RECAP: "LEAVING A LEGACY" - 1ST ANNUAL MEMORIAL SINGING FOR JESSICA JOHNSON FEATURING JOSEPH HABEDANK - BURLINGTON, NC

1st Annual Jessica Johnson Memorial Singing - Joseph Habedank & The Director's Trio

Sunday, 4/14/2024

Lakeview Community Church - Burlington, NC

When I saw Burlington, NC listed as a stop on Joseph Habedank's current Spring 2024 Tour, I knew this was a performance I could not miss. Little did I know how true that would be, even more so than I could have imagined. His music always changes me in little ways every time I hear it but this night would turn out to be something different and would change me in more ways than even I thought possible.

My best friend and I got in the car Sunday to make the drive to Burlington, looking forward to just a much needed night of worship, praise. music and time spent with good people. We got to Lakeview Community Church, walked in and took our seats completely unprepared for what was about to happen.

Tonight wasn't just another "show" though. This night was a memorial for a local young woman named Jessica Johnson, a 29 year old woman who obviously made a huge impact on the lives of everyone in the room. The service began with some heartfelt, emotional words from Jessica's dad. He spoke of how much she loved the Lord and how much she loved Joseph's music. Her dad handled entertainment bookings for the church and mentioned how he got an email from Joseph's publicist reaching out about possibly bringing his testimony and music to the church. He of course said yes and booked him. Right around the time Joseph was scheduled to perform last year, Jessica found out she had cancer. The day of the show, Joseph spent time with her, prayed with her and made one of her last days one that left her with a full heart and a smile. Jessica passed shortly after. 

The Director's Trio, a local soulful Southern gospel group, opened the service with some great harmonies. They had us smiling, clappin' and tappin' to some fantastic music. What a great way to kick off a night!

Joseph walked on stage and with Jessica's picture behind him on the screen, opened his set with her favorite song, "Big Enough". This brought tears to many eyes in the room. He talked for a bit about the connection with Jessica and her family. It made me think .. how many artists, especially globally known award winners, take the time to do that? How many artists actually choose to make personal connections like that, at least connections that don't "benefit" them in some way? Not many. This is one of the things that makes Joseph a stand out, his giving heart, his authenticity, and his spirit. He sings his heart and he sings his experience. He's someone who will stand at the merch table long after the show is over, talk to each and every person as long as they want to talk, and take all the pictures they want. He doesn't do the typical "flash and dash". It's not who he is, it's not something he has to do, it's something he wants to do. He is genuinely appreciative of each person in that room and it shows. He performed several of his songs like "Here He Comes", "The Beauty of the Blood", "Jailbreak", "Jericho" (now known as "Cherry Coke" or "Geritol" - you had to be there, trust me. LOL), "Religion Isn't Working" and "None of That Here". He told his emotional testimony of breaking the chains of addiction and turning his life around for the positive and starting his ministry to help others turn their own lives around. He has a new album coming out this Friday, April 19 called "Autobiography", the most personal songs he's ever written that tell his story of rising from the ashes to personal redemption through Christ. He sang 3 of the songs from the album, "The Basement" (this is the song that first grabbed my attention when it was released last year and kept me coming back to hear more), "The Church" (LOVE this one) and "Worthy". The album is available for pre-save now, trust me, go get it! Here's the link - linktr.ee/josephhabedank

The night came to an end with an altar call, benediction and a final song from The Director's Trio and Joseph. Jessica's final wishes weren't for herself, they were for others. She asked her dad to make sure people laughed, that they came to know Jesus and she didn't want to just leave a legacy behind FOR others, but IN others. That hit me right where it should. I don't know Jessica but her words were needed in my own life right now and it only reinforced my own determination to be a light in the dark, to show kindness and love and to help when needed. The church was full of people and music, but the presence felt the most were those of Jessica and the Lord. 

Thank you, Jessica, for leaving that legacy in me and many others in that room. Thank you Joseph and his wife Lindsay, The Director's Trio and Lakeview Community Church for a wonderful evening with an uplifting, positive, lasting message. 

Pre-save "Autobiography" - linktr.ee/josephhabedank

#CONCERTREVIEW - IF PICTURES PAINT A THOUSAND WORDS, JIMMY FORTUNE'S MUSIC PAINTED A MASTERPIECE AT THE LIBERTY SHOWCASE THEATRE

Artist: Jimmy Fortune

Venue: Liberty Showcase Theatre - Liberty, NC

Date: 12/9/2023

Reviewer: Jennifer Smith

Photos: Jennifer Smith / Lovinlyrics

I don't even know where to begin with this review because when something is perfect, you just can't do it any more justice than that one very word, but I'm gonna try my best.

