The Cactus Cuties slept in on Sunday, September 6th so they would be well rested for the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.  They ate breakfast (adhering to their no sugar and dairy singer’s diet) in the Coronado Cafe at the South Point Hotel and Casino and met in Cami’s room at 1:00 pm to prepare for the Telethon.  The Cuties reported to the Telethon at 4:00 pm to rehearse with the ensemble for “God Bless America.”  Rehearsal went extremely well, and the Cuties were looking forward to performing with the legendary Jerry Lewis!!  After rehearsal, the Cuties changed into their stage clothing and went straight to “hair and makeup.”  The Telethon began at 6:00 pm and before their first performance, the Cuties met many of the other artists waiting to perform including Lee Greenwood, George Wallace, Billy Gilman, and their new friend Wynonna Judd.  When performance time came, the Cuties were led to the stage.  The Cuties performed “God Bless America” with the ensemble under the direction of Anita Mann, and as the song came to an end they surrounded Mr. Jerry Lewis in a giant bear hug!!!!  The Cuties quickly returned to their dressing room to change clothing for their next numbers.  Cami quickly fixed hair, changed ribbons, and gave them the final look-over before ushering them back to the stage.  Mr. Jerry Lewis introduced the Cuties and they brought the audience to their feet with “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “That’s Right (You’re Not From Texas).”  After a great performance, the Cuties attacked the sweets in the green room and visited with the other artists!!!  They loved chatting with Mr. Neal McCoy and had a blast making goofy country faces with him!!!  While they were hanging in the green room, Cami heard some familiar voices rehearsing in one of the dressing rooms.  She nearly fainted when she found out that it was one of her favorite groups to listen to when she was in junior high, All-4-One!!!  Cami grabbed the Cuties, and their talent escort introduced them to All-4-One.  The guys were so gracious, and they sang two songs for the Cuties.  Cami and the Cuties were soooooo impressed!!!  It was an incredible ending to the evening!!!  The Cuties spent the next day playing in Vegas!  They went swimming, enjoyed a bit of shopping, and screamed their little heads off on a scary roller-coaster.  As the Cuties flew home to Lubbock, they were very thankful for another wonderful experience with Mr. Jerry Lewis and the inspiring people with MDA. 

photographer: Leanna Elbert

The Cactus Cuties had been looking forward to returning to Las Vegas for the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon all year long!  They arrived at the South Point Hotel and Casino on Friday, September 4th.  The Cuties were extremely excited because they were booked to sing two songs on the telethon this year!!!  They woke up early on Saturday morning and went to Cami’s room to warm-up before reporting to sound-check at 8:00 am.  The Cuties did a quick run-through of their two songs, “That’s Right (You’re Not From Texas) ” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”   After sound-check, they took seats in the audience to enjoy some of the other artists’ rehearsals.  The Cuties watched as an ensemble of singers rehearsed “God Bless America,” featuring Mr. Jerry Lewis himself.  The very talented choreographer, Anita Mann, was working with the stage manager Debbie Williams to make the number interesting and exciting when they noticed the Cuties sitting in the audience.  Debbie called Cami down to the stage and asked if the Cuties knew “God Bless America.”  Cami assured her they were very familiar with the song and would be more than willing to help in any way they could.  So, they grabbed the Cuties and added them to the Jerry Lewis feature song!!  The very excited Cactus Cuties took their places in the front of the ensemble, Anita stood in for Mr. Jerry Lewis, and they quickly rehearsed.  As they were finishing rehearsal, country superstar Wynonna Judd walked on stage for her sound-check.  The Cuties were introduced to Wynonna and she joined in as they sang her a greeting! She was very kind and gracious and posed for a few pictures with the Cuties.  Wynonna then took the stage and the Cuties watched in awe as she rehearsed.  After saying goodbye to Wynonna, the Cuties ran to the bowling alley to test their bowling skills.  While the Cuties played, Madeline’s mom Kim and Cami made a mad dash to the mall to find red and blue clothing for the Cuties to wear for the Jerry Lewis feature song.  On the way to the mall, Cami called home to Aunt Terri and asked her to record and email harmonies for “God Bless America” so Cami could teach the Cuties their parts that evening.  Kim and Cami returned from the mall with many red and blue options for the Cuties from Forever 21, and Cami taught the Cuties Aunt Terri’s arrangement of “God Bless America.”  They all went to bed that night thankful for the Cutie Family and looking forward to the Telethon!!!!                      

