I am asked regularly by people I meet what it's like to be on the radio.

It's an interesting job.  Like any position it comes with it's own set of pressure.  There is a constant pressure to perform to a high level regardless of what kind of day I'm having.  I say a lot of the same things a thousand different ways.  I sit in a room (many times alone) surrounded by electronic equipment and talk into a metal and plastic stick (that would be a microphone).  I talk to thousands of people every day that I don't see although I get to talk to some when I answer the phone or e-mail.

The strangest part of my job?  The stage announcement.

If you're not familiar with what a stage announcement is I'll define it for you:  I get up on a stage or in front of what sometimes can be a very large crowd and talk into a microphone identifying myself, the radio station, and making any announcements requested by the venue.  An occasional joke comes out of my mouth.  Pumping up the crowd is usually part of it although not always.  At concerts I then announce the artist that is coming on and I get off stage.

I think it's the strangest part of my job because most of the time I don't see the people I speak to every day.  The stage announcement is one time that I do.  It's an unbelievable feeling when the folks that are there in the crowd throw a little cheer in my direction.  This job comes with a lot of long hours and rarely a day off.  It's the nicest thank you ever for all of the hard work that goes into my job.  I know when I'm there that everyone in the crowd came to see whomever I am bringing on stage but it's still a fun moment for me.

I remember the first time I ever did a stage announcement.  It was 1988 and I was working at a station in Kansas City that played hair band hard rock.  The station sponsored a concert with 1980's hair bands Warrant, Kix, and the Bullet Boys.  Over 17,000 people were there.  I was scheduled with one other DJ from the station to bring on the first band.  I was so nervous it took everything I had not to pee my pants.  I walked up and yelled hello to the crowd and announced my name and the place went bonkers.  I don't even remember what I said or much of what happened after that except when I walked off I could barely stand my knees were so wobbly.

I think every person's job has at least one unusual or strange aspect to it.  Mine is the stage announcement.  And I am glad to do it.

If you've ever wondered what it looks like looking at you from the stage... I took a couple of pictures at the Pima County Fair this past Sunday:

You looked GREAT!