The top item on my musical bucket list has always been to have the opportunity to hear Jimmy Fortune perform live and I was "fortunate" enough to be able to check that box off Saturday night when he brought his Christmas show to the Liberty Showcase Theatre in Liberty, NC. Not only was I blessed to be able to attend the show, the planets lined up for me and I was able to spend a few minutes in private with him before the show and to let him know personally how much his songs and gift of songwriting have meant to me, to thank him for years of personal memories and for caring about the message in his music. What a gracious and genuinely kind man he is. I will forever consider him a blessing in my life even if I only met him one time for 5 minutes because his music represents who he is and his music has blessed me and so many others.

A little background on Jimmy's career:

• Jimmy toured, sang and performed a member of the legendary Statler Brothers for 21 years, writing their #1 hit song, “Elizabeth”, following that up with 2 more #1 hits, “My Only Love” and “Too Much On My Heart”. Jimmy also wrote the Top 10 song “Forever” and was a co-writer on another Top 10 hit, “More Than a Name on a Wall”. Jimmy is a member of the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Virginia Musical Hall of Fame.

• When the Statler Brothers retired 23 years ago in 2002, Jimmy went solo and became one of the most loved voices in gospel music. He partnered with the Gaither Music Group and has released many chart busting albums and DVDs. His "God and Country" CD secured a Dove Award win in 2020 for Country/Gospel/Roots Album of the Year.

• 2020 also brought Jimmy the opportunity to form Fortune/Walker/Rogers/Isaacs, later to become known as "Brothers of the Heart" releasing  CD and DVD called "Brotherly Love" that debuted #16 on the Billboard All Genre Chart. Their latest project, "Listen To The Music", was recently released and debuted at #32 on the Billboard All Genre chart and #1 on the Christian chart.

The Show:

Jimmy, his fiddle player/vocalist Jenifer Wrinkle, guitarist Stuie French (of The French Family Band) and the bass player whose name I unfortunately missed (but he was outstanding) took the stage which was decked out in all it's beautiful Christmas glory. A night filled with top shelf music, stories, laughter, fellowship and memories with other fans and a thoughtful celebration of the birth of Christ and the Christmas season was just beginning. This year, having been a tough one for Jimmy who recently had a quintuple heart bypass, seems to have brought a new meaning to several of the songs he's sung for years because tonight he sang each one like it was the first time and he sang them with a strong obvious emotion which brought tears to many eyes in the crowd. 

Jimmy started the night with a song that he wrote for everyone his music touches personally and I hope he releases it, "One Song at A Time". The lyrics of this song are so true

"Hello, it's good to see you. 

 You know it's been way too long.

  I've been out here making music

  I see a face in every song

 You're the reason I keep singing

  Love to hear you sing along

  And now I want you to come with me

  In this journey that I'm on.

  So let's sing to all the good times

  Sing to everything that's good in this life

  Change this crazy old world around us

  One song at a time."

He sang songs that made you think of and truly appreciate the reason for the Christmas season with"It's Christmas Time Again", a beautiful rendition of the favorite classic "Silent Night", a new one which I also hope he releases called "The Road to Bethlehem", another beloved classic "Away in a Manger" which was sung beautifully by Jennifer Wrinkle, a fantastic rockin' version of "Daddy Looked a Lot Like Santa" performed with Stuie French, and an emotional newer Christmas classic "Mary Did You Know" that didn't leave too many dry eyes. As someone who has changed my heart and my perspective and started my long overdue journey back to Jesus this year, this will forever stay with me.

He also sang the hits and the crowd was enthusiastic, singing along and you could see expressions of appreciated memories on the faces around me, as well as my own. "Flowers on the Wall" filled my heart with the memory of being a little girl on a road trip with my parents, standing on the hump between the seats, singing with my dad in my off key little girl voice and just having the best time. That will stay with me every day of my life. The room fell silent as he sang of the emotions after the loss of "Elizabeth". You could see people in the room remembering the love of those they also lost. He sang of struggling with the pain of a love gone in a different direction and trying to find the reasons why with "Too Much on My Heart", a situation that most of us have unfortunately experienced. He brought the crowd to it's feet with the classic Michael Martin Murphey song, "Wildfire" about the love between a young woman and the horse she loved that escaped and went missing. This is another song that I can't hear without thinking about singing with my dad. 

