What a super fun Sunday evening at Pridefest. A little more sunshine would have been nice, but otherwise the weather was perfect for a lakefront party. All of the rainbows helped to brighten things up. Leann Rimes concert was set to begin at 7:00. I got there plenty early and had nice seats picked out nestled in front of the Miller stage with a beer in one hand and camera in the other. My friend Barb & I took turns for beer runs to keep our selected spots.

Opening for Leann Rimes we had a great time with Chely Wright who was absolutely beautiful. She looked great in a pair of jeans with a white shirt and a blue jacket. She expressed how excited she was to be there and that it was nice to be herself, completely open and honest about who she is. The crowd applauded and showed a return of appreciation. Chely was very interactive with the audience and made the show feel very intimate. She sang many songs including “Jezebel”, “What If We Fly”, and oh yes “Single White Female”. She also sang “The Bumper Of My SUV” which got tremendous applause and a long standing ovation. That was the first time I heard that song and I enjoyed it completely. It was a lot of fun and had great meaning. I felt proud to be part of that moment. There was another song that I’ll call “The Positive Song”. I’m not sure if that’s the name of it but it was just a fun song that had the audience rolling in laughter. Chely Wright put on a good show.

Now for Leann Rimes who came out in a white skirt and black long sleeved top with sexy black high heels. She shared with us that she’s never received so many compliments on her shoes in one evening. The crowd soaked it up. Leann Rimes was also very personable, very engaging, open and honest. She was as proud to be there celebrating as the crowd was, a celebration of being colorful human beings. Leann was passionate about expressing her support for equality, and the audience seemed to feel she was genuine. She started the night with “This Way” and followed with her new single “Give” which was a really good song. She kept going with “Strong”, “Something’s Gotta Give”, “Tic Toc”, and John Anderson’s “Swingin”. By this point the audience is on fire and Leann feels it. She was so interactive with the crowd that it felt like she was singing to you. She gave us a taste of Adele’s “Someone Like You” which was awesome. Leann finished the night up with “Blue”, “Life Goes On”, “How Do I Live”, “Nothing Better To Do”, and “What I Cannot Change”. You’ll enjoy some nice close up pictures thanks to Colleen who sat 3rd row and took pictures. Thanks Colleen! It was a great show. Leann was high energy and very sweet. I’m so glad I was able to see her in concert and would love to see her again.

A Saturday night at a Jimmy Buffett event – worked for me!  I must call it an event because that is what this was.  My friend Barb and I now know that an evening with Jimmy Buffett starts mid-day.  Since this was a first for both of us we didn’t realize so we didn’t arrive until about 6:00.  As we were driving along CR-D toward Alpine Valley we noticed people sitting at the ends of their driveways with orange cones blocking them.  That was an interesting start but our real introduction was the man and woman walking down the road in tropical attire from head to toe…and the man was the one wearing the grass skirt! We looked and each other laughed and agreed this was going to be a very fun night.  As we pulled into Alpine Valley toward our directed parking spot we saw cars, limousines, busses, and motor homes – and these are vehicles for the fans, not the band.  We parked and just sat for a little while and absorbed what was going on around us before we started walking toward what I like to call The Hill That Kills. (More about that later)  Lawn chairs, grills, canopies, and tents occupied by smiling people who are all dressed for a luau. Grass skirts, coconut bras, shell bras, Hawaiian shirts, straw hats, flower leis, sandals and flip-flops.  Again both men and women wore all items mentioned – it was all about fun.  Not only the people were dressed up but the vehicles were too!  Everything and anything Jimmy Buffet tropical you could think of was present on those grounds.  Palm trees, hammocks, swimming pools, beach balls, fins, hamburgers, parrots, etc.  One black truck had an entire beach set up next to it. Sand covered the ground and on it a swimming pool, beach balls, tropical signs, palm trees, and beach chairs. It was amazing, and yes of course I got a picture of that!

The feeling received from the vibe of the atmosphere was so relaxed.  Tons of people all gathered together to hang out in a field for the day.  It was pretty obvious that every single person was having an amazing time. Regardless of where you looked you found smiles and laughter, and it’s like everyone got along with everyone.  So many different people from different walks of life come together in community as if they’ve known each other their entire lives.  I admire the true devotion and dedication that hard core Jimmy Buffett fans have.  I can see how that could happen since a Jimmy Buffett concert is really an all-day event of having nothing but fun.  Who wouldn’t want to do that repeatedly! 