photographer: Leanna Elbert

One of the Cactus Cuties’ dreams came true when they were invited by the Dallas Cowboys to perform at an NFL Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers game on August 29th, 2009!  The Cuties arrived in Arlington, TX on Saturday afternoon and checked into the Marriott DFW.  A shiny black limo pulled up to the hotel at 3:00 pm to transport the Cuties to the game in style!  The Cuties celebrated in the limo with WATER toast in fancy glasses and could hardly wait to see the stadium.  Upon arrival to the new Cowboys Stadium, the Cuties were astounded by its size.  They soon learned that the Cowboys Stadium is the largest domed stadium in the world and has the largest video screen hung from 20 yard line to 20 yard line!!  The Cuties were escorted to sound-check and felt very tiny as they walked across the field.  Sound-check ran smoothly, and the Cactus Cuties were then led to a fabulous suite where they would have the priveledge of hanging out all night.  The Cuties squealed when they were given their very own Cowboys jerseys, which they quickly changed into in preparation for the performance.  On the way to the field, the Cuties performed their original Cowboys mini-song for Mr. Jeff Watrous and Mr. Colt Berry, two people who were instrumental in taking such good care of the Cuties in Arlington.  They loved the song, and the Cuties were then led to the field for game-time.  The stadium was packed, and the Cactus Cuties were extremely excited as they took their place in the middle of the field!  The Cuties sang The Star Spangled Banner, and the 80,000 Cowboys fans roared as their last notes rang out.  The Cuties were thrilled with the performance and headed back to the suite to watch the game.  They spent the remainder of the evening enjoying the game and the fabulous environment.  The Cactus Cuties were so thankful for the entire Cowboys organization for helping to make their dream a reality, and they hope to have an opportunity to perform for them again next year!!!!   

photographer: Leanna Elbert

August 2009 brought more gigs for the Cactus Cuties!  Mass Mutual booked the Cuties for two performances at their annual meeting in San Antonio, TX.  The Cuties arrived in San Antonio on the morning of Tuesday, August 4th and checked into the San Antonio Grand Hyatt.  The Cuties were excited to learn that The Dallas Cowboys 2009 Training Camp was going on in San Antonio and the entire team was also staying at the Grand Hyatt!!  The Cuties called Miss Terri and had her write a short Dallas Cowboys song.  The Cuties quickly learned it, in hopes they would have the opportunity to sing it for The Cowboys!!!  The Cuties reported to sound-check at 2:00 pm, had a short rehearsal, and returned to Cami’s room to prepare for the show.  The Cuties’ performance at the Welcome Reception began at 7:15 pm, and the Cuties performed a 20 minute set.  They were warmly received by the audience and were happy to sign autographs and take photos with the many children present at the event.  After the show, the Cuties’ friend Mr. Jay Boy Adams, who came to see the Cuties perform, introduced them to Mr. John Hickman with the Dallas Cowboys.  The Cuties performed for Mr. Hickman right there in the hotel lobby, and he was so impressed that he invited the Cuties to perform the National Anthem at a Dallas Cowboys game!!!!  The ecstatic Cactus Cuties said goodbye to Mr. Hickman and headed off to bed.  The Cuties woke very early and reported to sound-check at the Henry Gonzales Convention Center at 6:00 am.  They sleepily sang through the Anthem and were escorted to their dressing room to prepare for the show.  The Cuties performed the National Anthem for the Opening General Session at 8:00 am.  After a successful performance, they returned to the hotel where they saw the Dallas Cowboys buses lined up.  The Cuties ran over to one of the buses, where they saw Dallas Cowboys Assistant Coach, Jason Garrett.  He invited the Cuties into the bus, and the Cuties performed their new mini-song, “Dallas Cowboys.”  The Cuties’ original Cowboy song was a hit, and the Cuties could hardly wait to perform in the brand new Dallas Cowboys Stadium!!!  The Cuties returned to Lubbock that evening, anxious to see what God had planned for the rest of the month!!!