He brought the night back to Jesus with my personal favorite, a song inspired by his granddaughter, "I Love You More." This is something I have always said to my mom every night before bed. She tells me she loves me and I always come back with "I love you more." This song also has a deeper meaning than the obvious, the meaning of a love stronger than any love we'll ever have on earth, the love of Jesus and how He loved each of us more as He hung on the cross. He made this one even more special by adding it as an extra last minute song and dedicating it to me because I had simply asked if it was on the setlist. To hear him sing this amazing testimony of love to a room full of silent listeners is something that will always mean the world to me and never leave my heart. 

"I love you more than you’ll ever know

 When you can’t hold on I’ll never let you go

 So let me love you until you love you again

 For everything you may hate yourself for

 I love you more"

He closed out the night 2 songs. He started with "I Believe", a song inspired by the prayers of his mother and how she deeply believed in the love of Christ and that place called Calvary. He talked about how Jesus saved his life this year and talked about how strongly he believes that He is saving each of us every day. He said it perfectly when he said "If you have someone who prays for you, that is the biggest gift." Pray for someone - it doesn't have to be a long prayer, a rehearsed prayer or a perfect prayer, only sincere. The last song was a true song of worship and praise, "Joy to the World". He had everyone on their feet and you could feel the power of the Holy Spirit in the room. I can promise you that not one person in attendance walked out of that theatre the same person as when they entered. Good music has a way of changing you whether you realize it or not. Tonight was a night of change, a night of love and night that won't be forgotten. Thank you to the wonderful staff of the Liberty Theatre for bringing in the best performers.

Thank you Jimmy. 

We love you more.

#CONCERTREVIEW - "THE COTTAGE AT THE CRYSTAL COAST" ROCKS BEERS AND SUNSHINE WITH DARIUS RUCKER AND MAGGIE ROSE AND THAT'S ALRIGHT BY ME

Artists: Darius Rucker / Maggie Rose

Event Date: 7/30/2023

Venue: The Cottage at The Crystal Coast - Atlantic Beach, NC

Reviewer: Jennifer Smith

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Photo Credit: Jennifer Smith / Lovin' Lyrics

As the sun was setting on the North Carolina coast on Sunday, July 30, the stage lights began to rise and one of the best nights of music I've experienced in a long time was about to begin.

The crowd was ready for a night of musical memories, good times on the beach with friends and making new connections. The buzz in the security line was full of stories about growing up with "Hootie", sunshine and sunburns, friends who were reconnecting from college, family reunions and how this night was going to be one for the memory books. They weren't kidding.

The show was held at a relatively new wedding and event venue, "The Cottage at The Crystal Coast". The great thing about this venue is how intimate and absolutely beautiful it is and that sits right on the the beauty of Atlantic Beach, NC. It's a 3 story beach house that can hold up to 225 guests inside the house itself, with open air decks that can comfortably accommodate small bands or wedding parties, a bar, various rooms for gatherings, a walkway to the sand and water and a fenced in 5,793 square foot luxury ocean front lawn with a stage set up for a full band that can accommodate even more guests.  This is truly a unique venue and one of the best I've ever been to. The staff was great too! Even better, it's less than a 10 minute drive from my house. Oh! I have to give hardcore kudos and accolades to the tour bus drivers on their perfect navigation of our tiny, narrow and difficult beach neighborhood streets and being able to park those behemoths beautifully. Hats off to y'all and high fives all around!

Now, let's talk about this show. Holy Pirate Ship! (Ha, Eastern NC is ECU Pirate Nation, the home of Blackbeard and the wreck of his ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge is 12 miles off the coast so ya see what I did there instead of cursing and making it accomodating? LOL) So, ahoy mateys, this show was UH-MAZING and when it comes to the state of music these days, I don't use that description as much as I used to. 

Let's start with the crazy good vocals of Maggie Rose. You might remember her as Margaret Durante from several years back, but the key words here are "You" and "Remember" because her voice is definitely one you do not forget. This girl can hit notes you never knew existed and she can carry a note for days without wavering. I can say with no hesitation that she has one of the absolute best female voices in music and, as a side note, dear radio, you suck for not giving her the airplay she should have. She took the stage with her band (Kyle Lewis - guitar / Judd Fuller - Bass / Timothy Burkhead - Drums / Kaitlyn Connor - Keys) and slayed it right out of the gate when she launched into "Dead Weight". I took a minute to look around and every eye was on her and you could her whispers of "Dang she's good", "How have I not heard of this girl?" and similar things. Needless to say, she done good. LOL!

