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Journal: September 2, 2003

Date: September 2, 2003

Author: Carmen Perreaux


It was Friday, August 15th at around noon. As I sat at the kitchen table pretending to read the newspaper, the phone rang. I shuffled over to the phone and I saw that it was a long distance call, so I picked it up.


"Hi. Is this Carmen?" A male voice said.


"Yes." I replied with sleep still in my voice.


"Hi. This is Piers Henwood from Tegan and Sara's management. I have a big favor to ask you."


"Um...Yeah, sure, shoot."


"Well, I'm sure you heard about the blackout."


"Yep"


"Well, Sara is stuck in Montreal and won't be able to make it to Regina for the Folk Fest performance. So, I looked you in the Street Team file and was hoping you could help us out."


In my head I was like, "I can totally fill in for Sara. I know all the words to the songs and I'm such a good singer." There is, of course, no way that he would know that I'm a fabulous singer. (I was only kidding myself that that's what he actually needed from me).


Piers proceeded to tell me that Tegan was still coming to Regina for the show, but had never performed without Sara and there were a few things she needed. This is where I fit in. Piers rattled off the list of art supplies that Tegan had requested and instructed me to meet her at the festival grounds at 4:30pm. Even though I was not going to be singing like I really wanted to, I was still going to meet Tegan one on one.


Piers must have called me 3 or 4 more times that afternoon to give me more details:


"Your name is on the guest list so when you get there, head over to the booth and get your ticket"


"I'm arranging for you to get a backstage pass."


"Call this woman at this number when you get there. She'll let you know where to go."


"Tegan will be keeping an eye out for you and she'll get you backstage."


I got to the festival grounds on time and found Tegan. She gave me Sara' s all access pass so I could come and go as I pleased. She began pulling out the supplies I had brought her and asked if I would help her with "Sara". She lay down on the paper and I traced her, then she wrote Sara across the shirt and gave her a face and some hair. I drew the shoes, they were really ugly and both feet were facing left. Regardless, it was really funny and would be perfect for the show.


I left and returned to the Festival half an hour before Tegan was slated to perform. Using my all access "performer" pass I went backstage and talked with her. She told me how the band, Sara, her mom and Piers had been calling her all day. How's everything going? Are you nervous? You're going to do great. And so on.


Tegan took to the stage with her Sara drawing and everybody laughed and sang along and reveled in hearing some new material. Everyone kept talking about how great and funny she was.


I went backstage again after the show (because I could and I just like saying that). I found Tegan on the phone with Sara. How did it go? Were you nervous? Tegan told me she almost threw up right before she got on stage, but that it wasn't as bad as she thought it was going to be.


She left for her hotel and I watched Painting Daisies.


The next day Tegan had a workshop with Jane Siberry, Daisy and Rochelle from Painting Daisies and one woman whose name I can't remember. It was a very eclectic performance and Tegan told some more funny stories. I went with her to an interview afterwards and then autographs, settling merchandise, yadda yadda yadda. We sat and ate and talked. Then we parted ways.


It was the coolest two days ever. The only thing that would've made it better is if Sara had been there, but then I wouldn't have gotten to go backstage. Or, maybe if I had gotten to sing. Someday.


I want to thank Tegan for being sooooo nice to me. Piers, for giving me the opportunity to hang out with one of my favorite musicians. And Sara, for not being able to make it to the show.


Cheers,

Carmen Perreaux

Tegan and Sara Street Teamer

Regina, Sask.


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