poster above to visit the Official Ft. Wainwright Website

SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2011

"In the Press" has been updated...

I was finally able to gather all the articles I could find on the internet to post about the Columbus Event.  Please check out my "In the Press" section by either clicking the photo to the right or scrolling down to the link at the bottom of this page.  I will try to update stuff as often as I can.  Keep checking back and thank you for reading my blog.

Enjoy!!!

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Five Days off in Louisville, KY...

We have been given five days to return home before heading to Alaska to bring this amazing show to our Military and their families.  I will be spending that time with my Brother in Louisville, KY!!  See you when I get to Alaska!!!

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011

The Columbus Event was a HUGE SUCCESS!!!

I have pictures, articles and stories to share.  I will try to get it all up here by next week.  It is a lot to process and take in. 

To start I will leave you with three great pictures from the Event and a video montage of the night created by the USO!!!  My buddy, the Purple Honker, wanted me to share them.

Photo on the Left:  A Cast Photo with The First Lady Michelle Obama (Standing 2nd from the R) and Dr. Jill Biden (Standing 2nd from the L) 

Photo Credit:  Fred Greaves/USO

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The Purple Honker hugging Dr. Jill Biden,
the wife of Vice-President Joe Biden

The Purple Honker hugging
The First Lady Michelle Obama

THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2011
(posted on Saturday, April 16, 2011)

The Big Kick Off Event has finally arrived!!!!

It has finally arrived.  Tonight is the night our show is premieres at an event that is being attended by the First Lady Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden (the Vice-President's wife), the Presidents of both the USO and Sesame Workshop, White House staff, Secret Service, the Mayor of Columbus, the Associated Press, Local News, our at home viewers who watched via a Live Stream, Nick Jonas (our show opener) and, as the First Lady said in her speech after the show, our guest of honor: The Military Families!!!

It was a night to remember (that definitely makes it seem like Prom night).  So much happend and I am very positive I will be leaving something out at some point.  I apologize if I do, please forgive me.

First, let's start with some photos of how fabulous we looked dressed up for the event.

Upon arriving at the venue and getting checked in by Secret Service and Local law enforcement, we received our official access badges.  Unfortunately, we had to give them back but not before I took a picture of it.

The entire building is crawling with Secret Service, Event Organizers, White House Staff, Executives from the USO/Sesame Workshop/VEE Corporation.  It is crazy.  Everyone is wishing us well.  It is great.  I was even was standing in the hallway talking to my Mom on the phone, when who walks in - NICK JONAS!!  He smiled and responded to my "Hello" with a nod.  It was nice.  Sadly, other than seeing him onstage from the wings and standing next to him while waiting to meet the First Lady and Dr. Biden, that is as far as my Nick Jonas experience goes.  I tried to see if Lonny (our USO manager for the tour) could organize a quick picture with him, it couldn't get worked out.  But Lonny prevailed with something even more fun and kinda amazing!

I am skipping ahead in my day, but during load out Lonny approaches me telling me to hold out my hand.  He places an object that feels like a chip.  I looked at him confused as I open my hand and find this...

...A Guitar Pick!!  I look right at Lonnie is shock and ask him if this is what I think it is.  He says it is.  It was handed to him by the man himself after performing onstage.  I now own the Guitar Pick that Nick Jonas used while playing onstage during the Event!!!  How awesome is that!!!!  THANK YOU LONNIE!!!

Okay, back to the present...

As many of you know, the show was streamed Live via the White House website the night of the event.  Many in my family watched (My Nana and Papa in Puerto Rico, Dad in Texas, Mom and Brian in NC - to mention a few).  Well, before we were secluded to our holding area for the show (away from our dressing room), I told my mom to text me when the show started and when our part of the show began.  Well she went one step further.  She actually texted me throughout the entire event.  Through her text messages I knew exactly where we were in the show.

Thank you Mom for doing this.

I now give you the premiere of the BURCH LIVE BLOG from April 14, 2011 (transcribed verbatim from my phone):

5:42p     we hear the national anthem

5:46p     The dude introduced a short dude 
[Joey Comment:  Not sure who was being introduced.  I think it might have been either the President of the USO or Sesame Workshop.  Not sure.

5:51p     Bonus is singing
[Joey Comment:  She meant to write Jonas]

5:57p     He is singing he wants someone to love him and need him

6:01p     Elmo is coming on

6:02p     Rosita is on

6:03p     Grover and cookie r on

6:05p     i c u

6:05p     Sesame Street song

6:06p     ur famous

6:06p     i c u front and center

6:10p     U look great  I love u they just introduced katy

6:14p     I c u again Rosita is singing

6:22p     Ur carrying a picture of a tree

6:23p     Now ur singing how do u say hello

6:29p     I think u should b a little to the left or right when katy is singing what I am because we can’t c u because ur directly behind her
[Joey Comment:  This was by far my favorite text which I did share with our director/choreographer, Sloan Bayer.  Sorry Mom, it is not going to change.]

