BEHIND THE SCENES: RED VESTS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN

Now in its second season, Fort Smith's Second Street Live has grown from its beginnings as the 801 Concert Series into one of the most successful and reputable non-profit organizations currently working on a local level. At home at 101 North 2nd Street, it provides a welcome place for both audience and artist. SSL also sponsors outreach programs into local schools and has hosted charity events for the food bank and the community rescue mission. But one thing that often goes unseen by the public eye, one of the main reasons for the success of SSL, are the volunteers working behind the scenes making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.

Walking into SSL, visitors are greeted by two volunteers in red vests holding the doors open to welcome them in. The red vests are a key part of the volunteer's "uniform," letting patrons know that is the person they should talk to should any questions arise. The volunteers have become a close-knit group of friends behaving almost like family. They go out together, celebrate birthdays together, and when they've spent time away, they genuinely miss one another. Each has their own unique story of how they became members of the "Red Vest Brigade."

Ruth Wood started as a season ticket holder while it was still the 801 Concert Series. Being friends with both co-founders of the organization, she had an inside line on who to see and when. As the project grew, she was asked to serve as "product girl" at SSL, helping to sell the artist's merchandise. It was never her desire to head the volunteer staff, but when the offer was made she was happy to take it. Her favorite parts of volunteering are the friends she's made and the music she's been introduced to.

Sherri Drzewiecki was one of the original volunteers, signing up even before Ruth came on board. "I was familiar with the 801 series," she says. "I knew the kind of talent they brought in and I wanted to be a part of it." She found details on Facebook, went to the website, and was added to the roster. "I came down for orientation, was given a tour of the facility, and was impressed," she says. "I love being here. I've met some interesting people and have made some wonderful friends."

Nancy Duncan and Lana Gilliland started at about the same time. While on the website to purchase tickets to see Paul Thorn, Nancy saw the link for volunteers and clicked on it. She then talked Lana into joining her. They both say they came onboard out of a great love for music and a desire to meet new friends. "Volunteering here has been a wonderful experience," says Nancy. "I've never regretted it."

Celeste McCary had just gone through a divorce when she started. "I worked with a lady who volunteers here," she says. "She thought I was spending far too much time at home alone, and I probably was." Suggested as a good way to get out of the house and back into the world at large, Celeste decided to take a chance. "I've met new friends, been introduced to music I'd have never heard otherwise, it's been great for me."

Renee Winegardner says at times, watching the crowd can be just as entertaining as watching the show. She had lived here about five years when she became a member of the RVB. "I wanted to get out and meet people," she says. "I saw on the website that SSL was looking for volunteers, so I called them." Though nervous and self-conscious toward stepping into something new, she immediately felt at home

All of the RVB say they have a great love for diverse styles of music. That was the major draw for all of the volunteers. Aware of the differing styles of music brought in, most they had probably never even heard of, they trusted the fact that it would be quality entertainment they would fall in love with. Though it was the music that brought them together, it's the treasured friendships that keep them that way.

As for stories behind the scenes, there are plenty of those too. The coat-check room has been nicknamed the "Kissing Booth," the volunteers have been known to dance in the hallways during shows when no one is looking, and twice now they have actually formed a conga line and danced their way through the theater during a show. The Red Vest Brigade always has a good time, whether meeting for dinner before the show begins or meeting for drinks when the show is over.

"At first, new volunteers think that one of the perks of being a member of the Red Vest Brigade is that you get to see the shows for free," says Ruth Wood. "But they soon discover that most of the fun takes place outside the theater. Our motto is 'the best part of the show is on the other side of the door'." Though they have their fun, no one takes for granted the importance of their role at SSL. "Without the volunteers," says a former executive director. "Second Street Live simply would not exist."

To become a volunteer, visit the website at www.secondstreetlive.com, click on "how to support," and you will find a link to e-mail Ruth directly. "It's frustrating when people say there is nothing to do in Fort Smith," Ruth says. "The fact is there is plenty to do here. You just need to look around and involve yourself in something."

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