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"

CONCERT REVIEW: THE OAK RIDGE BOYS BRING LOVE, LIGHT, HEALING AND HOPE TO THE ALABAMA THEATER

Artist: The Oak Ridge Boys

Date: 10/16/2021

Venue: The Alabama Theater - N. Myrtle Beach, SC

Reviewer: Jennifer Smith

In the current world of uncertainty and divide, the Oak Ridge Boys gave fans an evening of personal clarity and brought us all together on Saturday night, 10/16. After years of regular performances at The Alabama Theater, March 14, 2020 was their last performance in Myrtle Beach and unbeknownst to them, it would also be their last performance anywhere for quite awhile due to the Covid-19 pandemic. When the announcement was made that they would finally return for their usual fall show, tickets went quickly and the energy in the auditorium the night of the show was so special and the atmosphere was so different that it made it almost feel like the first time all over again.

Before the show, normally the backstage area would be bustling with activity - the crew, venue employees, band and the Boys hanging out with friends and fans during their meet and greet, talking, laughing and discussing the latest happenings. This year, thanks to the devil names Covid and the fact that Myrtle Beach was a hot spot, it was anything but interactive - the catering area was quiet, the hallways were dark, and it was more like a quick wave hello in passing to those you happened to see back there. It was a distinct difference from pre-Covid shows, but when the stage lights came on and Darrick took to the stage to do his "Billy Mays" impression to open the show, it was whole different picture. These fans were ready to get back to "normal", ready to sing their lungs out. Then you heard it ... "Ladies and Gentlemen ... the legendary OAK ... RIDGE ... BOYS" and then it got so loud you couldn't hear the voices in your own head. Lawdy mercy.  it sure was great to not be able to hear yourself think again like this.

The music started, the lights came up and "Bouncin' Joe" Bonsall, "Big Daddy" Duane, "The Grand Papa of Mow Mow" Richard and "The Original King of Swagger", William Lee, took their places on stage and launched into 2 hours of their biggest hits and new songs that are destined to carve out a place in their musical "hitstory" books. Yes, I used a lot of puns and nicknames there, deal with it. LOL! The night was filled with the familiarity of songs such as "American Made", "Y'all Come Back Saloon", "Dream On" and others. People were singing and swaying and smiling and just enjoying themselves and it was such a good thing to see. The Oaks have a way of bringing comfort at times it's most needed and I can tell you that it is so much appreciated. One really nice thing they did on this particular night was having the drummer, Austin Curcuruto, bring out his young daughter, Gia, during "Thank God for Kids" and it was so cute. She was having the best time with her daddy and is too young to realize how special of a memory this will be for both of them years from now. They wrapped up the show with a rousing singalong of "Elvira" and "Bobbie Sue" and the crowd was just crazy, standing up, dancing and singing along. What a great night!

One more thing that needs to be mentioned, these four men did what they could to make sure their employees were well taken care of during their time off the road. The band and crew told me how appreciative they are to work for such a caring organization and how much it means that they went through the lengths they did to ensure their security in a time of insecurity and concern.

Thank you to the Oaks, the wonderful Mighty Oaks Band, the crew, and the Alabama Theater for a wonderful night. Can't wait to do it all again in the spring! 

Head over to www.oakridgeboys.com and pick up their newest album, "Front Porch Singin''". It's also available at most digital outlets. They're also getting ready to head out for their annual Christmas shows so be sure to check and see where they're playing this year! It's a show worth seeing, the best gift you'll get this year.

Photo credits: Jennifer Smith / Lovin' Lyrics

#COUNTRYGIVESBACK - ARTISTS INCLUDING RANDY HOUSER, CARLY PEARCE, MICHAEL RAY, LOVE AND THEFT, THE DAVISSON BROTHERS BAND AND OTHERS BAND TOGETHER FOR HURRICANE RELIEF IN MYRTLE BEACH

The Myrtle Beach community is coming together to help neighbors impacted by Hurricane Florence with a benefit concert on November 11, 2018. Visit Myrtle Beach, the City of Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, WPDE ABC15, Gator 107.9, Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Ticket Return, Carolina Country Music Festival and many more have been working non-stop for several weeks to produce this amazing community event.

