Once again, here at the Swift Agency, one guy who is not a big deal at all, would like to reiterate that the views expressed here are merely my opinion from my own biased self-serving point of view and are not given based on any alleged expertise in Country music. Short version: I like what I like!
My personal breakthrough award goes to Martina McBride. Quite a shocker? I really thought nobody could follow the honky tonk country of Trace Adkins, but Martina poured so much heart into her performance that the audience gave her a standing ovation that lasted for several minutes.
Trace Adkins, however is really, really good and was just owning the entire stadium. He got introduced by John Rich who had come out for a surprise performance as part of Big & Rich featuring Gretchen Wilson. Trace also addressed briefly the news about his home burning down and although he thanked everyone for their supported he asked that people donate to the charity of their choice.
He was also a humorous guy and although he plugged his upcoming album, Proud To Be Here, he couldn’t get the word “Twitter” out right. I’m sure he planned it that way.
I also had a chance to hear a bit of Thompson Square. They came out to play a small acoustic set, including their hit single Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not. Country group Rascal Flatts closed the memorable night. Yes, they’re good but I don’t anybody could follow Martina at this point. She brought out Lauren Alaine from American Idol, while earlier in the evening Josh Turner brought out Scotty McCreery.
Some old trivia for you: Martina McBride’s daughters were in the studio while Taylor Swift was recording tracks for Fearless. It’s their finger-snapping you hear in Hey Stephen.
Earlier in the day, I had decided to get into the spirit of things at the Fan Fair Convention and went there for the opening. It was rather less hectic since most people were at the Celebrity Softball Challenge for the City of Hope. As a result, I was able to nab Meet & Greet for both The Civil Wars (planned) and Laura Bell Bundy (unplanned). It is a bit crazy, I must admit.
I also tried to go the CMA Fan Social presented by CMT at the Wildhorse Saloon – but it was impossible to get in. After an hour of waiting in the sun, we were told that we would still be looking at two more hours of waiting and that Little Big Town was not performing.
Instead, I went for lunch and a sundae at Diana’s. Good spot 🙂
The Sparkly Dressed just played Detroit’s Ford Field stadium! Taylor’s lyrics on her arm were “You better lose yourself in the music” from Eminem’s Lose Yourself, which is not only an old favorite of hers but a song that she used to partially cover as she came out on her days as an opening act. Eminem grew up in Detroit in case you didn’t know.
Next up, Nashville! The countdown begins… now.
Coming up in the Calendar:
- June 12: The CMA Music Festival closes in Nashville, Tennessee. Taylor Swift performs!
- June 14: Speak Now tour in St. Paul, Minnesota at Xcel Energy Center. Sold Out.
- June 15: Speak Now tour in St. Paul, Minnesota at Xcel Energy Center. Sold Out.
- June 18: Speak Now tour in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at Heinz Field. Click here for ticket info.
- June 21: Speak Now tour in Buffalo, New York at HSBC Arena. Sold Out.
(Source: TheSwiftAgency.com)
The Swift Agency 