The rest of her set was outstanding and I actually hated to hear her sing the last note. I hate I didn't get to finally meet her in person after talking about her to y'all for so many years but I did get to hug on her awesome tour manager, Max, who is a longtime friend from Raleigh that left and went to hit the road with her. Seriously, if you are looking for some really good new music to add to your playlists (and I'm not just talking to the streaming users, I'm talking to you radio), add her music and keep an ear out for more new stuff on the way.

SET LIST

DEAD WEIGHT

DO RIGHT BY MY LOVE

DON'T DO IT

FAKE FLOWERS

BODY ON FIRE

I'M NOT A SAINT

WHAT ARE WE FIGHTING FOR

UNDERESTIMATE ME

IT'S YOU

SMOOTH

Now ... the man, the myth (not really because he definitely exists), the legend - HOOOOOTIE! I mean Darius Ruckkkkkker! I can't even tell you how excited I was for this. Darius has long been a bucket list check mark for me. I grew up in the era of the Blowfish and have been a longtime fan of every single solo album he's put out. I have a "It's Darius, Y'all" playlist with every song possible on there. No, really. There is just something about him that pulls you in. I think it's the dance moves, the smooth moves of the feet and the smile that did not leave his face this entire show. Oh, he sings pretty good too. 

The music started and Darius came up the stairs from side stage and walked into a chorus of appreciative applause and screams, a few drunken "hell yeahs" and quite a few cat calls from the ladies. You knew this was just gonna be a good night. He started the night telling us that he was gonna play some real country and also take us back to the 90's. The crowd went nuts. What I truly appreciated about this night, from both artists, was the chance to put away social media, turn off the tv, silence the news and shut out the world outside the fence and keep politics quiet for a few hours. Darius and Maggie made the night about the music and the fans who love it, not about what's going on other than in that moment. 

He kicked off the night with 3 songs that fit perfectly for this night, his brand new single, "Have a Good Time", which was released today (August 4) and is the first single from his upcoming album "Carolyn's Boy",  "Beers and Sunshine" and "All I Want".  I think he chose these songs to let us know that was the reason he was there, for us to just have a good time. Thank you for that, Darius. He didn't just do his own stuff, he threw in some unexpected surprises with his own renditions of  John Mellencamp's "Little Pink Houses", Tim McGraw's hit song "I Like It I Love It", TLC'S "Waterfalls" and Bell Biv Devoe's "Poison". Man, it was great to take a trip back to the days before social media and when we didn't worry about what was going on in the world. I will not apologize for my really bad, loud singing. Can we do more of that please? The tears flowed during the songs I knew were gonna make me cry -  "It Won't Be Like This For Long:, "If I Told You" and "Don't Think I Don't Think About It". He brought the Hootie out with the classics, "Let Her Cry", "Hold My Hand" and I Only Wanna Be With You". He mixed in some other great songs like "Alright", "Homegrown Honey" and a few others before wrapping up the best night ever with the one he couldn't get out of there without doing, "Wagon Wheel".  I have to give the highest of props to his band - probably one of the most entertaining and talented group of musicians out there - Quinton Gibson - guitar / Garry Murray - Every instrument ever made / Lee Turner - Keys, Acoustic Guitar / John Mason - Bass / Jeff Marino - Drums / "Sasha" Ostrovsky - Dobro, Steel guitar, Banjo, etc). Y'all were the best! That dance near the end, though - hysterical!

SET LIST

HAVE A GOOD TIME

BEERS & SUNSHINE

ALL I WANT

PINK HOUSES

FIRES DON'T START THEMSELVES

IT WON'T BE LIKE THIS FOR LONG

FOR THE FIRST TIME

RADIO

LET HER CRY

I LIKE IT, I LOVE IT

WATERFALLS

POISON

COME BACK SONG

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

TRUE BELIEVERS

IF I TOLD YOU

DON'T THINK I DON'T THINK ABOUT IT

HOLD MY HAND

ALRIGHT

ONLY WANNA BE WITH YOU

HOMEGROWN HONEY

VALERIE

HANDS ON ME

WAGON WHEEL

Darius and Maggie, seriously, THANK YOU for the best night. Thank you for not just standing up there and singing, but for truly engaging and connecting and for showing that you were having as good a time as we were. I know needed it and know those around me did as well. I had some great conversations before and after the show with some people who said this was getting them out of the negativity around them and giving them a night of peace and a reason to smile. You both are the best. I am so thankful I was able to be a part of this night. What a welcome relief from the stress of what has become the new "normal". Thank you to The Cottage for hosting this fantastic show. Can't wait to do it again.

Be sure to stream/download music from both artists, check out their websites and follow them on social media!

