CMA Music Fest 2009
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We had tickets to two nights of the CMA Music Fest concerts at LP. Thursday, we arrived at a humid, crowded, packed stadium. The show began with Brooks & Dunn. I was surprised that they came out first but was glad to see them after many years.
They were excellent as usual, however, all I could think about was AV (Arrington Vineyards) and all the great wine that Kix and his friends are making. The thought of a late night fall picnic on the grounds overtook my thoughts...KB 105, and the other favorites...
The concert was abruptly stopped due to a tornado warning, thunderstorms, and rain. We waited a while under the concourse, but decided to make a run for it and got back to the Bennie just before it rained. As we were waiting, I remembered all the previous Fan Fares with B&D, the Curb Record Show, King George, and one year a surprise visit from Garth!
We heard that after three hours, they resumed the music with abbreviated sets from Deirks and Brad.
We returned to LP on Sunday - the last night of the festival - and the closing show. The think I like about the CMA Music Fest is the variety of fans that attend. We sat behind some Danish dudes who completely "rocked out" to the music. Next to us were some very hard core "deliverance-types" - nice but a bit scary.
HIGHLIGHTS!
John Rich pimped out in the fur coat! I always think he puts on a very entertaining show complete with Cowboy Troy and Two Foot. I only wish he was a bit more of a realistic Democrat! On a side note - I had to ask Paul to refrain from commenting during Detroit.
Taylor Swift was awesome! My kind of high school girl - not afraid to tell the story of true high school experiences. Paul thought she was a little bitter, however, given the typical high school situation, I think she is right on target!
Next up was a surprise visit from Sugarland...the Eurythemics of country music! Jennifer and Christian were excellent. Their music is crisp, clear, and both were very entertaining. I must say that they were the Danish dudes' favorites as I have never seen the likes of such moves from concert goers! In between were a few "no names" in my opinion. Many were performed in a strained yet enthusiastic manner. Last up was Kenny
(no last name need be mentioned), who closed the festival. The wait was worth it, of course. Kenny is one of the most energetic performers I have ever seen. The last time we saw him was also at LP last summer. The place was packed, drunk on music and Corona, and very "into" the music. Kenny encourages and invites engagement and he gets it! He sang all of the "summer songs" that everyone was waiting for. I couldn't help remembering the first time I saw him at a Fan Fare in the late 1990s. At that time he was just starting and he was...young! I remember thinking that he would probably be very big due to his enthusiasm...I guess I was right! Most excellent way to bring the festival to a close! hmm... maybe I'll go to Bonaroo next year...don't think so! Can't wait until next time! For all the pirates and poets (... and Danish dudes) - see you next year!