We finally arrive to the gate to get in and head right for the bathroom, where we spent about 15 minutes in line.  Next we go for our very expensive beer that we waited in line to get and then proceed down The Hill That Kills to our seats.  Yes – if you haven’t been to Alpine Valley let me tell you, that is one crazy steep hill.  Even going down it is quite a task and it seems to take forever.  The concert began as we were walking down the hill and the energy of the crowd around us was amazing.  Once to our seats it was party time.  Everybody was up on their feet clapping and singing and feeling “Hot Hot Hot”.  Jimmy Buffet is so casual and interactive with the crowd it’s awesome.  Well, what’s more casual than a pair of shorts, yellow shirt and bare feet.  I think the bare feet are so cool. Being there really puts you in a moment of actually feeling like “It’s 5:00 Somewhere” on a beach “Living My Life Like A Song”.   Now I’ve seen beach balls at concerts before, but this was beyond anything I’ve experienced – they were everywhere!  And they went strong through the audience for quite a while, but the “Brown Eyed Girl” started taking them away and they popped them and got tossed into a pile. That was sad – I took a picture of the pile. But even after all the beach balls were gone it did not ruin our “Black Top Day” as we were “Off To See The Lizard”.  So about this time we are “Going Insane” and ready to make our way up The Hill That Kills to use the bathroom and refresh our beverage – our beerJ  We made our way to the top and spent some time on our mission, but did accomplish it.  As we worked our way down The Hill That Kills we decided it was about to “Use Me Up”.  Let me inform you…there is beer at the bottom, but not a bathroom!  So, we ended up hanging out with Trevor on the grass.  Again everyone was so friendly they just welcomed us in to hang with them, so we did.  We enjoyed an “Eruption” in “Paradise” while I’m sure that a lot of people did “Get Drunk And Screw”.  I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in “Margarittaville”.  I think I will go again for some more cheeseburgers and a full day of “Fins”.  I plan to buy a new coconut bra to replace the one I wore but broke shortly after we arrived, I certainly don’t want to feel out of place. 

Kenny Chesney LIVE AT LAMBEAU – what an experience. This was ultimate for me because though I’m a huge Packer fan, this was my first time at Lambeau.  I feel so privileged to have been there.  My guest Annette and I had a night we will remember forever.  Fabulous country music by extreme talent who hold the utmost respect for where they were…it doesn’t get much better than that! I think the energy of country music Packer fans would be enough to fuel a rocket into space.  It was one wild ride.
The stage was huge with a T shaped stage extending out.  They spent a lot of time out on the T which really gave all of us a good view.  The people in the pit were able to enjoy up close interaction including high fives and handshakes.

Our evening started with Uncle Kracker.  A great performance – he really got the crowd going and ready for a full night of fun.  High energy poured from the stage. Some of what we enjoyed “Follow Me”, “Smile”, “Hey Hey Hey”, and “Good To Be Me”. 
Following Uncle Kracker we jammed out with Billy Currington.  I just love this man; he’s so talented and good looking!  He sang his hits of which some just happen to be about beer – something we all were able to relate to.  We rocked out to “Must Be Doing Something Right”, “Let Me Down Easy”, “People Are Crazy”, “Good Directions”, and “Pretty Good At Drinkin’ Beer”.  Way to go Billy Currington.
As if we weren’t warmed up enough, we were given an awesome experience with Zac Brown Band – who of which Zac was wearing a green & gold striped hat and the drummer was wearing a Matthews jersey.  That rocks!  These guys were unbelievable.  We really got to enjoy a lot from them including “Whatever It Is”, “Free”, “Colder Weather”, “Toes”, “Devil Went Down To Georgia”, “Highway 20 Ride”, and “Chicken Fried”.  They also gave an opportunity to introduce us to a young lady by the name of Sonia Leigh who sang “My Name Is Money”. 