An array of artists will continue to be announced over the coming weeks, but as of today, there will be performances from Randy Houser, Michael Ray, Carly Pearce, Love & Theft and the Davisson Brothers Band. Attendees will be thrilled to see some other special guests, which will be announced soon.

The Hurricane Florence Benefit Concert will be held on Sunday, November 11 from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the TicketReturn.com Field - Pelicans Ballpark, 1251 21st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC.

The purpose of the concert is to raise as much money as possible to support our local community and individuals impacted by the disaster. Extraordinary effort has been made to keep costs for the event low. From staging to lighting, from artists to venue, most labor and services will be donated.

Some of the proceeds will go to the Area Recovery Council through the Waccamaw Community Foundation to support disaster relief efforts in Horry and Georgetown counties. Another portion will be given to the Eastern SC Chapter of the American Red Cross to support disaster relief efforts in Horry, Florence, Darlington, Marlboro, Dillon and Marion counties.

To learn more about the Waccamaw Community Foundation, visit www.waccamawcf.org. For information about the Eastern SC Chapter of the American Red Cross, visit https://www.redcross.org/local/south-carolina/about-us/locations/eastern-sc.html. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs, including disaster relief. To learn more about how donations will be used, see Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/redcross/videos/294708317988200/ .

“It is amazing to see so many people working tirelessly to plan this incredible event in a short amount of time,” said Karen Riordan, President and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s going to be an exciting night in our town, and we are hoping for a sell-out, so we can make a big impact on those who so desperately need help.”

Tickets are available online only via the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and TicketReturn.com box office. Ticket prices range from $50 to $200 each.

$50 each – Tire Town Terrace Seating (bleacher style or regular seating--no field access) 

$100 each – Field Box Seating (no field access)

$200 each – On Field Access (Lawn) – main stage lawn ticket ONLY--no seat (no chairs of any kind allowed through gates)  

More information can be found at www.visitmyrtlebeach.com, or by calling (843) 916-7295. Email inquiries should be sent to: MBHurricaneFlorenceConcert@gmail.com.

CONCERT REVIEW: OAK RIDGE BOYS BRING THE REVIVAL TO MYRTLE BEACH

The legendary Oak Ridge Boys brought the revival home to the Alabama Theatre in Myrtle Beach on April 14th and once again proved why they have been one of the most loved and respected groups in country music through the years.

The Oaks have been on the road celebrating their new album, "17th Avenue Revival" with the "Shine the Light" tour in various cities but there's always a special feeling when they come home to Myrtle Beach. This visit was no different than previous visits with the exception of one thing, a feeling of a personal change that seemed to fill the room, not just in the audience but in the Boys as well. I credit this to the release of their highly acclaimed new album, "17th Avenue Revival", a collection of "back to the basics" southern gospel with a touch of contagious inspiration that comes at a time that it's most needed. This album has given this already amazing group an elevated level of deserved confidence and an obvious pep in their step. Their energy has always been hard to match but this time they even outdid themselves. It's a new attitude and you can definitely feel it from the minute they take the stage to the minute the doors to the auditorium close behind you as you leave.

The venue filled with excitement long before the show began with anxious fans standing around outside the ticket window talking about their favorite ORB moments and what they couldn't wait to see and hear once the show began. The fun thing that makes the ORB fan base stand out from others is the longevity and depth of the dedication of the crowd. They can tell you every show they've been to, every song that's ever been sung, and every memory that's left an imprint in their hearts. They've traveled from all states and various countries and are from all walks of life, but for 2 hours, they're a family and that's what's great an Oaks show.

