Last week, for the 2nd time (3rd time walking) I took the walk with Hanson and stayed all day and all night for the show. Now, for the full diehard Hanson fan experience I showed up at 10 AM and camped out in the rat-infested back alley behind the venue with twenty or so other dedicated fans. We shared lollipops and past stories. The walk was at 3 PM as always. Taking the walk is basically taking your shoes off and following the megaphone-wielding members of Hanson on a one-mile walk with a discussion at the halfway point and returning to the venue. There is no security so everyone brings their cameras and phones and gets to talk, up close and personal, with the band. Yes, this may be intimate but we all share a cause and it fits us as a group. A lot of fans, including myself, have bought TOMS shoes. Whenever you buy a pair of TOMS shoes another pair goes to a needy child in Africa. The main question last year was “can you even imagine not owning something as simple as a pair of shoes?” and this year the message is spreading the word by arranging your own walks. This is a little part of spreading the word. We are working to build a well and school in South Africa and providing access and treatment to those in Africa with HIV/AIDS. Children should not die from a disease their mother was carrying before they were born.
Hundreds of Hanson fans take the walk in each city along the tour and although we are making a difference and “doing our part” (your part can never truly be done) we would appreciate any and all help.
So whoever is reading this and has never heard of it before check out www.takethewalk.net, www.Hanson.net, www.tomsshoes.com, www.ihavehope.net, or www.ifindhope.net. Learn how to do your part.
Whoever is reading this and has heard of it or has taken the walk, feel free to leave a comment and represent.
Among the band and the fans, members of the opener band Everybody Else were walking. They seemed like good guys, psyched about the cause, but I figured their performance later that night would be ehh to even out their personalities. They were awesome. Some of the catchiest music I’ve heard in a long time; like In Memoriam, Meat Market, and Makeup to name a few.
So, yes, my Hanson day was 14 hours long but if you don’t understand, you’re not about to either. It’s just the way we roll. I met some great people, had a great time (it was an incredibly fantastic show – thanks for playing DITW!), and am really looking forward to walking again by the end of the month.
Sorry if this isn’t what you were expecting from my blog. I know it’s a different mood and not all jokey and cynical but this means a great deal to a lot of us and I figured it was about time I spoke up.
Take the walk. Spread awareness. Make a difference. Change someone else’s life!!!
I’m leaping off my soapbox now.
Mimi
