Somehow, Jon always manages to get fantabulous seats for shows....we were on the floor for the Jimmy Buffett show last fall, then lower tier for John Mayer, and 4th row off the floor last evening....however, there was a super exciting perk to our seats last night: We just so happened to be seated directly beside the entryway where the performers entered and exited the arena!!! So, we got a perfect view of Lee Ann, Reba, and George as the security guards led each of them past us toward the stage!
Lee Ann Womack opened the show and got things off to a great start! Admittedly, I'm not a huge follower, so I had never heard several of the songs that she sang, but she sounded awesome, nonetheless! As expected, she wowed the house with "I Hope You Dance," and I especially enjoyed singing along with "Last Call" and "Ashes By Now."
Next, the stunningly gorgeous redhead took the stage and gave a dynamic performance! I was thoroughly impressed as Reba exhibited all of the qualities of a true entertainer. She captured the audience with an all-star combination of her glowing personality, band interaction, upbeat dancing, and (last but definitely not least) her incredible voice. She dazzled with older favorites like "The Night The Lights Went Out in Georgia," "Why Haven't I Heard From You," "The Fear of Being Alone," etc. Then, naturally mixed it up with some songs from her newest album, including "Strange," "Consider Me Gone," "I'll Have What She's Having," and her current single "I Keep On Lovin' You" (written by Ronnie Dunn). Midway through Reba's portion of the show, Lee Ann came back and joined her for a stunning duet performance of "Do You Love Me?" (originally recorded with Linda Davis). Even Reba's former co-star and current host of The Singing Bee, Melissa Peterman (who played Barbara Jean on the Reba sitcom), stopped by for a quick comedy bit leading up to the performance of the show's theme song, "I'm A Survivor."
As Reba left the stage prior to her encore performance, it was blatantly obvious to the audience which hugely popular song had been left out...Minutes later, the jumbotron began playing a clip from a 1990 music video that opened with Reba sitting in the back of a taxi cab, staring out the window while donning huge 80's style sunglasses and a fur coat....I think most of you probably know where this is going. Immediately, a smaller scale model of a taxi cab drove slowly by us toward the stage, then stopped, and Reba jumped out of the passenger side door in a red-sequined dress and matching heels, then she returned to the stage to join her band on "Fancy." Needless to say, Reba sure knows how to make an entrance!!!! (not to mention ending her part of the show on the highest note possible)!
Then, after a brief intermission, it was time for the King of Country (not to mention the world record holder for the most #1 hit singles!) to take the stage. Yet again, another great mix of classics and newer songs. He included hits from his newest "Twang" album, including the title track, along with "Where Have I Been All My Life," and "Living for the Night." He also pleased with "Seashores of Old Mexico," "She'll Leave You With A Smile," "Give It Away," and "Troubadour." But of course, the crowd favorites were the oldies: "Check Yes or No," "Amarillo By Morning," "The Chair," "Heartland," "Ocean Front Property," and "I Cross My Heart" (the hit song from Strait's box office hit, Pure Country). I must admit that I was somewhat disappointed that he didn't sing some of my other favorites: "Carrying Your Love With Me," "Write This Down," "I Get Carried Away," or "Blue Clear Sky," but as we discussed after the show, when you have 57 number one hits, plus a new album to promote, that gives you no choice but to leave out some popular tunes.
The absolute highlight of my night, (which I'm sure you've already guessed by now, based on the title of this post, lol), came after George finished his encore performance and headed off the stage. He veered off path a bit to touch the hands of his adoring fans along the first and second rows of neighboring sections, then headed for the exit....but I was ready! I had been plotting my move all evening, so I jumped over Jon (okay okay, so I didn't literally jump over him...in fact, he moved aside quite willingly for me, but jumped just sounded so much more epic!) so I would be standing directly against the side-rail of the stands. I stretched out my left hand, yelled "We love you George!" (which I'm pretty sure he didn't hear, considering the loud roar from all of the cheering fans in the arena), and he reached over and touched my hand for a full second (just to clarify that it wasn't one of those quick hand slaps like when players on high school sports teams do the whole generically nonenthusiastic "good game" lines after a match-up). After he released my hand and exited the arena, I turned around to Jon and Scott, jumped up and down in my typical mondo-excited manner, and screamed like a little kid. The way I see it, you're never too old to show genuine excitement over events like this! :) As we headed up the stairs to leave the arena, I texted Mom to tell her about this unforgettable experience....Since she couldn't be there to experience it with me, I wanted her to at least be the first person I shared my story with!
So, while this may be my last concert post for a while (unless the tides turn in my job search anytime soon), it was an incredible show, and I highly encourage other country music fans to check out the show if it comes near you.
Hope you all had a blessed and Happy Easter!!!! :)
