Down and Dirty With Keith Urban in Greeley!

Seeing Keith’s concert at the Greeley Stampede was one slippery, slickly sensual, toe-curling experience unique among my Urban journeys!

I’ve been in Colorado since Thursday and it has been hot, hot, hot and dry - dusty dry - so that every day I have had to scrub off a layer of Colorado dirt that adhered to my sweat-damp body. Happily, because it is dry and breezy here, the 95-100 temps haven’t been nearly as oppressive as they would have been in more humid environs.

I had repeatedly checked the weather report for Greeley and every time sunny to partly sunny skies were predicted. I even checked again an hour before driving north from Denver and sunny skies were still in the forecast. But as I drove the skies grew dark and it began to rain. I would have welcomed rain on one of those 100 degree days but didn’t want rain to dampen my Keith concert!! It rained for about an hour, then the sun reappeared and it looked like we were going to luck out! Lucky that there would be no ongoing storm, yes - but not so lucky to be seeing Keith in the Greeley outdoor rodeo arena. An arena with 6 inches of dirt on its floor - which was now the consistency of mashed potatoes. And our floor chairs were set right in this brown slurry! OMG you should have seen it!! Silly me (and many, many others) tried to walk carefully, daintily through the muck, but no such luck - it was slippery, oozy, and deep enough so it sucked at your shoes like quicksand. My wedgie sandals were hopeless and I had to abandon them before going 20 feet. So I and hundreds of others on the floor went barefoot with squishy mud coming through our toes with each step! And we danced in this goop all night! Once I gave into it it wasn’t half bad (don’t the spas charge for mud baths and mud packs??) until I faced the clean-up after the show!! Best Western’s bathtub may never be the same...

Another thing that made Greeley unique: No opening act before Keith!! Since Craig Morgan had been mentioned in the promotions, I was totally surprised when, shortly after the 9:00 starting time, we heard the strains of Kiss A Girl! There he was - in that deep rosy-red plaid shirt and oh-so-nice jeans! His longish locks had been trimmed a bit, but that didn’t keep Keith from flipping the heck out of his hair tonight.

Another thing that distinguished Greeley from most of the summer lovin’ tour stops - since Keith was the only act we were treated to almost a regular full length concert (he played about an hour and 45 or 50 minutes)! It was great to hear songs that had been omitted in the shorter sets (but I’m still missing Raining on Sunday).

Poor Keith was noticably hoarse on some songs but, as always, was a trouper. Although he didn’t reach for those high notes and often turned to the audience for vocal help, he seemed to be trying to make up for it with physical exuberance on stage, hair flippage, and some extra guitar interludes on songs like Better Half and Sweet Thing. So no complaints from the crowd I am sure but I am praying his voice will survive another concert in Grand Junction tomorrow night.

Greeley had a “standing room only area” about as deep as the very front section in a regular arena and as wide as the rodeo arena (so much wider than the stage). People were packed in there like sardines but I bet over half of them couldn’t see a thing because they were off to the side or buried next to taller individuals. I was glad I opted for the seats a bit farther back, although I too was way off to the side (seat 97 in a row of 100). When I could peek between heads I had a decent view but sometimes tall cowboys and stetsons completely blocked my view. The side video screens were small and not great and did not film well at all tonight. Here's a bit of Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me and I'm In. 

Keith told us he had asked Nicole to come to his Manhatten, KS show so they would be together for their anniversary, but that she had some Nashville engagement today so had scheduled a flight home. But he and she went out on the motorcycles in the morning (before the rain) and enjoyed Colorado so much that she canceled her flight.  She will be even more impressed if she continues on to Grand Junction because western Colorado is really gorgeous. In fact the entire 240 mile drive between Denver and Grand Junction is really special (I’ve made that trip 3 times in so many days!) Keith then dedicated Making Memories to Nic. Here's Only You Can Love Me This Way.

I was surprised when, after some extended guitar play before You Look Good in My Shirt, Keith braved the dreadful state of the arena floor and made a short trip offstage. Although the tall folks around me blocked my view of where exactly her went, I believe he was in the standing-room only area. What a man - putting up with a little “mud on his tires” for his fans. When he returned to stage he ended the song playing flat on his back, waving his muddied boots in the air at one point : )

He paused several times during the show to check in that all the areas of the arena were still doing good, complimented the audiences singing and how great we were not to let a little mud dampen our spirits. He briefly read a couple audience signs (something he hasn’t done in quite a while!). He accepted a few strands of beads and a rose from fans along the edge of the stage.