So we get to the main event – the man everyone has been waiting for.  Mr. Kenny Chesney comes out riding on a wire that’s floating across the crowd. The crowd exploded!  It was so loud I think we shook the clouds.  People were clapping, screaming, crying and raising their beers in the air.  He sang so many songs it’s hard to list them all – he played for a long time.  Some songs he sang were “Live A Little”, “Reality”, “Summertime”, “Beer In Mexico”, “The Woman With You”, “Big Star”, “I Go Back”, “No Shoes-No Shirt-No Problem”, “Young”, “Somewhere With You”, “Don’t Happen Twice”, “Out Last Night” and so many more.  As part of those many more songs we had the chance to experience the evenings earlier performers join Kenny on stage.  Amazing entertainers, doing what they love and giving us the time of our lives.  Their passion for what they do poured out of each of them and gave us the greatest experience of each song possible.  So as if all of that wasn’t enough check this out.  Kenny starts talking about how he understands how important football can be to people.  That it is such a huge part of life it means everything, and he knows that Packer fans are die-hard fans.  That got us ready for “The Boys Of Fall”, which during singing the song he asks ‘Mike’ to come on out and the next thing you know Mike McCarthy comes walking out on stage holding the Lombardi Trophy!  That was the most amazing moment of the entire night. It was a feeling that I’m unable to describe.  It was the moment I cried.  To see Mike McCarthy holding the Lombardi Trophy in one hand and high-fiving Kenny Chesney with the other was a moment that almost felt like time stood still.  It was incredible.

 It’s difficult to describe the intensity of the energy that evening, so let me just say it was something I’ve never experienced before.  I am so very thankful to have had this opportunity.   It was a night that will never be forgotten. 

Ok let me say it…Taylor Swift puts on an amazing show!  This wasn’t just a concert, this was something almost indescribable. It was an event. I admit I was in awe the entire night. 
So from the beginning…we were so lucky to have the opportunity for a meet & greet.  Yes, we got our picture taken with Taylor Swift (in the T-Party room). We also got an autographed picture, lip gloss, hugs and compliments. My guest Mikenzie, who is almost 10 yrs of age, was completely star struck. She was speechless. Taylor Swift commented that she was jealous of Mikenzie’s tan, and complimented Mikenzie on how beautiful her eyes are. Taylor also noticed the sign Mikenzie made for her. Miss Swift was very nice and personable and took the time to make that moment special for each person.

Now for the show.  For someone who was in Milwaukee not too many years ago as an opening act, she’s come a long way.  Here she is as the main event with not one, but two opening acts. They were both fabulous.  Our evening started with Frankie Ballard. He sang a few songs such as “Get On Down The Road”, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”, “Tell Me You Get Lonely”, and his new hit “A Bunch Of Girls”.  During intermission waiting for Taylor Swift, Frankie Ballard came out to shake hands, sign autographs, and take pictures with fans.
The second opening act was NEEDTOBREATHE, and they are not a country band.  They were rock-n-roll and they were extremely good.  I’d like to say kudos to Taylor Swift for having who she likes regardless of genre. Some songs we enjoyed were “The Outsiders”, “A Girl Named Tennessee”, “Washed By The Water”, and “Something Beautiful”. I really liked this band.

And then comes what thousands of screaming fans were waiting for – the Miss Taylor Swift. She was absolutely beautiful and magnificent. There was so much happening during the entire show my mind is in overload. Talk about props…there was so much it clearly explains the need for the many tour trucks she has. The back screen was incredible – huge with several different shapes of pictures frames used throughout the show. We saw everything from videos playing, picture slideshows, what looked like rain, and snow, clouds, smoke, and fireworks.  The evening wasn’t just Taylor Swift singing on stage. She has an incredible entourage of dancers/performers.  They gave us a combination of street dancing, ballet, tap, and acrobatics.  A huge staircase across the stage was used for a lot of performances…including a wedding ceremony!  Time was truly taken for each song to give us a full picture of the meaning of the song…we were taken on an experience. About the middle of the show Taylor Swift walked from the main stage to the other end of the Bradley Center, shaking hands and giving lucky fans their moment, where a large lit up tree with a black bench circled around it awaited her.  As she sat on the tree bench and played and sang to us, the entire mini stage moved in a circle. It really was beautiful. When she went back to the main stage she walked around the other side, giving more people a chance to see her up close. Once back to the main stage she was surrounded by several lit trees that dropped from the ceiling…it was gorgeous. Another very cool scene…3 large bells were lowered onto the stage and then raised up again.  Once back in the air…people dropped from the centers of the bells!  They were dressed in black and did acrobatics while dangling from the bells – this was absolutely off the hook. I was blown away and totally mesmerized.  So we’re getting toward the end of the evening and caught up in a love ballad, feeling like she is winding things down to bring the show to an end.  Oh no…next thing I know there are fireworks!  Yes…fireworks, and not just on video screens…sparks flew across the stage!  One word… breathtaking! 