All Photos Credit: Jennifer Smith / Lovin' Lyrics

CONCERT REVIEW: T.GRAHAM BROWN MAKES A COUNTRY MUSIC PIT STOP IN SWANSBORO, NC

 

All Photo credits on this page: Jennifer Smith

The master of country soul, T. Graham Brown, made a pit stop on Saturday, July 23 at the Carteret County Speedway in Swansboro, NC.

What a perfect day to be on the NC coast, the weather was beautiful (but hot as Memphis fried chicken). Being local to the area, I can't believe I had never been to the speedway before. I always like to review the venues in addition to the performances. What a great location for a concert! The track is an asphalt short track with plenty of bleacher seating and VIP suites, a central area in the middle of the track for stage set up, a great little bar/grill called Moonshiners (yay REAL bathrooms and not just porta-potties!) and a camping area, all ten minutes to the beach! It's a very safe, family friendly place. And as if just being a great venue itself isn't enough, the owner, Bobby Lowery and the staff were fantastic. Their motto is God, County, then racing. They strive to create and maintain an environment that supports families, the community and the betterment of one another. I had the pleasure of talking to Bobby for a bit and he told me something that stuck with me, "I don't believe in a hand out, I believe in a hand up." That's what he does, he wants to help people and that's not something you find in venue owners too much anymore, sadly. It's not what the people who come to his venue can do for him, it's what he can do for the. He also runs a large thrift shop in my town, about 20 min away, called "Second Blessings Community Outreach", a Christ centered organization dedicated to assisting the family, providing them with material needs. They're really a special group of people.

The ticket prices for this show were very reasonable. The VIP package ($50.00) included special seating under a tent with tables and chairs close to the stage, a table with appetizers in the restaurant (Jersey Mike's subs, charcuterie boards with meats, cheeses and fruits, potato chips and dip, brownies and 2 free drinks), and a meet and greet with T.Graham Brown and American Idol season 11 contestant, Chelsea Sorrell. I absolutely LOVED the VIP set up. T. Graham and Chelsea came in and talked to every single person in that room for 2.5 hrs. They didn't do the usual "shake, sign, snap and run", they stayed and were genuinely interested in the stories people had to tell, to find out more about who their fans are and to just enjoy themselves. I wish more artists would take the time to be genuinely interested instead of acting like meeting their fans is an obligation. It just had a different, more relaxed and genuine feel to it than other meet and greets. Even those who didn't pay for the VIP package still get to spend time with TGB and Chelsea outside of the restaurant area before the show.

The infield (I guess that's what you call the inside part of a race track anyway), was full of fans, not a crazy large crowd but a very pleasant and manageable gathering of the best kind of people - local music fans. Parents, kids and grandparents - they were all here for a good, clean, fun time. Runaway Train opened the show, but unfortunately due to other things going on,  I missed most of their opening set except the last song, but from what I did hear and the crowd reaction, they were good.  Now, let's get to Chelsea Sorrell (Runaway Train also provided "band aid" for her). Funny story here, but LONG before she hit the American Idol stage on Season 11, she was a part of the Chris Lane Band (yes, that Chris Lane). I used to help them with their promotions 12 years ago. The first time Chelsea and I actually met face to face was when they played together in 2015 in Burlington, NC. It was only fitting that the next time we were together with again with TGB. She's the sweetest human being. We spent the afternoon laughing and chatting it up about the "olden days". I just love her. This girl can sang. She had the crowd up and dancing, singing along and enjoying time together.

Before TGB and his band (love them, they're a great group of people, so much fun) hit the stage, we had a prayer circle in the bus. T, Sheila, myself and the band held hands in a circle in prayer. My heart was full. Then, about 8pm, T hit the stage to cheers and loud applause and played the hits that made TGB a household name in country music. This man. There is just something so special about "His T-Ness",  not just his vocals, but who he is as a person. His soul runs deep and his heart is huge. His attitude is always positive and that is such a wonderful thing to connect with in a time when things around us are anything but positive. He had the crowd smiling, laughing and dancing, just enjoying each other's company to the sounds of "I Tell It Like It Used to Be", "Darlene", "Memphis Women and Fried Chicken", "Come as You Were", "Brilliant Conversationalist", "Hell and High Water", "Moonshadow Road" and more. When he was ready to sing "Moonshadow Road", he motioned to a young boy standing by the stage to come up with him. His name was Whit and he was so cool. Whit wanted to surprise his grandparents who were in the crowd with a dedication of "Moonshadow Road" in honor of their anniversary of more than 40 years. It was a heartwarming thing to watch. When T started singing, couples were dancing. The anniversary couple were dancing as though it was their first dance all over again, looking into each other's eyes and smiling. You could feel the love. It made me smile. There was also a local woman in the crowd dancing with her great granddaughter who was probably still learning to stand. I could not stop watching them, it was so sweet. When we got a chance to talk, it turns out she was the cashier who rang me up the night before at one of our local restaurants and we remembered each other. She was so much fun, I think she danced and laughed through every song. And I have to say something about Sheila Brown. This woman works SO hard to make sure everything goes off as it should. She is constantly in motion, whether it be talking to the ticket booth, the caterers, the venue owner, the fans, or selling merch. She does it ALL and she does it for him. The love between these two is so obvious. Since the first time we met years ago, I have been "forever changed" because of these two wonderful people.

