Heart Walk

With my dear, dear friend Becky Palmer B104 superstar at the Crouse Health booth.

I was honored to sing the National Anthem at this year’s Heart Walk at the SRC Arena. Ya know what’s hard about that song? Sure, it’s got them low notes… and that big, high finish. And yes, EVERYBODY has an opinion about how it’s supposed to be sung. Oh, yeah, and those lyrics. But, here in lies the terror of that opus.

It gets quiet. REAL quiet the minute you start singing. All eyes are reverently placed on the flag or YOU. And you always end up singing it in some kind of stadium with an echo effect that can’t be believed.

I loved singing this particular song for this particular crowd on Saturday. They were an amazing group of people. All joined together to raise funds (over half a million dollars) and awareness of heart disease and stroke.

One more thing. And this will only be understood by a select few. Singing the anthem gives me the chance to channel my dad. Giles Hobin, one awesome operatic tenor, who sang every song with passion and bravado.

Katie Weiss and me at the Triumph Over Stroke table.

I stand in awe of Kristin Thompson and her team for pulling this event off flawlessly. And her compatriots at the American Heart Association Denise McGraw and Kristy Smorol. It was big.

I shared my time between the Crouse Health table. Thank you Faith and Victoria. And of course, Triumph Over Stroke with my hero Katie Weiss.

There were so many friends out for the Walk… too many to mention, but best if remembered by my favorite walker who danced the entire way. I love you Wanny.