We are in the middle of our second leg of the South and it’s been off to a great start. On the way down to Georgia, we stopped off at my house in New Jersey where we got to do laundry, eat some real food, and relax. We ended up staying the night, and I couldn’t have been happier to spend some time with my parents and sleep in my own bed. It was a nice little departure from life on the road. The next day we got down to Georgia in a total of 11 hours due to my insane driving, a pretty incredible feat which left tour manager Dre terrified in the backseat.

However, he was able to get his revenge yesterday when he got involved in a “Color War” prank at Blue Ridge Camp without telling us. For those who have never heard of Color War, it is a camp-wide event every summer in which the camp breaks in to two teams, competing in games that lead to a victor on one side. It is usually one of the biggest and most anticipated events of the summer, so the camp traditionally “breaks” the news about the competition by pulling an elaborate practical joke. Well, last night, the joke was not only on the campers, but the Camplified crew, too!

Early in the day, Dre pulled as all aside to let us know of some “issue” with a performance permit and that the show might not be able to happen, also adding that if the police did come, we should all be prepared to run. Later that night, Dre became embroiled in an “argument” with a counselor after calling him out on “not having a good time” at the concert which led to some shoving as the police came back to “check” on the “permit.” Both of them were handcuffed and put in to the back of the police car in front of all the campers during the meet and greet. Meanwhile, the Camplified crew is running around, trying to figure out what’s happening, and freaking out. As the phone is literally ringing to let Aimee, the head of Camplified, know that our tour manager was arrested, the camp director finally tells us it is all a joke, from the permit, to the fight, and especially the arrest. The campers found out a few minutes later when Dre and the counselor came back in the police car, throwing out papers with the team names accompanied by fireworks. Campers couldn’t have been more surprised and relieved. Despite nearly giving us a heart attack, we all had to give Dre props on putting on probably the best prank in Camplified history! -Alex

The prankster himself, tour manager Dre Bouie (above left), with Camplified founder Aimee Berger. Photo by William Ross.

Tags: camp blue ridge, color war

Posted on Tue, Jul 12th, 2011 | Categories: From The Road.