6:35p     U hugging the biden and obama and taking pictures with them…it was a great job…congratulations to all u guys

END OF TEXT MESSAGES

If you would like to view a Slide Show of the entire Event, click on the picture to the Left. 

You'll be sent to the USO Photostream's album called "Joining Forces: Sesame Street/USO Special Event" on the Flickr Website.

These amazing photos were taken by Fred Greaves!!

You can just imagine the roar that came at the end of the show.  That roar got louder when The First Lady and Dr. Biden walked onto the stage to hug all of the Cast and congradulate us on a job well done.  The pictures of this moment was captured on every camera in the audience.  You can see them posted on this blog under the date "April 15, 2011".

Before the event, we were told that the cast would get a chance to get a picture with the First Lady and Dr. Biden in our Prom outfits (I love saying that).  So we all hurried to get prepared and were told to "Follow Nick Jonas" up to the VIP photo area to wait for both of the Ladies to arrive.  I was so excited I couldn't get my body to stop sweating (granted we just did a show...but whatever).

Finally, the First Lady and Dr. Biden, walked into the room.  I was star struck - seriously.  I couldn't believe it.  Both ladies are so dignified, gracious and stunning.  AND I VOTED FOR THEIR HUSBANDS!!!  Awesome. 

After Nick Jonas and his crew got their picture taken, we were all ready to crowd in for our group shot, when we were hit with another surprise: We were getting SOLO shots with them.

Each of us were introduced by our name and position in the show, and got to speak briefly before getting our picture taken.  I GOT TO HUG MICHELLE OBAMA AND DR. BIDEN...TWICE IN ONE DAY!!!!!  The moment was awesome, scary, amazing, breathtaking, proud, etc etc etc.  Even after getting through all of us, Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden stopped to Thank us all for the work we are doing for our Military Families and congradulate us once more.  I was floored!!!  I could not get any higher into the clouds!!!

Of course, the surprises didn't end there.  We were than informed that following our load-out of the show, Sesame Workshop was hosting an Opening Night Party for everyone to Thank the Cast, Crew and all involved for a job well done.  Gary Knell, President of Sesame Workship, spoke and made me so Proud that I was apart of this Project!!

So to all involved and everyone I got to meet and work along side of at this Event in Columbus: 
Thank you for having me and Thank you for letting me be apart of what is truly a historic and proud moment in history.  I am proud to be representing Sesame Workshop and the USO as we travel around the world.  And coming from a Military Family myself, I understand the importance of bringing awareness to the American people on this issue. 

Thank You and here we come Alaska!!  I hope you are ready for us...

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2O11
(posted on Saturday, April 16, 2011)

Putting the pieces together...

The day started with a two hour rehearsal at the beautiful Ohio Theatre in Downtown Columbus.  This building is a Historic landmark and I can understand why.  We got to rehearse in their dance studio two levels UNDER the theatre.  It was such a great space to work in.  The rehearsal went great!  I remembered the show and only messed up a few times.  The rest of cast were also amazing.  It was so great seeing everyone and hearing what everyone did during their time at home.  The greatest story that was shared was how Katlin and Kiera rehearsed the show while wearing 5lb weights on their ankles and wrists.  Keira wore layers of clothing while Katlin chose to sport a sweat suit look.  The picture is epic!!!  Unfortunately, I do not have it.  You gotta find Katlin to see it.

The Main entrance into the Ohio Theatre.

Please notice the shows that will be playing this venue:  Jersey Boys, Mary Poppins (which arrives in a few days), Legally Blonde, Rock of Ages, Les Miz.
We rehearsed in this building!!!!!

The Cast going in for rehearsal.

The Plaque announcing that the Ohio Theatre is a "National Historic Landmark"

After a short break, the cast walked over to the venue for our first (kinda-sorta) load-in of the show.  I say 'kinda-sorta" because we did not use any of our lighting or sound equipment, so it wasn't a complete load-in and we didn't even unload the truck.  The venue was amazing.  We found out our dressing room and prodcution office was in the same hallway as Nick Jonas (yes, from the Jonas Brothers).  Did I mention that he was OUR opener for the show.  Yes, Nick Jonas opened for THE SESAME STREET/USO EXPERIENCE FROM MILITARY FAMILIES!!!

Our Dressing Room Door Sign.

Outside Nick Jonas's Dressing Room.

After our set was up, we were secluded to our dressing room area to wait until further instruction.  You can probably guess that hilarity followed soon after.  Take a look!

The day continued and we were finally able to run the show we will be taking out of the road for the USO, White House Advance Team, Sesame Workshop, the Lighting/Video crews and even the Secret Service that were there.  It felt like everything stopped in the building.  As soon as we started, everyone seemed to be in the audience watching - and they were all adults!  It was great!!!  It felt awesome and the response was incredible!!!  The rest of the night went to getting everything ready for the big day tomorrow!!!  Oh, and our Sesame friends even went as far as to let the grown ups become kids again but having a photo op. 

