A Wednesday July evening spent at Summerfest that will always be remembered. What an honor to be seeing a fellow Milwaukeean back home, up on stage giving us an intimate performance. It was a very warm July day, but as the sun went down it did cool off nicely down by the lake. Danny Gokey was set to be on at 10:00, but my guest Domingo and I got there plenty early. We were able to enjoy Brett Eldredge sing because he was on the Briggs Stage at 8:00 before Danny Gokey. I am lucky to say this was my second time seeing Brett Eldredge because I saw him when he opened for Willie Nelson this past March, and once again he put on a good show. A little bonus for me – after coming out of the bathroom I saw Brett Eldredge at the gate leading backstage. I ran up to him like a giddy school girl, and he was so nice and friendly. He gave me a hug and took a picture with me. Woohoo!!
It was now time for us to go backstage and meet Danny Gokey! How great to have the chance to go behind the gate and stand right next to the bus that Danny Gokey is traveling on. We waited a short time and then he came off the bus with a huge smile and open arms giving us both a great big hug. Danny was very friendly. It is a neat feeling to come walking out from back stage…the place people are curious about and want to go but rarely are able. I do know just how lucky I am and am so very appreciative. After meeting Danny Gokey we grabbed a beer and made way to our seats. A very nice couple we were sitting next to during Brett Eldredge saved spots for us so we had decent seats to come back to for Danny Gokey. The show started with a talented group of young kids – high school age who sang a couple songs with dance moves mixed in, some of those moves included backflips! What a way to get the crowd going.
Then Danny Gokey comes out like a pistol and starts the night with “Like It’s A Bad Thing”, followed by “Everybody Wants To Be Somebody” and “In Line For You”. He sounded great and I was feeling very proud at that moment. He looked comfortable on stage and happy to be there. He shared with us that he now lives in Nashville, and has recently received a gift of a 70,000 square foot facility that will be used to house and help homeless people get back on their feet. It is currently occupied by its first residents which is a family of five. He talked about Sophia’s Heart and you could see in his face and hear in his voice the passion he has for helping others. How could I not feel proud! His parents and family must be ready to burst with proudness.
Danny Gokey was very interactive with the crowd during the entire show. He seems so comfortable it somehow puts you at ease yet full of excitement. It’s hard to explain – my suggestion would be to go to his next show if you can. We also enjoyed “Turning Light” and “Wanna Get Away”. The audience went absolutely nuts when he sang “What Hurts The Most”. That had everyone all fired up and ready for “Hard To Handle”, and from his new album “Give Me A Kiss”. He finished the night off with “I Will Not Say Goodbye” and “It’s Only Love”. Danny put on a very good show. He seems to have a good heart with good intentions to help others. May that never change.