Tonight besides the usual “echo rounds” of yeah-yeah-yeahs and Day-o’s, Keith did an echo round of Sweet Things. He really enjoyed our willing responses and closed with a big ol’ “I love you Colorado!”. He made all his usual thank-yous and also went over and thanked the woman who had been “signing” the show at the edge of the stage. 

He asked her to show him how to sign “This is a totally awesome audience!”

The audience loved both Brian’s and Jerry’s little solos and the applause and screams were deafening after Keith’s first “goodbye” after Better Life - so much so that he almost looked a little embarrassed when they returned for the encore and repeatedly thanked us for making it a special night. Somebody to Love was the only encore song and then it was time for him to sign his thank yous to the audience again, tapping his heart in thanks many times, then the final bow with the guys, more waves goodbye and he was off. Rest that sweet voice Keith and see you tomorrow!

Postscript: The floor audience inching out in the mud was another show in itself. The tough part was walking up the graveled ramp or drive out of the arena, with the thick mud on our feet picking up all those little stones so that each step was like Chinese torture. We had to seek our rainwater puddles and wet lawns to begin the cleaning process but I still was worried about getting into my rental car so my rain poncho became a floor mat to protect against my earthen feet. One gentleman next to me quipped that now I could claim to have been down in the mud or down and dirty with Keith Urban, Guess I have!

Keith Urban, Dixie Chicks and the Eagles in Chicago!

I had looked forward to the Chicago Keith Urban-Dixie Chicks-Eagles concert with eager anticipation for several reasons. I was thrilled that Keith was playing in my old hometown and anxious to re-experience some of my Eagle favorites. Add to that the opportunity to lure all three of my daughters to Chicago for a concert weekend adventure. And top it off with the chance to introduce 4 “Urban-virgins” (one sister-in-law and 3 nieces) to the wonders of Keith performing live.

We were a bit worried as we drove towards Chicago on Friday since extreme storms in the area were bringing down tree branches and causing power outages. We were willing to put up with bad driving conditions, but I knew that lightening packed rainstorms were one of the few things that could shutdown an outdoor concert, and prayed that Saturday would bring clear skies. Happily Saturday dawned with blue skies and just little cottonball bits of clouds with an expected high of 87.

My sister-in-law Pat took us to a great little Italian place (Cafe Bionda) not too far from Soldier Field for a late lunch before we headed to the stadium. Everyone ordered something different and all 10 dishes were great - I’m not going to wait for another concert to visit Cafe Bionda again!!

I thought I had done well scoring Row 23 floor seats in this gigantic venue, but I should know by now that is still pretty far back - too far to really see the performers very well. What seems like “near” was just too far so thank goodness for video screens. Well, maybe Keith would come down my aisle later......

Mr. Urban emerged at 6:00 pm sharp in a deep rosy-red plaid shirt, medium blue jeans and high spirits, hair longish, unstyled, golden and blowing in the wind very much like a half dozen years ago. Kiss a Girl kicked off his set, then Days Go By, with great singing by the audience. I was excited that, despite his limited time on stage this evening, Keith did make a trip down to the far end of the stage - MY end of the stage - for this song - my tiny bit of relatively close time during the show. (Unfortunately this was also the sunny side of the stage so the rest of my videos all night were pretty glary and washed out and others caught much better shots than I. )

And then a song I have been missing - Stupid Boy with that wonderful guitar solo echoing through that massive stadium - - goosebump-giving moments!

Keith then came out with his “How are we doing Chicago? It’s nice to be back!” He greeted each area of the audience in turn and said “We’re thrilled to be a part of the show today and want to thank the Eagles for being so cool and letting us come out and play some songs with them.”  Then he said if we knew the words we should sing along as they went on to Sweet Thing (thanks to crazy4keithurban)and then I’m In. Keith complimented the audience participation with a“Yee - haw!! Good God Almighty you sound good out there!!” 

He briefly introduced Til Summer Comes Around with a “This is a song about - well its about now actually” (since summer is finally coming around I guess). This song just sounded fantastic resounding in that big Soldier Field.

I liked that they mixed up the set and weren’t afraid to do a couple acoustic numbers in the stadium environment. Before Only You Can Love Me This Way  (thanks to crazy4keithurban) Keith wished all the fathers in the crowd a big happy Father’s Day and dedicated this song to all the lovers in the crowd tonight and all the married couples. He threw in a “And I’ll never feel the way I feel playing in Soldier Field Chicago today” at the appropriate moment. Then a stirringly emotional You’ll Think of Me - again with the stadium singing along and cheering at the very end. Here is crazy4keithurban’s video

Keith asked if the security guys were being nice to us and complained that “It looks a little orderly out there - I just want to make sure that you guys are able some serious fun, okay?” He introduced Brian and Jerry and each got to sing their little solo bits to the huge crowd. After Brian did “Open Arms” Keith joked “I was just about to get my lighter out!” (tee hee) Then Keith made a special request of the audience - that we all sing happy birthday to Nicole since her birthday was the next day. He was just a hoot doing this!! Here is CJ0267’s great clip of this.