(If anyone has a photo they wish to share, please email it to me at josephjbaez@yahoo.com with your name and position.  I would love to post it here!!!)

This photo was sent by Hannah P. (Volunteer). 
I got to meet her while setting up Elmo Lights in the Front of House!! 
"Thanks Hannah for sharing this and all your support!!"

Well it is off to bed!!  Tomorrow is the big day!!!

TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011
(posted on Saturday, April 16, 2011)

An Epic Battle of the JJ Loaves begins...

Who would have thought that you could begin a Bread battle in Columbus, OH?

While Alexis, Hilary and I were enjoying the atmosphere and amazingness that is JIMMY JOHN'S (who I might add saw us a lot because they were right next door to the hotel), we were asked a question I never thought would ever be asked: "Would you like some fresh bread?"

I know you are thinking what is so weird about that?  Well our friendly JIMMY JOHN'S employee, Mark, wasn't just giving us one loaf of bread (cue the Count...) or two loaves of bread or even three loaves of bread (since there were three of us)...No my friends, he gave us SIX LOAVES OF BREAD (SFX: Thunder!!)

So what did we do with said bread?  I am so glad you asked.  We decided a Loaf battle would ensue while still inside the JIMMY JOHN'S.

To make this adventure even more exciting, the three of us returned to the hotel enjoying our bounty and began offering a free loaf of bread to anyone we came in contact.  We even visited our Company Manager, Tom, who wasn't home.  So we left him a present.

It was the funniest time ever! 

DEAR MARK,

THANK YOU!!  YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH FUN WE HAD WITH THAT BREAD!!!

SINCERELY,
JOEY

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Alexis holding our Bounty.

The beginning of the Bread battle.

A gift left behind.

TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011

Sesame Street has arrived in Columbus, OH...

It started out a bit rainy here in Columbus, but that didn't stop me.  Here is a collection of photos taken around the city during our stay!!

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These shields line the entire length of the bridge we crossed to get to the Venue for the show.

The Veterans Memorial from half way across the Bridge.

Another type of shield leading us across the bridge.

An up close view of the Veterans Memorial where our Kick Off Event was held

MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2011

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden to Kick-off
New Sesame Street/USO Experience for Military Families

The USO announced that our show will be apart of a community event on April 14 in Columbus, Ohio. This event will also reveal "a brand new Sesame Street character designed exclusively for the USO tour, the show will also boast a new theme, new look and new music with familiar faces to connect with military kids of all ages."

Click on photo of the First Ladies for two media releases in my "In the Press" Section.

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The Sesame Street/USO Website goes Live!

Click on the picture to the Right and visit our official Sesame Street/USO Experience for Military Families website.  You will find Photo Galleries, Tour Highlights, a Tour Schedule, Character Bios, Resources and much much more!

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SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2011

The USO posts the Installations we are visiting in Alaska and Hawaii...Check it out!

Our tour is officially opening in Ft. Wainwright, Alaska!  We will than continue through Alaska, visiting Ft. Greely, Eielson AFB, Elmendorf AFB and Kodiak ISC. 

Elmo and the gang will than fly out to Hawaii, where we will entertain our military Families at MCB Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay), Schofield Barracks and Aliamanu Military Reservation.  We will close our Hawaiian leg of the tour at the JB Pearl Harbor/Hickam AFB!!

I am excited as ever to bring this amazing show to our families.

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2011

We get to see our Amazing New Set at VEE Production Services!!! 
Very Very Exciting.  This is really happening!!!

THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2011

The new Sesame Street/USO Experience for Military Families
begin rehearsals in Minneapolis, MN!!

Meet the Crew that is bringing this amazing show to families around the world...

PICTURED:  Alexis, Kaitlin, Kyle, Joey, Hilary, Kiera, Sloan Bayer (Director/Choreographer) and Rebecca Shubart (Performance Director)

NOT PICTURED:  Tom Zaizar (Company Manager), Robby (Crew Chief), Mara (Asst Technician) and Danielle (Head Wardrobe)

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CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT MY NEW "IN THE PRESS" SECTION ABOUT OUR TIME OUT ON THE ROAD!!

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Watch this video from the 2008 Tour to see just how amazing and important this project is to our Military Families!

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CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE OFFICIAL SESAME STREET/USO EXPERIENCE 2011 TOUR WEBSITE!!

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DISCLAIMER:

Photos are collected from my personal camera, the USO website, Fred Greaves (USO photographer) and throughout the internet.

Video are taken from my personal camera, the USO YouTube account and throughout the internet.

If you see anything you wish for me to take off my site, please contact me using the Contact Tab. 

Thank you!