Chapman's self-titled debut album, which included the hit single "Fast Car", ushered in a new era of folk music in 1988. Chapman earned three Grammy Awards the following year, including one for Best New Artist. She earned another Grammy in 1996 for her single "Give Me One Reason." Clearly Tracy Chapman is really talented and was heading to town as part of her five-date tour, which was sponsored by moveon.org to get George W. Bush out of office. She was playing at a very accessible venue and this only sweetened the deal. This was going to be a little tricky because both Sterling and I had night classes and obviously it would interfere with trying to get her autograph.

        I had a plan of trying after my class (and hopefully the end of the concert) and wanted to make sure that her show started at 8pm. I drove by the venue and noticed a tour bus already parked outside at around 3:30pm. This was nothing out of the ordinary so I casually drove around looking for a parking spot. Our downtown area was buzzing and parking was scarce so I kept driving around and around the venue.

       Since the parking was so difficult I decided I would give it one more chance before giving up and heading to class. Luckily someone just pulled out in front of the venue and I quickly claimed the spot. I jumped out of the car and started to walk off when I felt it would be best to bring an index card and camera just in case. After retrieving my index card and camera I went to the front and found out the concert was indeed starting at 8pm, now I had what I came for... or did I?

       My gut was telling me to check out the backstage area, so I went to check on that before leaving. I turned the corner to head towards the bus and at that very moment the bus door swung open. Out came a guy who looked a lot like singer songwriter Pete Yorn, but it wasn't him so this was of no interest. The next person to get off of the bus did deserve my attention because it was none other than Tracy Chapman!

       I couldn't believe it and responded quickly to the sighting, "Tracy can I please have an autograph?" Tracy looked up and accelerated her pace to the side door of the building, keeping her head down. Obviously she didn't look thrilled to be asked for an autograph and was trying to run away from my request. Before she got inside I asked once more with even more sincerity in my voice, hoping this would change her mind. This tactic didn't work unfortunately, because she couldn't get inside any faster.

       I did have someone on my side however because the Pete Yorn look-alike asked, "What do you have?" and I gestured to my index card. He took the index card and popped his head inside saying, "sign this card". I don't know whom he was to be making such demands but she listened and I saw her hand take my card and Sharpie and disappear into the hall. Then he turned around and asked what my name was and then he echoed it back to Tracy.

       Seconds later he gave the index card back to me personalized and autographed which I thanked them for. I carry enlarged index cards and was surprised to see that Tracy had folded it in half and signed it on one of the sides, which wasn't cool. At least I got an autograph but still left a little disappointed. Soon after I called Sterling and let him know that trying for her later that night was probably not a good idea, so we didn't try.