As soon as I heard the opening riff of You Look Good in My Shirt I crossed my fingers that Keith might exit the stage on our side. But he went in the other direction : (

But that turned out well - my sister-in-law, although new to Keith Urban, jumped right into being an Urban fan and managed to high five Keith as he moved back in the stadium and followed him all the way back to the K area of the rear floor where he stopped to perform, and stood right behind him the whole time. Way to join the Urbanite Club Patti!! Of course Keith’s walk through the crowd was a huge success with the audience and even one of the beer-venders had to stop and catch it on video!!

Keith thrilled his Chicago audience by coming out in a Blackhawks shirt. He was a good sport and wore it in the heat for a while but eventually had to pull it back off to perform. Although I love Somebody Like You (thanks to crazy4keithurban) I was a little sorry to hear the opening banjo because I knew it signaled the likely end of Keith’s set. It was a great hour that went by all too quickly. All 4 of my “urban virgins” later reported that they thought Keith was the best performer of the entire evening : ) Similarly, the folks I was sitting next to - who had come “just to see the Dixie Chicks” were wowed by Keith. You can’t help but love him!

I was quite surprised when the Eagles opened with Seven Bridges Road! I loved the first hour as they performed their California-sound hits from the early seventies. You truly could “feel the love” (as Keith would say) as tens of thousands sang along to those classics. I’m not as thrilled with some of the late 70’s, early 80’s rockers featuring Joe Walsh, so their set started to feel a little too long to me later on. I was glad when they returned to their softer sounds for the encore (Desperado).

CMA Music Fest - Day 3

My third day in Nashville was again, as Alan Jackson said, “hotter than a hoochee-coochee”! I was already wearing my third and last pair of comfy sandals since hot sweating feet hiking up and down Nashville hills will raise blisters even when wearing your most broken in sandals! : (  So I decided that the short walk to the one major indoor venue - the Convention Center’s Durango Acoustic Stage - was in order for Saturday afternoon. Live music, up close, in air-conditioned comfort sounded good.

A local radio station (WSM 650) was broadcasting live from the Durango Stage. On Friday I had seen mostly bluegrass bands, while on Saturday I was treated to a more mixed lineup. The Bankester Family from Missouri - 6 of them - all playing different instruments and singing were a pleasant start, singing Carolina Rain, Better Get Right  or You’re Gonna Get Left, and Keep Your Hands on the Plough. Then classic country music lady Lynn Anderson did several songs including one of her many hits I Never Promised You a Rose Garden. She and her hubby Mentor also sang that classic song Drift Away (aka Give Me the Beat Boys) which I was surprised to learn he had composed. 

Next up was an up and coming relatively new artist Elizabeth Cook who was just a pistol and whom I thorughly enjoyed. Apparently her new album Welder is getting rave reviews. For your enjoyment I captured El Camino, When You Say Yes to Beer You Say No to Booty ; ) , and Sometimes It Takes Balls to Be a Woman - do take a listen!!

I needed to get up and move a bit so decided to wander down to the Exhibit Hall. I had not been down there earlier - I had heard of the long waiting in line that was necessary to get most autographs and knew my bum knee was not up to that. But I thought I should at least see what it was all about. Well, through fortuitous timing, just as I walked through the door I heard someone say “And here they are - Rascal Flatts!”

And just several feet away from me the threesome sang us Life Is a Highway!! Of course throngs of fans gathered and you couldn’t pick your angle - but I managed to catch two-thirds of the group ( and sometimes two and one-half of them lol) on tape.

Because of the hot weather I waited until just before showtime to go out to LP Field - no need to start sweating early! I did get the in time, however, for the daily flyover by the Thunderbolts following the national anthem. God I love the delayed roar of those impressive aircrafts!!

Randy Hauser - a big, burly biker-guy of a performer - has a big voice to match his physique and immediately revved up the crowd with his hard-tocking songs. He thanked the nearly full stadium for coming out early to see the opening act. 

