2013 National Memorial Day Concert

Posted on June 4, 2013 by lizzlyons

Straight after Billboard I flew back to DC to help out with the 2013 Memorial Day Concert. This time I supported producer Walter C. Miller and his production team from Capital Concert, Inc. Being his right hand, Mr. Miller told me tons of stories from his past 60 years in the business! And when you’ve helped produce some of the top televised award shows in the country, there is definitely room to learn and grow from him.

Most of the time was going to a lot of meetings: production, occasional talent and luncheons. Day of show was awesome – backstage congratulating the talent and rooting for the production team. Mr. Miller showed me the truck and we got to see the entire dress rehearsal together. I got to see how the director work, announcing the camera transitions and cuts, rolling packages and counting down performances. Got to see and interact with each departments’ roles behind the scenes this time. Was so cool!

Capital Concert, Inc. collaborates with PBS to create these crucial concerts. These are moments to celebrate our veterans and remember those who have fallen both on the battlefield and at home. My grandparents served in such branches as the army, fire department and police forces for the US. To be a part of these events is to recognize those who serve and I appreciate being able to support these memorials for them.

Billboard 2013!

Posted on June 4, 2013 by lizzlyons

Wow… it has been way too long since I updated about my adventures! Let’s see…

April and May 2013 was a very exciting two months. This year I jumped on board the Billboard Awards in Las Vegas and never imagined how awesome a trip it was! Out of all the shows so far, this was the most spectacular collaboratively, and getting to work in the office this time too I got to see the process hands on. Production-wise, I learned a lot and loved the team we had this year.

So what highlights have we? Well, being a Vegas virgin, it was surely an experience. Having friends to guide you along the way helps too. The trip out was… a trip to say the least 🙂 A good laugh in a desert is always a pleasure and coming across these fellas was a good reason to:

First night involved pool side drinks at the MGM Grand and a night on the town.

You ever need an awesome burger, Gordan Ramsey’s I cannot stop raving about. Besides food and friends there was gambling of course. Luckily, I only gained more than I lost. $900 later I called it a week.

Then, came show day:

Samsung was our fabulous sponsor. Every tablet and phone you saw on screen was charged with care by a helpful team in the back. In between commercials, we passed out the tablets for the Taylor Swift award reveal. Seeing that there needed to be some space between mosh pit members, I got to be a bouncer to hold some of the cast back. Waiting between segments though, there was another performance before the announcement:

Justin Beiber performing “Take You” at the 2013 Billboard Awards.

Justin Beiber Performing “Take You” at the 2013 Billboard Awards

Now, I have never considered myself a fan, but once you get to see Mr. Beiber in concert I got to admit: he was pretty cool. Chill dude, got along with all my friends on set, and refused to lip sync that night while dancing. Justin, I support.

By the end, the reveal was a success! Shouts out to BlueWater Technologies and Baltimore-based WhamCity Lights for their collaboration on the tablet reveals and IconaPop song!

The night was a big success for Taylor Swift, Prince had a sick set, and a new favorite song on my playlist, “Merry Go ‘Round” by Kacey Musgraves. Looking forward to next year and another opportunity to work with this team again.

Taylor Swift wins big!

Prince’s sick set!

Kacey Musgraves “Merry Go ‘Round” was a smash.

Inaugural Success

Posted on January 28, 2013 by lizzlyons

The 2013 Presidential Inauguration was a huge success thanks to the Presidential Inaugural Committee and its fantastic team. I was very lucky to be a part of this historic event by event coordinating one of the two Inaugural Balls: The Commander-In-Chief’s Ball.

Featured talent were Jennifer Hudson (featured above singing Rev. Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” for the President and First Lady’s first dance), Brad Paisley, Stevie Wonder, Jamie Foxx, Alicia Keys, and Marc Anthony to name a few. The event took place in the ballrooms of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center with the two other balls taking up Halls D&E, as well as Halls ABC. Over 4000 active military and veterans attended the event Monday, including Tuskegee Airmen, Wounded Warriors and the Joint Chiefs to celebrate this memorable event. Also, in honor of the birthday of the military braches, a traditional cake was production by Duff “Ace of Cakes” Goldman from our local Charm City Cakes in Baltimore, MD. The cake was cut with a saber by a Coast Guard Lieutenant and Tuskegee Airman.

The next night was the Staff Ball commemorating all of those who supported the President’s re-election. Special guests included POTUS, FLOTUS and VPOTUS plus Dr. Biden.