Added Bonus Tomfoolery:

When the show was over, T just HAD to take a lap around the track. I can't tell you how hard I laughed seeing this big lime green tour bus come around the corner, once really slow and then the second lap much faster. The band lined up at the finish line and did the "ZZ TOP" wave as it went by. It was magnificent. Stay tuned for video proof :-)

Huge thank you to EVERYONE for what is now known as "THE BEST NIGHT EVER ... AT LEAST IN 2022.". I appreciate you all!

You can catch T.Graham Brown and his band on the road and keep up to date on his latest news at www.tgrahambrown.com and on social media using the official links on his pages. There are fake pages out there posing as TGB, these links will ensure you are on the one and only official social media page. 

You can connect with Chelsea Sorrell on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Be sure to check out the Carteret County Speedway if you're in the eastern NC area, it's the best place!

Also stop by Second Blessings Thrift Shop located at 5178 US-70, Morehead City, NC 28557.

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL WHEN THE OAK RIDGE BOYS COME TO THE ALABAMA THEATRE ... #CONCERTREVIEW

ARTIST: OAK RIDGE BOYS

VENUE: ALABAMA THEATRE, MYRTLE BEACH, SC

DATE: APRIL 9, 2022

REVIEWER: JENNIFER SMITH 

It's that time of year .. The legendary Oak Ridge Boys made their annual Spring trek to Myrtle Beach. SC and played a night at the Alabama Theatre on Saturday, April 9. There is always a special feeling in the air when this crew hits town. You can feel the excitement in the buzz of those eagerly waiting outside the venue for the box office and doors to open. You hear fans telling each other about the songs they hope are played, the last time they saw the band, discussions about William Lee Golden’s latest book “Behind the Beard”and favorite personal memories. Tonight was a night for new memories to be made.

There is just something special about an Oak Ridge Boys show, it's not just the music, it's who these men are as people, the great guys in the band who stand behind them every night on stage, the friendly crew and the connection the Oaks have built with their fan base. They interact personally on social media, they take time to say hello and talk to fans at shows, they are never bigger than their own shoes. They treat people like friends and family and that says so much, especially these days when a lot of artists don't take the time or treat it as though it's a bother. The Oaks recognize the importance of personal connection and that personal connection is what has made them one of the most loved and respected groups in country music history. That attitude combined with their music creates a positive change in those of us sitting out in the crowd and the content of their songs and the relatable stories just make you strive to be a better person, a more appreciative person long after the door of the auditorium closes behind you and you head back into the real world. One other observation I've made at all of the shows I've attended is that each crowd seems to have younger fans in attendance. I love seeing life long fans bringing their kids and getting them hooked on this music so they too can become a life long fan and carry on the Oaks tradition of love and family.

Joe, Duane, Richard and William Lee and the Mighty Oaks Band brought not just their A game, they brought their A+ game this night. Despite the current bitterness and chill of the world outside, the world inside those doors was warm, positive and uplifting. They sang their classics like "American Made", "Louisiana Red Dirt Highway", "Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight", "Callin' Baton Rouge", "Dream On", "Sail Away" and "Roll Tennessee River" which are always a hit with this crowd and had us all on our feet and singing every note right along with them, but they've also added in a special segment, similar to their Christmas tour "rocking chair" fireplace segment, but this one was sitting on the "front porch" on 4 stools. You'll have to get Joe to tell you why William Lee is the perfect stool specimen. LOL! It's a funny story that only he can tell. Tonight was full of off the wall humor and unexpected happenings. There was a lady down front who was once one of the Chipmunks in their Christmas shows several years ago so there was that happy reunion. A fan (one of my favorite people who shall remain anonymous), brought some pickled beets as a gift and Joe and Duane kindly bestowed the gift upon drummer, Austin Curcuruto, and deemed it the "Best Beet Award" which drew a roar of laughter and of course, Joe, in typical Joe fashion started telling a funny story and cracked himself up so bad that he couldn't stop laughing. You just never know what you're gonna get at these shows, but you know it's gonna leave you laughing or leave you crying because you connected on a deeper level than fans do at most shows.

