Maila Gibson

Happy Monday!

Rainy days and Mondays get a lot of people down. Not me. I love Mondays. I love waking up and turning on Regis and Kelly, The View, and The Other Half. That probably sounds really corny, but seriously, I find them very entertaining and educational. I admit, drinking coffee and watching these shows have become part of my morning ritual.

For one thing, talk show hosts have to be witty, otherwise, they won't have a show for long. I like to apply that to my gigs. Ben Vegas is a total natural at entertaining people. Aside from being a monster guitarist and singer, he's funny, he's quick, he makes people feel comfortable and makes them want to come back. He's taught me that entertaining is really only 40-50% talent. The other half is about the relationship with the audience. It's about treating people the way you'd treat them if you saw them on the street without the stage, without the lights, without the music. It's about being yourself. It's about hosting a party, making people feel as though they're in your living room. I'm not as quick or silly as Ben, but I hope to learn what I can from him in a way that applies to my personality.

So, back to the morning talk shows. First let me say, we can learn valuable life skills from anything as long as we're willing and receptive. I like to think of Ben and myself as Regis and Kelly. I could only dream of being as witty and cool as Kelly Ripa is and that's a long shot, but the most I can do is try to learn from her. Ultimately, however, I'm so fortunate to have one of the greatest teachers who sings and plays the guitar right next to me night after night. Therefore, let me make like a sponge and soak up as much as possible because I know I have a lot to learn!