Billy Currington kept the audience participating with his better known hits. He is a cute guy, but I must say I felt like he needed a shave and a trim this weekend (his kinky dark curls aren’t quite as endaring as Dierks’s used to be). But I did enjoy his ser, which of course included Must Be Doin’ Something Right and God is Great Beer in Good.

I’m a big fan of the Zac Brown Band. They, like so many of the CMA Fest performers, made a special point of taking time to thank the fans for their support - not just the thousands of fans at the Fest, but all the fans who have requested and bought their music and attended the shows. They even had a very special ‘thank you’ song called “This Song’s For You”  with Zac repreatedly pointing to the audience several times as they performed it. 

I have seen this band several times when they were opening for Keith Urban last year. Tonight they did something that was new to me - a quite long instrumental number. It definitely showcased the musical skills of the band members, but I, personally, am not sure the extended guitar solos suited this particular venue - especially this hot, sweaty venue. I sensed that the audience was getting a bit impatient for something familiar that they could sing along with. They certainly got it with the very moving “Free” which was nicely melded with Van Morrison’s Into the Mystic. That song really made their performance for me!!

Martina was up next and she started out strong with Cry Baby Cry and followed that with hit after hit. She was dressed in a rather somber black, silky dress. Although some funky boots lightened the look somewhat, I thought the dress a rather curious choice for the CMA Music Fest. Martina too spent quite a while thanking the fans of country music for allowing her to pursue her dreams and do what she loves - she was very sweet and touching.

It was after midnight and I chose to end the night on that note rather than staying to see Rascal Flatts. Although I like their music, I wasn’t impressed with their live show the last time I saw them. I’m also not a big fan of the chaos, traffic and long, long bus lines that occur when the stadium empties after the final act of the night - I prefer the several hundred peopje who depart a little early and can walk right onto the waiting buses which then pull out of the parking lot with ease.

Best Song of the Second Night of CMA Music Fest: Keith Urban's "With A Little Help From My Friends"

My first full day at CMA Music Fest - I tried to sample performances from several of the venues (there are far more things going on than any one person could do). Since I am not one to wait in long lines, I avoided the autograph signing at the convention center and instead listened to a nice set by James Wesley on the Bridgestone plaza. I was lucky enough to find one of the few chairs in a bit of shade. Then I went down to the Riverfront Stage, inching down the hazardous steep grassy slope (they really need some stairs!!) and found a tiny patch of grass in the crowded viewing area to watch Patty Loveless perform. She was very good but boy that sun was really beating down on my fair scandanavian skin, with nary a breeze to be found. That, plus the fact that I am no longer comfortable sitting long on the grass without something to lean on, made me head back up the slopes in search of a cooler spot. It was 1:00 so I stopped in a cool brewery for a Pineapple Mojito and a Cobb Salad. Refreshed I headed back to the Bridgestone, but it was between acts so I went inside to the Durango Acoustic Stage and watched several good bluegrass groups waiting for Daryl Worley’s timeslot. But the program must have changed because Daryl never showed. Still recovering from the evening before I decided a short nap was in order before it was time to head out to LP Field.

    When the Fest week began some additional tickets were put on sale. I scored a ticket in the 4th row riser section 137 - the section closest to the stage so was hoping for a good view of Keith, especially if he came out to the ends of the stage as he likes to do. Unfortunately my good view was not really there because a big camera boom was between me and the usual microphone position. So once again I spent most of the time looking at the video screen (at an unfortunate angle, but what can you do!).

    After the presenting of the colors and then the national anthem by the Band Perry, Julianne Hough was first up. I’m afraid I was unimpressed. Although she is beautiful, her songs didn’t do much for me and she incorporated a bit too many moves that you might see at an “exotic dance” club (but without a pole). But I’m sure the males in the audience probably enjoyed her short set.

    Next was Josh Turner. I love his voice and he is a cutie - so he was easy to look at and listen to. But other than that he doesn’t move around much or exude much personality on stage. But then maybe I was just anxious for Keith’s turn to arrive! The crowd did get into Josh’s “Why Don’t We Just Dance” and also “long Black Train” during which long strings of fans created human “trains” which wove their way all around the main floor.

     Finally it was Keith time!! I had tried to keep an eye on the stage stairway not far from me, but did not see him arrive. He wore one his dark plaid shirts and looked happy to be there and oh so sexy : ) . He opened with Kiss a Girl and had great audience participation. With a shout of “Nashville!!” and “Are we feeling good?” he went immediately into Days Go By, again with great participation. During Days Go By the stadium released about 4 dozen beach balls which were bopped around the floor section, looking like popcorn popping up and falling down. Keith took a minute to check in with each area of the stadium - top, back, sides, floor, punctuated with some of those lovely chuckles. Then he asked us to sing along with the next song (Sweet Thing) if we knew it. Did we!!