Ok back to the "Front Porch Singin'" segment of the show, LOVED it. This was the most personal and emotionally honest part of the show. Each member told a story that meant something to them and then the group performed the song that was associated with the memory. This segment included their most loved Southern gospel favorite, "Life's Railway", a new one that Duane really drove right to the heart of everyone in attendance and brought tears to some with "Life Is Beautiful", William Lee talked about his days of growing up in Brewton, AL and the cotton fields he calls home and sang about "The Old Ways", Richard talked about his time with JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet and Elvis Presley before they  launched into one of Elvis' favorite Lord Lovin' foot stompers, "Swing Down Chariot". "Love, Light and Healing", a song title made up of 3 simple words with enormous meaning written by Sherry Martin and Aaron Raitiere, brought an appropriate end to the "Front Porch Singin'" session and I think we all felt those 3 words more this year than ever with the current situations surrounding us. Thank you for that. 

The night wrapped up with the 2 loudest versions of "Elvira" and "Bobbe Sue" that I think I've ever heard at any previous ORB show. I'm not talking about the Oaks and the band, the crowd was LOUD and loving every off key note they sang right back. I just love this group, the band, the entire crew. They are a family and every audience member becomes a part of the Oak Ridge Boys family. May this family continue to grow and keep the music playing. We love you all! Thank you for another wonderful night.

Check out the pics below from the show. Don't be stealin' 'em, I know who took 'em :-)

Jenn

Joe Bonsall

William Lee Golden

Richard Sterban

Look ma! Beets!

"Beet of the Year" was awarded to drummer Austin Curcuruto

And there goes Joe cracking himself up ... LOL

And Scotty just isn't quite sure what's going on over with Joe, Duane and Austin ... 

Austin Curcuruto 

40+ years of friendship and a love for each other shows proudly in this shot.

Meet Darin, he's a new "Favorite" in the band

"Dream On"

Who knows what's EVER going through Ron Fairchild's mind? 

Maybe it's best we don't know. LOL

"Front Porch Singin"

TRAVIS TRITT BRINGS MEMORIES, MUSIC AND LAUGHS TO ROANOKE RAPIDS THEATER

ARTIST: TRAVIS TRITT

VENUE: ROANOKE RAPIDS THEATER

CITY: ROANOKE RAPIDS, NC

DATE: 1/18/2020

REVIEWER: JENNIFER SMITH

Follow us on Twitter at @lovinlyrics

One of country music's biggest icons, Travis Tritt, brought his acoustic tour to the Roanoke Rapids Theater in Roanoke Rapids, NC on Saturday, January 18. This was by far one of the best shows I have ever had the pleasure to review, not only from a media perspective, but through the eyes of a fan. This show was a bucket list check mark for me, having been a huge fan of Travis and his music from day one. I've never had the chance to see him until now and I can't even begin to tell you the level of excitement I had leading up to this show. To put the cherry on top, this was an acoustic show, just Travis and his guitar. Those shows are the best because you not only get the music, you get the stories, emotion and the memories that go along with it. I wish I had been able to secure an interview and have a few minutes to talk with Travis before the show, to be able to simply thank him in person for the years of smiles he's brought to my face and to get his perspective on today's industry and how to help up and coming artists and share that with you, but unfortunately I wasn't able to get a final approval, but you can be sure it wasn't for lack of trying.

First, I need to say thank you to Julie and Allison of BarnBurner Promotions. I've dealt with many promotion teams over the past ten years while attending and reviewing shows at various venues and these girls deserve a pat on the back for the handling of this sold out show. I watched how they handled the "day of show" aspects from the ticket booth, the concession area, the merchandising area, the beer tables, the stage area, interaction with the patrons and their assistance of Travis and his band. This went off perfectly from what I observed - there was no obvious stressing out, no running around looking like things were out of control like you see at a lot of shows. These girls know their stuff and they handled it like true professionals. I always enjoy working with them and after a brief absence, am very glad to see them back in the game. I know when they're at the helm, it's always gonna be a great night. They're also so pleasant to deal with. They really are a huge asset for the Roanoke Rapids Theater.