Now you’re thinking how could it get any better?  Well how about the ability to be there while Kid Rock is on the big screen, live via satellite reading off nominations during the CMT Awards!  Yep…Miss Taylor Swift was nominated.  We all watched together, along with Taylor Swift, holding our breath waiting for the envelope to be opened, and she won!  Talk about loud…our Bradley Center full of a crowd of screaming girls has got to be one of the loudest things I’ve ever heard. What an amazing feeling to be there live with her as she accepts the award via satellite. That was a first for me. Very, very cool. Any of you who were at home watching the CMT Awards know what I’m talking about.

Bet you’re wondering if she changed clothes…um yah!!!!  I’d say about 10 times – literally. She started the night appearing on stage in a gorgeous gold dress, then a white dress, then blue, red, purple, black, and it keeps going.  She was stunning in every single one. Oh, and what did she sing?  So many songs I can’t list them all, but here’s a taste of what we enjoyed: “Sparks Fly”, “Mine”, “Story Of Us”, “Our Song”, “Mean”, “Back To December”, “Sabotage”, “Fearless”, “Last Kiss”, “You Belong With Me”, “Enchanted”, and “Fifteen”.  Taylor Swift sat on a huge sofa on stage while singing “Fifteen”.

I admit this show was a lot more than I expected.  I was thoroughly impressed.  That young lady sure knows how to entertain.  And she’s so interactive with the audience it’s amazing.  She leaves you feeling as if she’s acknowledged each and every person that is there. It really was a special evening.  I’m so very lucky to have had the Taylor Swift concert experience.  And yes…I would love to see her again, without a doubt.

My friend Kelly and I spent Saturday night with Bon Jovi! (Along with thousands of other fans) A shout out to Lisa & Mark who sat next to us- they were loads of fun.  If you’re looking for a fabulous show this is it.  There is no doubt he rocks.  Since there was not an opening act we were able to enjoy a full evening of Bon Jovi. 

The stage set-up was awesome.  A huge main stage with some of the biggest speakers I’ve ever seen.  The sound system itself was mind blowing.  There were about 10 rows of seats in front of the main stage, and then another mini stage set behind the first 10 rows.  That was very cool because when he walked out onto that mini stage it enabled the 10th & 11th rows to be in the 1st row for a while. The crowd went wild! He did shake hands and give some high fives to the fans.  It was obvious how much Bon Jovi enjoys the rush from the audience.  You could almost feel him soaking up the energy.

Now lets talk about lights and video screens…they were everywhere!  Huge video screens behind the main stage and on all sides hanging from the ceiling. I’d imagine regardless of where you were sitting you could easily see what was happening on stage. It gets even cooler – some of the video screens moved around and doubled as a platform stage! It was very entertaining.  There was so much to look at during the show I was afraid to blink! 

And what did he sing?  Everything!!  Jon gave us an evening of memories.  So many songs are hits and are still played daily on the radio it’s hard to believe the number of years Bon Jovi has been performing until you walk down memory lane at the concert. 

Here’s what I’m talking about: “Always”, “Never Say Goodbye”, “It’s My Life”, “Living On A Prayer”, “Blaze Of Glory”, “Bed Of Roses”, “You Give Love A Bad Name”, “I’ll Be There For You”, “Lay Your Hands On Me”, and “Who Says You Cant Go Home”.  Just when we thought the show was over, Jon came back out on stage and sent us home flying high with “Wanted Dead Or Alive”.

Willie Nelson
Riverside Theater
Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Wow – Willie Nelson.  I’m still in shock.  THE Willie Nelson – LIVE.  I didn’t think I’d ever have a chance to see Willie, but I did thanks to FM106!

Let’s start from the beginning…our tickets specified no photography or recording. So I was being good & following the rules – I didn’t take a camera. As we were walking to our seats we noticed cameras everywhere.  At that point I told my guest, Cassie to pull out her phone so we could get some pictures. Sorry they’re not the best because of the phone picture quality. But at least we got some. 