   Keith gave his thanks to all those who traveled a long way, including those who sat way up high who “had to travel a long way to get to their seats.” lol.  He added “As you can see, Nashville is alive and well and open for business.” He introduced the band members and then returned an “I love you” to a male fan who had shouted “I love you Keith”, but then Keith added “which is weird because you’re a dude, but what the heck.” He alerted us that his wife was there on stage with them (not visible to me) and dedicated the next song to her - I’m In.

    Somebody Like You was preceded with a “Do you feel like singing Nashville??” Nashville did and again he had resounding participation by the audience. He seemed just a little hoarse - maybe he came home with a bit of a Boston cold. He did his Dey-O, Dey-ey-ey-O bit with the audience before the jump and circle ending of SLY. He complimented the audience, saying “I’ve got to tell you - you guys sound unbelievable tonight! And it is such a beautiful night to be out. No rain, thank God.” (and less heat - a thank God from me and many others!)

Then Keith let us know that they were going to do something a little special for their last song of the evening. He brought out his supporting keyboardist (“legendary and immortal” Tony Brown), a horn section, and his “little sisters” (Sara Buxton and the Little Big Town gals) (the same supporting performers as he had on Jimmy Fallon I think). He said they wanted to take this moment to thank not just all the organizations who helped respond to the Nashville flood, but every last person who helped -  strangers, family, friends.”When it comes to disasters- natural and un-natural (a little dig at the Gulf situation) we so need “A Little Help From Our Friends”” and went into Joe Cocker’s great song. They did a terrific, moving, chill-giving version and I think Keith squeezed in a little extra commentary that was not in the original lyrics, but he sang so much so fast in that section that I have to go back and try to catch every word. During the cheering and applause following this number I shouted out a big “More!!!” because I so wanted to hear more than these few songs. And low and behold - outcomes the announcer saying - “That was SO good that we are going to do it one more time!!”

(they needed another take for the CMA special but that was just fine with the audience!!)

(I wonder how Keith feels about re-doing particularly dramatic emotional numbers like this?) Keith came out an said apologetically “Its a television thing and we love you so much for letting us do it again.” As if we wouldn’t beg them to do it again and again!!

     Upon the end of the second take Keith shouted “You are the best!! I love you all - thank you so much” to the audience. The band came out for their arm-in-arm bow - especially nice in this context where the bands are generally forgotten and even most performers simply give a wave goodbye. So, even with the re-take of the last song, Keith was on stage 44 minutes. Sweet minutes but I wanted to again shout “More!”

    There was a bit of a delay before Reba came on and they scrambled a bit to fill the gap with the winners a the “Win a guitar contest”. Reba later apologized and said there had been technical difficulties. She sang Strange, Consider Me Gone, her new Keep on Lovin’ You, and Fancy (and part 2) - and then said thank you and good bye! I was surprised at such a short set - I guess I don’t understand the ins and outs of the scheduling of these events. 

Kid Rock would close the show but I (and quite a few others) opted for the early buses back downtown to avoid the crowd and traffic later. I had seen enough of Kid on the CMT Awards and it was already midnight when Reba said good night. 

Report From a CMA Music Fest Virgin : Night 1

Got up early to catch my flight to Nashville. I made it as far a Chicago, but then was delayed for 90 minutes while they searched for a replacement plane since the original was leaking oil. When I finally arrived it was obvious that Music City was HOT and hopping and there was music everywhere. I passed a couple performing groups in the airport and another in my hotel lobby before I even made it downtown. And each morning we have even had live music in the breakfast room of my not-fancy Best Western Hotel!

Nashville was so hot and steamy Thursday - like a bathroom after a hot shower. Everyone was sweating and fanning themselves, clothes sticking to bodies as soon as  one left the air-conditioned buildings. I walked downtown to the Bridgestone Center (when did it stop being the Sommet?) and watched a little music on the outdooor plaza, then grabbed some dinner before catching the shuttle out to LP Field. I lucked out and climbed right onboard outside the Hilton, but then our full-to-capacity bus passed many long lines of others waiting for the shuttle on our way to the stadium (Note to myself: Catch early shuttle in the evening).

