The Cactus Cuties were thrilled when they received a message from The Texas Rangers informing them that Nolan Ryan had invited The Cuties back to Arlington to sing at the MLB Texas Rangers vs. New York Yankees game on Thursday, August 7th.  They arrived in Arlington,TX on Wednesday, August 7th and settled into the hotel.  On Thursday afternoon, the Cuties reported to the Rangers Ballpark for sound-check.  They were excited to sing in the large stadium again, and couldn’t wait to see the stadium packed with people.  When game-time arrived, the Cactus Cuties were ready to rock!  They sang The National Anthem, and said goodbye to the mascot “Rangers Captain.”  They stayed to watch a few minutes of the game, and then hustled back to the hotel to get some rest before they headed to another gig the very next day.  As they pulled away from the Rangers Ballpark, The Cactus Cuties were happy to have had the opportunity to hang with the Texas Rangers for the second time!!!

photographer: Leanna Elbert

The Cactus Cuties were dressed and ready to rock the “4th on Broadway” Evening Concert!!!  They kicked the show off with The Star Spangled Banner and were so happy to be performing for such a huge crowd in their hometown.  They were honored to meet Richie McDonald (formally of Lonestar) and to have the opportunity to sing on his song, “God’s Still In America.”  The Cuties were definitely feeling the butterflies of anxiety as they walked out on stage, looked out at 70,000 people, and performed their original tune, “Follow Me.”  They were backed by their favorite band, The Lubbock Texas Rhythm Machine….they were incredible!!!  After “Follow Me,” the Cuties performed “Children of America” with the Lubbock Youth Symphony Orchestra.  ”Children of America” was written by Terri Caldwell, and at the end of the tune, a choir of students of Cami and Terri Caldwell sang along with the Cuties.  The Cuties were thrilled to share the stage with legends Mac Davis, Richie McDonald, and The Maines Bros.  4th on Broadway was a complete success!!! 

photographer: Scott Mann

The Cactus Cuties were looking forward to the Evening Concert at “Lubbock’s 4th on Broadway Celebration”.  They reported to the main stage at Mackenzie Park for sound-check at 2:30 pm and were greeted by friend and emcee Judge Sam Medina.  The stage was massive and the Cuties excitement began to build as they walked on stage to rehearse their material.  The Cuties were booked to sing “The Star Spangled Banner”, “Follow Me”,  and “Children of America”, and additionally join Richie McDonald (formally of Lonestar) on his song “God’s Still In America”.  The event planners were expecting 70,000 to 80,000 people to attend the concert, and the Cuties couldn’t wait to see that crowd!  After sound-check, the Cuties said goodbye to their buddy Mr. Mac Davis and headed to the trailer to get ready for the big night.

photographer: Leanna Elbert

The Cactus Cuties woke up early on Friday, July 4th and reported to the patriotic float to perform in the “4th on Broadway Parade.”  They were happy to be performing one of their original tunes, “Follow Me” which was co-written for them by their LA producer Clif Magness, LA songwriter Kendra Kessel, and their artistic director Cami Caldwell.  Clif flew into Lubbock for the event, and they were excited to have him riding in the parade with them!!!  The Cuties have been a part of 4th on Broadway, which is produced by “Uncle Donnie” (aka Don Caldwell), for the past five years and it is definitely one of their very favorite events.  After the parade, they piled into the back of van and set out for the rest of their day.

photographer: Leanna Elbert

The Cactus Cuties were asked to perform for the National College Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Civic Center Theater in Lubbock, TX.  The Cuties were proud to be in their home town performing at such a special ceremony, and were even more excited when they were told it would be televised on Fox Sports!!   They primped and practiced in the dressing room and then took the stage.  The Cuties performed The Star Spangled Banner to kick off the ceremony and then headed home to get some much needed rest before their eventful 4th of July.

photographer: Leanna Elbert

The Cactus Cuties boarded the plane in Grand Junction, CO and took off for Dallas/Ft.Worth to perform that evening at the Reebok Heroes Celebrity Baseball Game in Frisco, TX.  The Dr. Pepper Ballpark was beautiful, and the Cuties loved meeting Dallas Stars’ Mike Modano, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cubin, and October Road’s Geoff Stults.  The Cuties sang The National Anthem and Madeline was chosen to participate in a skit between innings!  She played tug of war with the mascot, and at the last second Mike Modano jumped behind Madeline and helped her overtake the mascot!!  The Cactus Cuties cheered for Madeline as she gave Mr. Modano a great big hug for helping her win!!!  The Cuties spent the rest of the evening watching the game and hanging with their two new friends, Ty and Mason. Then they went back to the hotel, did a little synchronized swimming in the pool, and finally crashed.  The Cactus Cuties are definitely enjoying their National Anthem “mini-tour!”