The lights dimmed, the Mighty Oaks Band took their places and the familiar booming introduction "Ladies and gentlemen, the legendary Oak Ridge Boys"came over the speakers and the Boys came out to thunderous and appreciative applause. For the next couple of hours, fans were treated to stories as only Joe Bonsall can tell them, laughter and almost 2 hours of hits and new favorites. The new album produced 2 new favorites that won this audience over. The first, "Brand New Star", a song written by Nashville writers Aaron Patiere and Mando Saenz as a way to celebrate the life of someone lost and the other was "Pray to Jesus", written by hit songwriters Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, an anthem of the working class average family doing what they have to do to just get by that we all can identify with. These songs put the revival in this auditorium with people on their feet, smiling, clapping and singing along. Of course they did the hits too like "Everyday", "American Made", "Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight", "Y'all Come Back Saloon" and of course "Elvira"and "Bobbie Sue", but the new music really seemed to hit home. There was a couple sitting behind me during "I'd Rather Have Jesus" and the woman was wiping tears from her eyes as he put his arm around her and pulled her in close. It's these moments that remind you how blessed we are and it's artists like the Oaks who are the reminders.

What another great show, another page in my mind of Oaks memories and I am thankful for the change I felt personally when I walked out of that auditorium.

The "Shine the Light' tour continues through the year. Be sure to catch a show in your area and find your feeling of change. Go to www.oakridgeboys.com for tour dates and locations.

- Jenn

Follow Jenn on Twitter at @Lovinlyrics

Photo credits: Jennifer Smith / Lovinlyrics

CONCERT REVIEW / PHOTOS: THE OAK RIDGE BOYS AT THE ALABAMA THEATRE MYRTLE BEACH. SC 4/18/15

ARTIST: The Oak Ridge Boys
VENUE: Alabama Theatre - Myrtle Beach, SC
DATE: 4/18/15
REVIEWER: Jennifer Smith
Follow Jenn on Twitter at @lovinlyrics

Oak Ridge Boys - Myrtle Beach, SC 4/18/15

An Oak Ridge Boys performance is quite literally a hug from the Lord. It's like He reached down from Heaven and wrapped His arms around the audience and squeezed really tight letting us know that there is still good in this world and it's in the form of these four men and their music, Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, Richard Sterban and William Lee Golden.

I always make the time to attend an Oaks show at the Alabama Theatre in Myrtle Beach, SC. I never miss one even though it's a 3.5 hr drive from my house. If I'm scheduled to work, I take the day off. If I had surgery scheduled, my appendix can wait, and I think if it was my own funeral, I'd tell them to hold off the eulogy! You get the idea. They usually play here twice a year and I can honestly say those are my 2 favorite days of the year. That's just how much I love these shows. The venue and it's staff are wonderful, the acoustics are fantastic, and the crowd is always familiar. It is, as I said in my previous review for their last show here, like coming home.

I got there early as I usually do so I can spend some pre-show, no stress time with the guys and the band. This is my favorite part of the day, when they're not in show mode, they're just laid back and having some relaxing time with friends and family. There's always laughter and there's always love, those are two things that are never missing on stage or off. When I was walking from the parking lot and was passing the bus on the way to the backstage entrance, there was a small group of ladies waiting by the bus. When I approached, they told me they were hoping to see Joe because one of the ladies in the group had something she wanted to give him that she'd been holding onto for months in hopes of being able to hand it to him personally. I told her I would let him know. When I walked in and as soon as I saw Joe, I told him about the ladies and the gift and he immediately walked out to the bus to say hello but the ladies were gone. This is what I love about these guys, fans are ALWAYS important, even when they're not showered and looking stage ready, even right when they've pulled in and get off the bus from a 14 hour trip, during the show when they shake hands and even after the show when they're exhausted and ready to go home. They always make the time and are so gracious with everyone.

The show was once again a sellout. As soon as it began, before any of the hits began to play, Joe took the mic and asked if there was someone that had been waiting for him by the bus with a gift. He said he went out there but missed them and he wanted to be sure that this lady was taken care of. She happened to be in the front row in front of him and was so excited that he had taken the time to acknowledge her and she handed him her gift, an empty Coke bottle with his name on in. She had looked for one for so long that said "Joe" and she finally found it and she was able to share it with him. This made her day and it made Joe's as well. What a great thing to do.