My seat in the 21st row of the lower bowl towards the stage end of the stadium was good compared to the rows and rows of seats in the 2nd and 3rd levels above me, but it was still too far away to really see the performers. So I relied on the video screens (which my camera often did not like - CMA Fest has what they call a “photo line”. Fans line up out in the lobby sometimes an hour before a performer comes on, then that line is led down the stadium stairs, right in front of the stage, and up the opposite side of the stadium. The line keeps moving, so those folks only have time to snap a photo or 2 of the artist before they are herded along. But those constant flashes means the lightling on the performers is constantly changing, making my camera unhappy).

The evening began with the Marines presenting the flag and the Oakridge Boys singing the national anthem. They followed the presenting of the colors with a rousing round of “Elvira” to get the audience going (very successfully!).  Then we heard the sound of somebody switching country song to country song on a radio (like the music that preceded Keith Urban’s Til Summer Comes Around in concert) and out came Danny Gokey, looking much hotter than I recall from American Idol. He look slim and toned (with a build not unlike Keith’s) and was brave enough to wear what looked like a woven or detailed fitted leather jacket throughout his performance despite the sweltering heat!! (see clip) He modeled Keith in other ways - a swinging wallet chain a big belt buckle and a scruffy beard, but had kind of a longish flat-top hair cut. He has learned to be a more animated singer, moving much more than he had in the past, but those moves do not yet always look fluid and natural. I haven’t kept up with his new music, so was not familiar with his songs, but did like “My Best Days are Ahead of Me” and  “I Will Not Say Goodbye”. As the newbie on the night’s roster, Danny only sang 4 songs.

Then we were treated to Alan Jackson. in his American flag teeshirt, whom I had never seen perform live before. Definitely a slow talkin’, down home country guy whom I enjoyed very much. He began his set with “Good Time”. After that he had a little story or a little something to say about almost every other song. He prefaced his playing of his very first hit with ("Its really an honor to still be playin' at this thing - hard to believe it has been 20 years" with words of thanks to fans and to country music. He also made us laugh by telling us that it was actually his second release - the first release "died a terrible death on hte charts."! I enjoyed listening to his southern drawl and learning a little about the origin of some of his hit songs: Small Town Southern Man, Cowboys Don’t Cry, Daddy Won a Radio (his daddy won the family's first radio at the pepsi plant where he worked), I’m a Country Boy, Chattahoochee. Alan stood for the first and last few songs, and sat down with his band for several songs. A great set and I was so glad to finally get to see him live! I can't say the Fest cameraman is the best - they don't seem to know how to switch focus so when one of Alan's band would play an extended bit of fiddle or guitar, the camera stayed fixed on Alan just standing there! That also happened with some of the other performers.

Next up was Tim McGraw! As many of you probably saw on the CMT Awards show, Tim is looking hotter than a pistol. He has slimmed down from his last movie role weight and looks to have the physique of a guy half his age! Yum! And he knows he looks great and picked a white v-neck shirt that just brushed the top of his belt buckle when he was standing normally, but inched up to reveal 3 inches of tanned, hard flat belly with the least little move that he made. It drove us ladies crazy! (BTW - the next night as the audience was texting in messages to the big screens between acts, we all appreciated the text message: Keith - please wear a shirt like Tim McGraw’s last night!” hee hee). Tim did a longer than average terrific set and moved around more than any other performer at CMA fest - making his way over the obstacles to the stage edges and even coming down onto the wall immediately in front of the moving photo line, slapping many hands from out there. He did all of the hits we were hoping for and did stop to chat with the audience a little as well. I’m so glad that this was the year that he returned to the Fest after a decade’s absence (maybe that is why he seemed to have more time than other artists, even Reba and Keith?)  Later in the evening they brought Tim out into the middle of the floor seats to film him introducing Carrie Underwood specifically for the upcoming CMA Fest special on ABC. He hammed it up out there between takes (I think they did 3 takes to get it right!). I’m sure the fans surrounding him were delighted to have him out in their midst.

Lady Antebellum was up next and did their usual fine job. I think they only did about 4-5 songs though, so position in the CMA Fest program does not necessarily indicate set length, especially when they are doing a little extra television filming. 

Last up was Carrie Underwood. She too must work hard with a personal trainer because she is totally toned and showed it off in her short shorts. She performed all her big hits, but again I don’t think her set was as long as Tim McGraw’s. Nevertheless it was a very late night, with the concet ending at 1:00 am. When a stadium of 41,000 empties it is total traffic and bus chaos, however, so I decided to hike back to my hotel. And a hike it was!! The bridge over the Cumberland was the first ‘mountain” to scale, and then the sad realization that, since my hotel was on 7th Street, that means seven long blocks uphill from the river - a second ‘mountain’ that I almost thought I wouldn’t make it up after my long day. I was so soaked with sweat, hair matted to my head in the heat, that I had to shower, but then collapsed into bed at 2:30 am! (Should have gone through a conditioning program before attending the Fest!!!)   Videoclips coming.......