photographer: Leanna Elbert

The Cactus Cuties arrived at Country Jam in Grand Junction, CO at noon on Friday the 27th for an on-site interview with The Moose 100.7, which started the day off with a bang!  The Cuties spent the afternoon singing and signing autographs before reporting backstage to prepare for the evening’s performance.  As the Cuties were walking backstage, the event coordinator ran up to them and said they were needed on stage.  Diamond Rio was having technical issues with their gear and the stage manager asked the Cactus Cuties to kill some time for them on stage.  The Cuties gladly went out and told the crowd about their new book and sang a chorus of “We Are Family.”  When the Cuties finished, they ran right into Diamond Rio who said they were already familiar with the Cuties and said they would be sure and watch the Cuties sing the anthem, even though Diamond Rio would already be finished performing.  The Cuties ran back to their trailer and changed clothes for their quickly approaching performance.  Diamond Rio rocked the crowd with their awesome harmonies and memorable songs, and the Cuties were standing by when they finished their set.  They were so sweet to the Cuties, posed for pics with them, and wished them luck.  The Cuties took the stage, stood at attention as the color guard approached, looked out at the crowd of 70,000 people, and sang their hearts out.  The Cuties were so thankful Wounded Warriors brought them to Grand Junction, because Country Jam 2008 was an amazing gig the Cuties would never forget!!!

photographer: Leanna Elbert

The Cactus Cuties were ecstatic to be asked by Wounded Warriors to perform on Country Jam 2008 in Grand Junction, CO.  The Cuties could hardly believe it when they were told who would be performing at Country Jam as well…Diamond Rio, Clay Walker, Josh Turner, Sugarland, and Tim McGraw to name a few!!!  The Cuties flew to Grand Junction on the evening of Wednesday the 25th and went to bed to prepare for media interviews early the next morning.  On Thursday morning, they woke up at 4:00 am to get dressed and warm their voices up.  They reported first to KKCO NBC Channel 11 for a television interview.  The Cuties promoted their book and sang one chorus of “Children of America” on air.  When they finished with the interview, they went straight to MBC Grand Broadcasting to visit the radio stations.  The Cuties did interviews with The Moose 100.7, KSTR 96.1, and KNZZ 1100 and then headed to Country Jam to check out the site.  On the Country Jam grounds they met the man in charge, Mr. Ty, and did a little crazy dancing to the extremely loud music as the sound crew tested the system.  They said goodbye to their new friend and headed to another television interview with KJCT ABC Channel 8.  The Cuties did the interview outdoors and it was very hot, but it went well.  They ended the mini media tour with one last radio interview with KJOL 620.  After all the media, the Cuties were exhausted and headed back to the hotel to take a nice, long nap!  After a few hours they woke up and headed to an appreciation party thrown by Wounded Warriors for all the military and volunteers participating in Country Jam.  They made friends with the soldiers and were honored to meet them all.  The party was a perfect ending to the day, and made the Cactus Cuties even more excited about Country Jam!

photographer: Leanna Elbert

The Cactus Cuties were all dolled up and excited to be singing for the 103rd Manufacturers’ Association of Northwest Pennsylvania Annual Event.  They were honored to meet guest speakers, John Edwards, Fred Thompson, and Ari Fleischer.  CC sang the National Anthem and were then escorted to their table for the rest of the evening.  The Cuties loved the mini deserts that decorated the table and made sure they sampled them all!!! After the event, the Cuties took a walk on the edge of Lake Erie and watched the sunset.  Then they ran back to their hotel room, found gift baskets full of candy, and enjoyed more sugar while they watched the movie, August Rush.  Finally, after a long and thrilling day, the Cactus Cuties crashed!

photographer: Allyson Wall

When the Cactus Cuties arrived at the rental facility, they were shocked to discover a Hummer Limousine waiting for them.  They screamed in delight as they ran to the limo and giggled all the way to the regional airport.  The Cuties watched in amazement as the limo drove them right out onto the runway and the driver opened their door to reveal a private Leer jet!  They jumped for joy and piled into the seven passenger plane.  They were so excited they sang their hearts out as the plane took off and headed for Erie.  When CC arrived in Erie, they stepped out of the plane to find another limo waiting to take them to the Hotel and Conference Center.  They dropped off their luggage, changed clothes, and reported to sound check.  The room was beautifully decorated and the Cuties couldn’t wait to see what the formal event had in store for them.

photographer: Allyson Wall