Come for the opening act, leave early...
Speaking of Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton is opening act. This review of a recent concert is exactly what I'd write if I were seeing that concert -- all about Blake and very little about the headliners. Of course, when you get to the end of the article you realize why....
TAMPA - Country with and without twang drew an estimated 15,500 to the Ford Amphitheatre on a rainy Saturday night.
Headliners Rascal Flatts hardly would be anyone's idea of a hillbilly band, but like any good country performer, they paid tribute to their audience early on, opening with ``Here's to You.''
Bassist Jay DeMarcus saluted the crowd, particularly those on the uncovered lawn who waited through the rain and were ``so far back they won't get the concert until Tuesday.''
The trio - DeMarcus, lead singer Gary LeVox and guitarist Joe Don Rooney - made its intro on a riser at the back of the elaborate stage that seemed to resemble a dilapidated dance hall.
The crowd, some primed from an afternoon of tailgating, DeMarcus noted, offered enthusiastic applause for upbeat cuts such as ``Prayin' for Daylight'' as well as ballads such as ``Feels Like Today.''
Opener Blake Shelton offered a more traditional take on country, not only in his music but also in the simple, well- crafted stories in his songs.
``Austin'' and ``The Baby'' are built around country music staples - broken hearts and loving mothers, respectively, but like an old movie you've seen again and again, you wait breathlessly for the conclusions.
``Some Beach'' was a funny and generous-spirited tale of modern irritations. Shelton made a faux-apology for swearing before he launched into the song's double entendre chorus.
``Cotton Pickin' Time'' and ``Playboys of the Southwestern World'' captured youthful energy with cinematic detail. Best of all was the closer, ``Ol' Red,'' a swamp-rocking tale of prison escape and dogs in love.
Deadline and a late start for the concert prevent this review from covering the latter portion of Rascal Flatts' set.
TAMPA - Country with and without twang drew an estimated 15,500 to the Ford Amphitheatre on a rainy Saturday night.
Headliners Rascal Flatts hardly would be anyone's idea of a hillbilly band, but like any good country performer, they paid tribute to their audience early on, opening with ``Here's to You.''
Bassist Jay DeMarcus saluted the crowd, particularly those on the uncovered lawn who waited through the rain and were ``so far back they won't get the concert until Tuesday.''
The trio - DeMarcus, lead singer Gary LeVox and guitarist Joe Don Rooney - made its intro on a riser at the back of the elaborate stage that seemed to resemble a dilapidated dance hall.
The crowd, some primed from an afternoon of tailgating, DeMarcus noted, offered enthusiastic applause for upbeat cuts such as ``Prayin' for Daylight'' as well as ballads such as ``Feels Like Today.''
Opener Blake Shelton offered a more traditional take on country, not only in his music but also in the simple, well- crafted stories in his songs.
``Austin'' and ``The Baby'' are built around country music staples - broken hearts and loving mothers, respectively, but like an old movie you've seen again and again, you wait breathlessly for the conclusions.
``Some Beach'' was a funny and generous-spirited tale of modern irritations. Shelton made a faux-apology for swearing before he launched into the song's double entendre chorus.
``Cotton Pickin' Time'' and ``Playboys of the Southwestern World'' captured youthful energy with cinematic detail. Best of all was the closer, ``Ol' Red,'' a swamp-rocking tale of prison escape and dogs in love.
Deadline and a late start for the concert prevent this review from covering the latter portion of Rascal Flatts' set.
posted by girlsguidetocountry at 11:47 PM
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