photographer: Leanna Elbert

The Cactus Cuties’ summer adventures continued with a booking in Grapevine, TX for the Southern Living at Home Convention.  The Cuties arrived at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center on the afternoon of Saturday, July 18th.  After settling in their rooms, they reported to sound-check at 5:00 pm in the Texas Ballroom.  The Cuties rehearsed their two numbers, “Amazing Grace” and “The Star Spangled Banner,” and were escorted to their holding room to dress for the show.  After changing clothes and applying a little hairspray, the Cuties took the stage for the performance.  The show went extremely well, and the Cuties spent the rest of the evening playing in the hotel pool!  The Cactus Cuties headed home on Sunday morning, thankful for another great experience on the Cutie journey!!!!!

photographer: Leanna Elbert

For the past six years, The Cactus Cuties have performed at Lubbock’s 4th of July celebration, “4th on Broadway,” but this year the Cuties were invited to perform with the Houston Symphony Orchestra for their Star Spangled Salute!!  The Cuties arrived in Houston on the morning of Friday, July 3rd and headed straight to the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion for sound-check and rehearsal with the Houston Symphony.  Upon arrival to the venue, the Cuties got settled in their dressing room and were then escorted to the stage to meet the Principal Pops Conductor, Mr. Michael Krajewski.  Rehearsal was so much fun!!! The Cactus Cuties had never performed with an orchestra before, and they loved singing with such powerful music!  By showtime, the Cuties were excited and anxious to take the stage.  Thousands of people were packed into the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion to see the special holiday show.  The Cuties performed The National Anthem, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, The Rockin’ It Old School Medley, and Children of America.  At the close of the Cuties’ performance, the people rose to their feet giving them a massive standing ovation!!!  After the show, the Cuties watched the fireworks together and then headed to the hotel to rest before their second show.  The Cuties slept in on Saturday, July 4th and spent the day relaxing before the Star Spangled Salute at the Miller Outdoor Theater in Hermann Park.  The Cuties were escorted to the theater that evening and had another great performance.  Although the Cuties missed their families in Lubbock on Independence Day, they truly loved performing in the Star Spangled Salute concerts.  Mr. Michael Krajewski and the Houston Symphony Orchestra were absolutely fabulous and the Cuties were so honored to spend their 4th of July weekend performing with such talent!!!!!  The Cactus Cuties hope to perform with them again someday!!!!

photographer: Leanna Elbert

The Cactus Cuties were booked to perform The Star Spangled Banner at the National College Baseball Hall of Fame Awards Show and Banquet at the United Spirit Arena in Lubbock, Texas.  The event featured the presentation of the Dick Howser Trophy to the national player of the year, the Brooks Wallace Award to the nation’s best shortstop, and the Pitcher of the Year Award.  The Awards Show and Banquet was televised on sports networks across the country, and the city of Lubbock was honored to host such a special event for the Baseball Hall of Fame.  The Cuties reported to the United Spirit Arena on the evening of Thursday, July 2nd and were thrilled to discover comedian/actor/singer Roy Firestone was booked as the emcee for the event.  The Cuties became friends with Mr. Roy at Muhammad Ali’s Celebrity Fight Night earlier this year and were happy to hang with him for a bit!!!  With the cameras rolling, the Cuties said a prayer and took the stage.  After a solid performance, the Cactus Cuties said goodbye and headed to bed to get some sleep before their busy Fourth of July weekend!!!