Sweet Troubadour Reunion in St. Paul: James Taylor and Carole King Still Have it!!

As soon as I saw that James Taylor and Carole King were doing a Troubadour Reunion Tour, I knew I had to make it to a show. The grooves are nearly worn off my Taylor and King LPs and Tapestry was one of my very favorite albums to sing along with. I couldn’t wait to see this pair in action. I scored a floor seat at St. Paul’s Xcel Center the morning the tickets went on sale. Since they were doing the show “theatre-in-the-round” style, I was pretty sure that no floor seat could be bad.

It was a beautiful day to make the 3 hour drive to Twin Cities. On my way I played my various James Taylor and Carole King CDs. Just singing along with those familiar tunes (oh why hadn’t I listened to this wonderful music recently???) I teared up with nostalgia and my voice broke several times. Uh-oh - was this concert going to have me weeping while I sang along? I so enjoyed re-visiting these favorite albums that when I made a bathroom stop at a Minnesota Target Store, I searched out and bought the new Taylor-King Troubadour Reunion double disk CDs - happily it was on sale for $11.98!!

I had searched out a Thai restaurant just 8 blocks from the arena and tried 3 new things (Thai Chang beer (a light, refreshing brew), Cashews fried with Holy Basil, Kaffir Lime Leaves and Thai Spices (very good but I would have liked twice the basil and spices) and Waterfall Salad(a spicy beef, veggie and cilantro salad) and my usual favorite, Chicken Coconut Red Curry. The curry was not quite as good as what I get in Cedar Falls, but all in all, a tasty pre-concert dinner.

I have never been to the Xcel Center when it was set up with a central round stage instead of an end stage. There were 24 rows of seats in each corner of the arena, plus a special area set up with cute little ‘cocktail tables”  immediately surrounding the stage. I don’t recall seeing those seats in the regular ticket sales, so maybe those were available via auction or their fan clubs. I was in row 22, so not real close but way better than up in the nosebleeds!

They included some oldies in their pre-concert music mix that had some of us in the audience singing along before the show even started. No opening act for this show - at the appointed time James and Carole simply walked out to the stage with their band members and back-up singers, circled the stage to wave hello to all the fans, and then began an evening of delightful music.

EVERY song was a pleasure, alternating between some of the really big hits (So Far Away, Natural Woman, Carolina in My Mind, Too Late Baby, Sweet Baby James, Shower the People You Love With Love,   Fire and Rain, etc.)  and some of the lesser known but still favorite tracks (the songs Carole wrote or co-wrote for the Everly Brothers and later Art Garfunkel (I'll Do My Crying in the Rain), James’ Steamroller Man or Machine Gun Kelly). They also alternated between Carole singing with James accompanying, or James singing and Carole accompanying, or the two of them doing true duets. Although the crowd - almost exclusively folks 45-65 from what I could see, was rather subdued during each number,  sitting politely during most songs, they were carefully attending to every nuance of voice, facial expression and instrument and were definitely LOVING it , standing to clap and cheer at the END of almost every number!!  Lutheran Minnesotans!

Carole and James told stories, shared recollections, cracked jokes - you really got the feeling that they were enjoying sharing this experience with the audience. James joked that he and Carole had been performing together since, what, maybe 1903 (lol) and later quipped that “we apparently performed here repeatedly” (but you know how faulty memories of the seventies can be (lmao!). The guitar and piano music was sweet as ever.  James reported that his guitar had been “born here in Minnesota” (and the guitar said that it was good to be back home!). The voices of James and Carole have aged a bit - Carole’s more so than James’ - but the heart and soul and love that they put into their music is just as deep if not deeper than ever. They introduced their band members with love and humor and had great old photos from 40 years ago -these were the same band members that were with them in the seventies! And as Carole and James sat side by side, sharing a hug, so in tune with one another, it was clear that they have a special friendship that goes far beyond their professional endeavors.

They closed the show with Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow and You've Got a Friend (my 2 all time favorites!!) but then came back for not just one (Up On the Roof) but actually TWO encores!!

I’m sure you’ll notice that my favorites are primarily the sweet and slow tunes but let me assure you that James and Carole definitely rocked out several times during the evening - I just didn’t tend to capture those on video. When they were playing on the opposite side of the continually rotating stage I sometimes had to resort to the video screens for my shots. I used both an old and a new camera during the show so you’ll see a difference in quality. 

