August 5, 2014

Seven Things I'd Like to See at a Future Hanson Day Event


Every year, Hanson adds something new to their Hanson Day event schedule. There has already been a block party, after party, listening party, beer festival, art gallery, bowling, movie screenings, dinners, lectures, group photos, acoustic shows, electric shows, and so much more. It’s hard to imagine what they might think of next, but they’re always asking for feedback and thinking up new things to try.  I’m full of opinions (wanted or unwanted, but hey! I have a blog), so sticking to the topic of fun ideas and not veering into logistical changes, here are some events I’d love to see at a future Hanson Day celebration.

1. A museum-style gallery.

This is the number one thing I want to see that hasn’t been done yet. I loved seeing the piano from the "Lost Without Each Other" video the first year we went inside 3CG for the I Heart Hanson store.  Hanson must have some pretty cool artifacts from the last two decades stored away, and I’d love to see any they’re willing to show.  Awards, music video props, Zac’s first drumkit, etc. We’re all collectors of something, and I think showing the collectors Hanson’s own collection would be total nerd fun. This could work in conjunction with the art gallery to add extra content or be completely separate.

2. Laser Tag.

I don’t participate in the bowling, but I would be all over a “sport” that doesn’t require used shoes and lets me run around and shoot people for fun.

3. New material during the movie screening.

Whether it’s a brand new documentary or a bonus 10-minute behind the scenes clip made exclusively for fan club members at the event, showing me something I’ve never seen before is the key to squeezing ten extra dollars out of me. Bonus tip: Gag reels are the way to my heart.

4. A photo gallery based around past tours and events.

Crowd shots. Walk shots. Action shots during shows.  Hi, we’re vain. We like to find ourselves in pictures and see pictures from shows we were at. You don’t have to sell them to us, but many of us would buy them too if given the opportunity.

5. More lectures behind the scenes of songs.

 Show us earlier versions of songs with different arrangements like Isaac’s “Underneath: Naked” lecture this year.  Tell us about lyrics that changed before the final version, like “tragic symphony,” which was ultimately a genius lyrical fluke, or the cat-killing joke that turned into “Misery.” It will never happen, but my inner English teacher would love a lyrical analysis lecture where we find out the meaning of songs.  Take a vague song or two, put the lyrics up on a screen, and line by line tell me what they mean and how they came to be. Lyrical Analysis 101, please! (Or give Taylor a lecture called “Behind the Veil of Vague.”)

6. A “Stories Will Be Told” lecture.

Dig into the Hanson vault of infinite recorded footage we’ll never see. Pull out 5-10 memorable moments that were captured on camera, and do a Buzzfeed-style countdown where you show them to us and tell us about them. On-stage pranks, great collaborations with guest performers, inspiring moments on walks, etc. I’ve seen some amazing things happen at Hanson shows; I’ve seen professional cameras around, and I’m sure there’s plenty more that I haven’t seen. Or turn it into a “Hanson Does Stupid Stuff on Video,” America’s Funniest Home Videos style compilation. (I realize this entire bullet is asking for a LOT of extra editing work and falls into the category of things that will never happen but are fun to think about).

7. A cheesy photo-op backdrop at the afterparty.

 If the afterparty is going to feel like prom, can we have a cheap cheesy backdrop where we can take pictures with our friends? I don't mean prom-style photos with Hanson or supplying us with a professional photographer to take the photos, but just some silly little designated space where fans can take group pictures with friends. The awkward prom pose opportunities are endless.

And I won’t say I want to see it, but I’m afraid the Zac equivalent of Taylor’s photo lecture would be projecting a video game onto a massive screen and having fans come up and play against him.

What events and lecture topics would you like to see happen at a future Hanson Day celebration?

7 comments:

other holly said...

yes to all of these.

Katie said...

Never thought about a museum gallery before - but I did get to go to Another Hot Oklahoma Night a few years back and them doing something like that I think would go over well, especially since when so many see my photos they ask if it is still around.

I also don't care about the movie night unless it is new content. I only went last year when it was the new documentary.

Maybe a photobooth with silly props for the after party. Those are always fun

Holly said...

Katie-

I thought about the Another Hot Oklahoma Night display too when I wrote this. I never got to see it myself, but I saw photos (and what was left of it that was moved to UT a year later) and definitely think something like that would be fun to see.

Gabs / LuckyDeathStar said...

A lot of these were things that I have thought could be cool.I go to anime and video game conventions, so most of mine are based off that.
I'd like to add in a scavenger hunt. Groups of up to 5 people [mostly saying 5 because that's how many can approximately fit in an average car] sign up in front of 3CG [or wherever, as 3CG can be busy] and only so many groups. [Maybe 10 groups total?] and they can run all over Tulsa to various Hanson things, to get items. Pictures of a specific penguin, grabbing a small bag from Mackenzie hiding somewhere at Gypsy Coffee, etc. First one back wins Hanson merch.

Another idea was [that I kind of saw this year] was pre-arranged meet and greet type things, four separate ones, one for each of them, then one group. Two hours with them at a table to sign and get a picture. But with someone watching the line to make sure someone doesn't get in twice.

A contest of sorts, various things [trivia contest, art contests, karaoke, etc] that had various rounds, and the winner gets a private meet and greet type thing with the guys.

Back when the "Moe House" was for sale [aka before Mom and Pop Hanson sold the 'compound' and moved back in] I thought it could be cool for the fans to be able to tour it. Elvis has Graceland, Dolly Parton has a section in Dollywood to show the house she grew up in, so why not? This could go in with your idea of the museum of various Hanson things.

I actually made a post on this a few years ago on Hanson.net [my name on there is LuckyDeathStar :)] But I've always thought that Hanson should ask us, the fans, what we would like to see.

Your_Illusi0n said...

Yes to all of these, especially laser tag. Also, maybe karaoke, and geocaching!! I love geocaching and was excited when Hanson left one in my city. Of course a greedy fan stole the entire thing, so I never got to find it =0(

Brittney said...

These are all great ideas! I wished all weekend there was a step and repeat type area where me and my friends could take pictures (with the Hanson and Hanson day logos on the backdrop) so we could have some pictures from the event. Especially since they are sort of "no photos" all weekend. I would also love one on one pics with the band like they do in Jamaica. I enjoyed the talks so much. I want more of that type of stuff.

Anonymous said...

Holly , I'd like the guys. To perform more solo songs in Tulsa !