photographer: Leanna Elbert

The Cactus Cuties were invited to return to Grand Junction, CO to perform at Country Jam 2009 on Sunday, June 28th.  The Cuties arrived in Grand Junction on Saturday, June 27th and headed straight for the festival on the outskirts of town to check out the grounds.  They hung out in the VIP tent to watch some of the acts and had the opportunity to meet and sing for American Idol’s Bucky Covington.  The Cuties also fell in love with the LoCash Cowboys, an incredibly talented and entertaining country act!  After a fabulous performance by the LoCash Cowboys, the Cuties met and sang for them backstage.  The guys were so sweet to the Cuties and offered to give the Cuties a tour of their bus!!!  After lots of chatting and laughing, The Cuties said goodbye and headed to the hotel to rest before their big day.  The Cuties returned to Country Jam on Sunday in time to watch the Navy Seal Leap Frogs’ practice run.  The Cuties even met one of the Navy Seals after the jump, and he taught them how to pack up the parachute!!  The Cactus Cuties had a smooth sound-check, did a quick radio interview, said a prayer, and hit the stage for a 10 minute performance.  Later that evening, the Cuties returned to the stage to perform the National Anthem for a crowd of 50,000 before performances by Blake Shelton and Montgomery Gentry.  With solid performances behind them, the Cuties headed to the VIP tent to reward themselves with Twinkies!!!  After a nice sugar break, the Cuties took off for the carnival rides.  The Cactus Cuties’ were ecstatic when they saw the giant “FACEOFFZ” (a large inflatable balance beam where you fight to stay on the beam).  The Cactus Cuties decided to battle it out.  Andi and Madeline were the first match, and after a short struggle, Andi defeated little Maddie Mae!!!  Then, Baylee and Blaire took the beam.  After intense combat, Baylee emerged victorious!!!  The Cuties giggled all the way back to the stage, where they had the pleasure of meeting Blake Shelton and Montgomery Gentry.  The Cuties had another great experience at Country Jam and would like to thank Rod England and Wounded Warriors for taking such great care of them!!!!

photographer: Leanna Elbert, Toby Caldwell

The Cactus Cuties were honored to receive an invitation to open up for the legendary Oak Ridge Boys at their concert in Lubbock, Texas.  About a year ago, Oak Ridge Boy Duane Allen viewed the Cactus Cuties’ YouTube video of the National Anthem and suggested they be booked at The National Anthem Project in Washington D.C.!!!  The Cuties were grateful for the wonderful experience of performing with the President’s Own Marine Band in front of the U.S. Capitol building and had been in contact with Mr. Allen throughout the year, but had never met face to face.  When The Oak Ridge Boys’ management called to officially book the Cuties as opening act for The Oak Ridge Boys, they were delighted!!!!  They arrived at the City Bank Auditorium on Sunday, June 21st at 5:00 pm for sound-check.  The sound was great and the Cuties were warmly received by the band and crew.  The Cuties loved meeting and hanging backstage with The Oak Ridge Boys, Mr. Duane Allen, Mr. Joe Bonsall, Mr. William Lee Golden, and Mr. Richard Sterban!!!  The Cuties worked up the chorus of “Bobbie Sue” and had the privilege of singing it backstage for the Oak Ridge Boys!  The guys loved it and even filmed the Cuties for their official Oak Ridge Boys YouTube channel.  At showtime, the Cuties gave high fives to Mr. Allen and took the stage performing The National Anthem and The Battle Hymn of the Republic to open the show.  The Cuties had a blast watching the incredible Oak Ridge Boys Concert and then joined them for the curtain call and singing of the final number, Amazing Grace.  The Cuties would never forget their time with The Oak Ridge Boys and were so thankful for their new friends!!!!!

photographer: Leanna Elbert

The Cactus Cuties are so blessed to have each other to lean on during the hard times and to laugh with during the good times!  The Cuties did a lot of laughing during their very first taffy pull.  Cami got the Cuties together and arranged to have Aunt Terri teach the Cuties how to make taffy from scratch!!!!  The Cuties discovered taffy making is a very delicate process.  The first batch of butter pecan flavored taffy turned out to be overdone and looked more like brittle than taffy!  The second batch, which was vanilla flavored, was undercooked and much too soft!  The Cuties weren’t sure if they would ever get it right, but they tried one last time and the third time was the charm!!!  The last batch turned out beautifully, and the Cuties were so excited to have homemade cherry taffy to serve in The Cutie Pie Cafe!!!

photographer: Cami Caldwell (with Leanna Elbert’s camera :0)