For anyone who has ever been a Carole King or James Taylor fan this reunion show is an absolute must. Run, don’t walk to buy tickets and enjoy the trip down memory lane with songs that are actually timeless!

The Last Rodeo Hits Bloomington: Brooks & Dunn, Jason Aldean, and Tyler Dickerson

     I had hoped to have company on my Brooks & Dunn roadtrip but it turned out that my best buddy couldn’t make it and neither could my sister or daughters. After offering a  free ticket to online friends but finding no takers, I ended up selling my extra on Ebay and making the trip on my own. Although I would have loved company, I also love the freedom of being on my own and felt the excitement of hitting the open road to a town I had never visited. It was a lovely day for a drive across the Mississippi. 

     I didn’t know that Bloomington and Normal, Illinois were adjacent and continuous communities. When I selected a hotel close to the Bloomington arena, I hadn’t even noticed that it had a Normal, IL address (somehow it felt wrong to stay in “Normal” - I think I’d feel more at home in “Abnormal” lol). I checked in at the Candlewood Inn and had just enough time to grab a bite before heading to downtown Bloomington. I paid to park in what looked like someone’s back yard just a block away from the show.

     US Cellular Coliseum is nice small arena. There were perhaps 30 rows of seats on the floor and five sets of risers on each side. I was in the 8th row of the risers at the rear of the arena and even those seats weren’t too bad.

     Jason Aldean was opening for Brooks & Dunn but I was surprised to find that a young performer I had not heard of preceded Jason. Although he looked about 13 years old, Tyler Dickerson is actually sixteen. I was a bit dubious when he and his band appeared on stage, but I have to say I found him quite engaging. Although I wish he had chosen a smaller cowboy hat so we could more often see his eyes under its brim, he had a strong voice and wrote some rocking songs that suited his youth (“I’m just like Hank, I just can’t drink” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgL7qhvu5WA (not my video but defintely worth a listen) and “Hey mister won’t you sell me a fake ID” : ) ) I think this young man is going to be a hit!

     I’m not sure whether it was the clarity of Tyler’s voice or the absence of screams from the audience during his set that made the difference, but it wasn’t until Jason came on stage that I realized that the Coliseum’s sound left something to be desired (at least for those of us towards the rear of the arena). So I’m afraid the audio on my videoclips is not as clear as usual. 

     Before the stage was revealed for the start of Jason’s set, we could see his backlit silhouette, with his guitar, projected larger than life, on the curtains. It was clear from the screams that he had a large following there in Illinois. He rocked through all of his hits and has begun to master the art of interacting with his fans while he sings, moving around much more than when I saw him open for Keith last ear. He managed to sign many autographs on hats and posters (and one on a pink guitar), shake many hands, and even laid down on the catwalk near the end of his hour to pose for photos with some of the gals that lined the walkway. He chatted with the audience a bit before Big Green Tractor, but it would be nice to hear even more from him between songs.  I liked the ‘mood lighting’ at the start of Laughed Until We Cried but wished the sound was better. Jason closed with a rapped cover of Kid Rock’s “Cowboy” but I would have preferred that he just sing ( not rap) one of his own songs.

     Waiting for Brooks and Dunn to come on I chatted with my ‘date’ for the night (well, the Illinois State University fellow who had bought my ticket ; ). They showed a cute video akin to the BBQ video included at Keith Urban shows - Kix and Ronnie escaping from a huge bumper-to-bumper traffic jam in their Toyota Tundra, stopping at a gas station for an urgent bathroom stop for Kix, while Ronnie slides out a nifty grill  attachment from their truck bed and starts grilling for a bunch of admiring young ladies. The video ends with a nice thank you to the audience from Kix and Ronnie for their great 20 year ride. Their signature steer skull was everywhere on the set - on the curtains, on the backdrop and in many of the video images, and a particularly immense skull front and center above the stage. There was even a “mirror ball” steer skull rotating during “Neon Moon”!

Kix sat and talked with the audience for a while, wiping a tear from his cheek at one point. The dynamic duo sang hit after hit. They also sang several tracks from their very first album (being a relative newbie to country music, these songs were not familiar to me). But of course they saved the very best songs to last and I think everyone breathed a sigh of relief that their favorite “Believe” or “Neon Moon” or “Brand New Man” was not going be be omitted from this Last Rodeo show. Of course it was Boot Scootin Boogie that closed the show, with Kix spinning a young lady from the audience. It was a nice “farewell” show but I’m betting that this won’t be the last that we see of these two great country gents.