The venue itself is always such a great place to see a show. It's a beautiful theater, with a huge accommodating lobby, an upstairs dining area, great selection of food and beverages (both non-alcoholic and "over 21."), the restrooms are always clean, parking is more than sufficient and the staff is always very kind and easy going. The seating area is not too large, but not too small. It's the perfect size for a comfortable crowd with cushioned theater seats. The front row seats are not pushed right up against the stage like a lot of places, the stage is the perfect size and it's just comfortable. There are also VIP booths available for special guests and groups.

Finally it was showtime. The lights went down, the magic began ...

Travis took his seat on his stool and started 2+ hours of some of country's best music and most memorable songs. He had only one request and that was when he played a song that was a crowd favorite, please sing along as loud as you can. I also had one request for those around me, don't talk through the show or be on your phones. It's not only disrespectful to those around you who paid money or drove a long distance to listen to the artist, but when you're in the front row, it's even more disrespectful to the artist because they can see you much better than if you were 10 rows back and sends the message that you're not interested. Save your conversation for either before or after the show and keep your texting to a minimum. It's just common courtesy.

He brought the house down with a GREAT set list, not leaving much of anything out and adding in some that we weren't expecting. He accompanied each song with a retrospective video to compliment the tune. His stories included:

- His childhood memories of his parents and listening to the Grand Ole Opry on the radio.

- How it felt to be part of the "Class of '89 which included in addition to Travis, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks and Clint Black. Wow, how cool that must have been. If he'd only known how far that class would go, the accomplishments they'd make and the history they'd leave for future generations of country music fans. This really hit home for me and I admit, I got misty.

The "Class of '89" - Alan Jackson, Travis Tritt, Garth Brooks and Clint Black

His first record deal with Warner Brothers and how his deal wasn't the standard "3 album" deal, his was a "3 single" deal. If he released 3 singles and none of them made it to the Top 10, he was out. He blew that concept out of the water with his very first single, "Country Club" in August 1989. The single spent 26 weeks on the Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts, peaking at number nine. His next 2 singles, "Help Me Hold On" and "I'm Gonna Be Somebody," hit number one and two respectively. I guess Travis found a home.

- He told of his fond memories of filming the emotional video for "Anymore" in which he portrayed a disabled American veteran. Everyone else in that video was an actual disabled veteran. By the end of that shoot, he knew every one of those on set by name and formed a friendship. This affected Travis so deeply that he reached out to his state representatives, Congress and senators and asked to let him know how he could help the veteran's cause. He became an official spokesman and representative for those serving the country and he has received many honors since, including a Public Service award from the Department of Veterans Affairs in April 2003. To this day, Travis continues to be a voice for those heroes.

He told of his appreciation for Jerry Reed, Waylon Jennings and Marty Stuart. He talked about memories of them and how their music has impacted his own.

Travis and Jerry Reed

Travis and Waylon Jennings

This was quite literally a living documentary, a friendship between a man and his guitar and there were moments during these stories and songs that you could hear audience members sniffling and see them holding back tears. It really was a special performance, the likes of one I'm sure I'll probably never be able to witness again.

The show of hits was ending and Travis said his thank you and left the stage, only to come back a few minutes later to roars of applause to wrap up the night with fellowship and some good old Southern hand clapping and foot stomping with a round of "May the Circle Be Unbroken." I hope this "Circle" does not go unbroken. I hope that today's artists get a chance to go to a Travis Tritt show or the show of another legendary country artist and re-learn what this genre is about and what really good music is. I hope they strive to leave a lasting legacy like Travis, Garth, Alan, Clint and many others are doing. I hope they really learn to appreciate the opportunities they have and make the most of them based on THEIR creativity, talent and ideas and not just what they're instructed to do. I hope they break the mold and be their own artist, truly appreciate the power of a song and know what it means to be a member of the "Country Club."

Thank you Travis. You left an impression on me the first time I ever heard your voice and your songs and that impression is even deeper after Saturday night's show. Thank you. That's all I can really say.

Connect with Travis on his website - www.travistritt.com - and on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). Be sure to check his website for tour dates and if you can, try to catch a show.

SET LIST

I'm Gonna Be Somebody

Where Corn Don't Grow

Foolish Pride

Country Club

Country Ain't Country No More

The Whiskey Ain't Workin'

500 Miles (Hedy West cover)

Drift Off to Dream / Help Me Hold On

Anymore

Help! (The Beatles cover)

It's a Great Day to Be Alive (Darrell Scott cover)

Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way / Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys / Theme from the Dukes of Hazzard (Good 'Ol Boys)

Here's a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)

Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde

T-R-O-U-B-L-E 

Encore: Will the Circle Be Unbroken?

Photo Credit: Jennifer Smith/LovinLyrics
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