The #BIGDADDYONELLEN party is this Friday at The Nectar Lounge (21+) in Seattle. Performing are members of This Providence, The Classic Crime, The Scene Aesthetic, Man Without Wax, MayWeather, and Sailor Mouth. The man behind the show is Sean Porter (Big Daddy), who has been involved in our music scene for many years. Sean has tour managed for Kris Allen (American Idol), Cage The Elephant, and just wrapped-up a tour with The Streetlight Manifesto.

RCA: Hey Sean! Thanks for doing this interview. How long have you been home?
Sean Porter: No problem man! Thanks for doing this with me! I actually just got back from The Streetlight Manifesto tour on Christmas Eve.

Can you give our readers a little background on your #BIGDADDYONELLEN campaign?
Yea for sure! The idea sparked a few years back when I was watching her show with a friend of mine. We were just talking about how much fun she has doing her show, and how much fun it would be to be on it. From there it was a looooong "idea" process, but then finally about 6 months ago I launched the campaign full blast. I started selling t-shirts on my website too (www.bigdaddyonellen.com). It has been so much fun getting to do this.

Do you know if The Ellen Show is aware of what you're doing? Has anyone from their camp contacted you?
I think they are... a few of my friends have actually worn shirts AT the show, and I have sent them some as well. I actually talked to one of the producers when they did an event in Philly, and I just happened to be in town. I think its just a matter of time! :o)

The concert on Friday is a benefit for The Music Empowers Foundation. They raise awareness about music education, and help areas where it's underdeveloped or non-existent. How did you get involved with this foundation?
Well when I was on tour with Kris Allen last year, we did a few charity shows for them. I became good friends with Andy Davis (Founder/CEO). We got the opportunity to actually do a tour with some of the kids that the foundation has helped and it was a blast! I wanted to choose a charity that was something I was passionate about, and since I have been in the music industry so long it just made sense.

I have to ask - where did the "Big Daddy" nickname come from?
Yaknow, its actually kind of funny, I can't even remember... haha. It was definitely on tour... think I just started calling everyone "Big Daddy", and people just started calling me that back.

Behind every good band is an even better tour manager. What are typical TM responsibilities?
It all depends on the band and what they are looking for. Some bands have a very DIY style, and I am just there to make things go smoothly and others need everything done. I am usually the first one up and last one to bed. I handle ALL the finances, scheduling, travel arrangements, van/bus repairs, show details and so much more. You basically need to make sure everything runs smoothly, and the band has what they need.

What advice do you give to aspiring tour managers?
Oh boy.... probably to just get out there and learn from your mistakes and learn from other TM's. I got thrown into it and luckily was ok at it.. haha. Plan on being poor for at least a few years... you won't make much money at this in the beginning.

How did you get your start working in music?
Well way back in the day I was the "unofficial 6th member" of the local Seattle band Endeavor. I handled most of their business and went on tour with them a few times. From there This Providence asked me to sell merch, and I have been a road dog ever since.

What is the craziest thing you've done on the road?
It has gotten pretty wild out there... I'm not going to go into details - but there has definitely been many wild nights with my friends Jim, Jack, and James...

What has been the favorite tour you've been on?
Oh man, I have been able to go on some pretty amazing tours with some pretty amazing bands. There are so many. The guys in This Prov, The Crime, and Sherwood are all like my brothers, every tour I have done with them has been so much fun. I also got to tour with the Goo Goo Dolls and Barenaked Ladies, which is just so surreal. They were 2 of my favorite bands back in the day, not to mention 2 of the biggest bands! I also still have to pinch myself when I am on tour with Kris Allen. If you would have told me 10 years ago when American Idol started, that I would have been on tour with one of the WINNERS from that show and he would come to be one of my best friends I would have told you that you were crazy! Haha

Any last words?
Come to the party! It's going to be a really fun time. And be kind to one another. You don't get anywhere in this business, or any for that matter, being a jerk to people. :o) Thanks for doing this interview, and being a part of the party Chris! You're the man!

Thanks dude, can't wait for the show!

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30TH, 2011
The Nectar Lounge (412 North 36th St, Seattle, WA)
BigDaddyOnEllen.com Presents: #BIGDADDYONELLEN PAR-TAY
With special performances by members from: This Providence, The Classic Crime, The Scene Aesthetic, Man Without Wax, MayWeather, Sailor Mouth
21+, $10 (or $5 w/ Big Daddy shirt), 8 PM - RSVP