I have a story for you that has taken me a year to publicly share. It has taken me so long because honestly it’s a better story told in person as it’s my best embarrassing story to date. It involves a celebrity. Now, keep in mind I am a real suave lady when it comes to celebrities. I’ve volunteered at the Sundance Film Festival for 4 years now and I just acknowledge their presence and mind my own business. I’m never one to go out of my way to get a good view of one or squeal as they walk by. But seeing a celebrity when you don’t expect it can take you by surprise and I have a history of semi-humiliation. I walked right up to Susan Sarandon in New York to ask her if she had an extra Flight of the Conchords ticket only to stare at her blankly and slowly turn my back to her. Same night I hit Todd Barry in the face with a poster as I tried make a photo op happen. And I missed the connection between Leia Bell and Brian Bell longer than I should have being that I worked for the lady and all. But nothing compares to this:

A year ago today, I unloaded my goods for 3rd Annual Craft Lake City with my best pal Di helping me for the day. It didn’t take long before we were enjoying a good sweat and people to chat with. During a busy moment Di was approached by a man with a question and she directed him toward me and observed closely as to what was about to happen.

Man: Hi. I really like your bear and black birds. Can they be shipped to New York?
Me: (Overwhelmed by the sale): Um. Um. Uhhhhhh. Yes.

We then go on to discuss exactly how many birds he wants, collect payment, explain my process, etc.

Man: Your work is cool. And this event is really great. Someone just told me about it as I’m only in town on tour.
Me: Nice. What band are you in?
Man: Oh. I am a solo artist.
Me: That’s cool.

Now, let me explain my thought process. Salt Lake has a great local music scene. I know people who play and go on tour who haven’t hit it big yet. And being an artist myself I know that you can do whatever you put your mind to. So I didn’t necessarily think it was a big deal that someone was on tour. I just thought, “Good on ya.” But that’s where Di comes in.

Di: That’s Josh Groban! (I would put more exclamation points in but she would comment on how she wasn’t that loud or extreme about it. But she got my attention, I’ll tell you that.)

Josh and I locked eyes as the information became clear. Did I just ask a multi-platinum singer who has had cameos on Glee, what band is he in? Real smooth Nic. Real smooth.

Me: I’m SO sorry.
Josh Groban: Hah. It’s ok.

And that’s what happened. I didn’t take any photos, although one with him mimicking my bear’s face would’ve been awesome. I have no proof that this actually happened except for that Di was there. Word got out and soon everyone’s mom was visiting my booth wanting to hear the whole story*. The video above is my only visual, a rather close reenactment if I do say so myself. I am pretty honored that Mr. Groban liked my art enough to deal with shipping it while on tour. I find it fascinating that he supported a local event full of local art and a very small local artist. I’ve been in contact with his assistant recently who wanted more info about hanging the birds and after that I should get a photo to see how the first bear I’ve ever made is doing.

*One mom came by my booth and Di’s mother-in-law on the phone said, “Neat.”

Fun Fact: Josh Groban was in Crazy, Stupid, Love and so was Kevin Bacon. I am two degrees from Kevin Bacon.

Tags Craft Lake City Josh Groban