 The evening started with Brett Eldredge.  A Simple stage but talent galore.  He played several songs including ‘Signs’, ‘One Mississippi’, ‘One Way Ticket’, and of course ‘Raymond’. He got personal and shared with us that the song ‘Raymond’ came from the fact that his Grandmother has Alzheimer’s.  What a beautiful song.  Brett closed his performance with ‘Thirsty’, a very upbeat and fun song.  He put on a great show.  I’d definitely go see him again.

 After a brief intermission leaving the stage simple and comfortable, (when you’re as great as Willie is there’s no need for a stage show) Willie casually strolls out onto the stage, waves hello to the crowd, grabs his guitar and starts to jam.  He didn’t put that guitar down until the show was finished. The man was on his feet and rocked the entire night. To hear him play is breathtaking.  Getting the best look at his guitar as possible it was easy to see that he plays all the time.  I’m not sure how long he’s played that particular guitar, but it is obvious it’s well used.  I could see some nicks and scratches on it.   

 As talented as Willie is, and as long as he’s been performing, I can’t imagine how he chooses what to sing.  A variety that could go on for days!!  He sang so many songs it’s hard to remember them all.  Some included ‘Good Hearted Woman’, ‘Angels Flying Too Close To The Ground’, ‘On The Road Again’, ‘Always On My Mind’, ‘Georgia’, and ‘Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain’.  You could see he took time to really notice the fans…he made eye contact with several of them.  Even saying “it’s good to see you again too”.  At one point it seemed he looked right at me so I blew him a kiss.  He blew a kiss back to me!  That was the highlight of my evening.

 After a few songs Willie put on a red bandanna.  The crowd went wild!  (That’d be his costume change)  Well that bandanna got tossed out into the audience to one very lucky fan.  He then turned around and put on a new red bandanna and proceeded to play. Some songs that really got the fans going were ‘Hey Good Lookin’, ‘Mama Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys’, and ‘Beer For My Horses’.  Willie turned the microphone toward the audience so we could join in and sing along.  A few fun surprises were ‘Crazy’, ‘If You Got The Money’, and ‘Bobby McGee’.  He closed out the show with ‘I Saw The Light’.  He then threw the second bandanna into the audience for another very lucky fan.   I’ve heard that Willie Nelson doesn’t hang out & do meet-n-greets with the fans too much anymore.  But he certainly took some time before exiting the stage.  He started at one end and worked his way across shaking hands and signing autographs.  I’m pretty sure both bandannas got signed, along with tickets, jackets, posters, T-shirts and more. 

 I must say, this was a prime experience.  I would definitely see Willie Nelson again.  

Darius Rucker
Riverside Theater
Thursday, November 4, 2010

Darius put on an incredible show Thursday night.  His stage was two levels, his drummer and keyboardist played on the upper level while he, his lead guitarist and bass guitarist played on the main level. The main level had a backdrop that was solid screens.  A video or some sort of colorful geometric scheme played behind Darius during every song.  The lighting was also out of the ordinary.  There were what seemed to be double the usual amount of spotlights that shined not only on the stage but on the audience.  They lights would span over the crowd, then onto the band, back over the audience and even onto the ceiling.  It was stimulating and beautiful. 

Darius’ performance was captivating. He took the time to thank the fans and country radio for accepting him into the genre.  He absolutely loves what he does and grateful to be able to sing the music he loves the most.  His distinct smile, voice, and hip-shaking dance moves dazzled the crowd and really bring a whole new attitude to country music. There was an amazing amount of energy, passion, and joy delivered during the concert and it was invigorating. The audience did not sit down once the whole night. 

Darius played for us a couple surprising numbers.  The first big surprise was Toby Keith’s “God Lover Her” which Darius sang because it is his favorite song on the radio.  The next couple shockers really should not have been.  It was important to Darius that we were reminded that he really is a country music band.  He played for us “Family Tradition” by Hank William Jr. and his own version of David Allen Coe’s “You Never Even Called Me” which could be renamed “You Don’t Have to Call Me Kenny Chesney/Hootie and the Blow”.  Yes, Fish was left out on purpose; for rhyming purposes.

The night was absolutely entertaining and I cannot wait for Darius Rucker to return to Milwaukee, WI.