When it comes to the music, there really is not a better show I've been to than an Oaks performance. I know I gush when it comes to them, but they give me every valid reason to do so and in these days of country music, there really honestly aren't many I can say that give me the same level of excitement and warmth than these guys. The music is always timeless, the performances are audience interactive and so much fun, Their harmonies are still some of the best in the business even after 40 years of singing. The band is fantastic and always smiling and having such a great time. Rex Wiseman, Scotty Simpson, Jeffrey Douglas, David Northrup, Ronnie Fairchild and Roger Eaton stand behind the Oaks night after night, show after show, after after hour and never once do they ever give the impression that they don't want to be there. They're always smiling and laughing. They interact with the audience and the Oaks just as much as the fans do and there's always something going on up on that stage that has an electricity to it. It's just the perfect combination of personalities and talent. When they take the stage, you can see that they're doing it for the love of the music they sing and those they sing for. They've made their millions, they've played for Presidents, they've won every award possible and achieved the pinnacle every country artist dreams of - memberships in the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry. They've seen and done it all, now they're doing it all because they enjoy it and because they love to see the enjoyment on the faces of their fans. This show was a product of love, friendship, and the personal inner harmony that comes from connecting with people. This is why we keep coming back and why the Oak Ridge Boys will always be legends not only in country music, but in the hearts of so many. I am ready for September, bring it on boys!

SET LIST FOR 4/18/15

Everyday 
American Made 
Come On In 
Louisiana Red Dirt Highway 
Gonna Take a Lot of River 
Cryin' Again 
Y'all Come Back Saloon 
Ozark Mountain Jubilee 
Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight 
Beautiful You 
Sail Away 
Dream On 
Little Things 
Roll Tennessee River 
Life's Railway to Heaven 
Have a Little Talk With Jesus 
Sacrifice...for Me 
Ramblin' Man 
I'll Be True to You 
Beyond Those Years 
Down Deep Inside 
No Matter How High 
There Must Be Something About Me That She Loves 
Elvira 
Bobbie Sue 

CONCERT REVIEW - OAK RIDGE BOYS - THE ALABAMA THEATRE, MYRTLE BEACH SC 10/4/14

ARTIST: Oak Ridge Boys
VENUE: Alabama Theatre - Myrtle Beach, SC
DATE: 10/4/14

      Photo Credit: Jennifer Smith / Lovin' Lyrics

Ya know, any show by the Oak Ridge Boys is truly an easy show to review. I could sum it all up in about 3 words - fantastic, wonderful, and outstanding. That would be the easiest way to describe it but not the best way to really show how true those words are and how an Oak Ridge Boys performance description deserves more than 3 simple words.

41 years of tradition, family, faith and music is what the Oak Ridge Boys are all about. Their name, reputation and gift of music has truly remained solid through the years. These four men and their entire band and crew put on one of the best shows one should ever be privileged to see. There is just something about this combination of personalities, voices and hearts that makes them such legends, not only in the music realm but in the hearts of those whose lives they touch with their generosity, friendship and kindness. No, this isn't me gushing, it's just me calling it like I see it and like I'm sure many others see it as well. Every show is comprised of care, quality and character that you would have a hard time finding in other shows.

I said it in my last review of their show at the Alabama Theatre, but it rings true that the shows at this venue are like coming home. There is a feeling of familiarity among those in the audience, there are hugs for longtime friends, and just a feeling of contentment. People here know each other and look forward to meeting here at least two times a year to welcome the Oaks back to the stage. It's almost like a family reunion of sorts and well, that is just enough to warm anyone's heart.

This night was a little off for me, we were late getting to the venue, I'm usually there a good hour before the show for some quality Boys time but time was not on my side this time. I got hustled in backstage literally about 5 min before the guys hit the stage, just long enough to squeeze in rushed hugs from Joe, William Lee and Scotty Simpson. Scotty took me out on stage to hug Rex Wiseman and in the process of walking across the stage in the dark, my foot got all tangled up in the wires and I damn near took out a speaker in front of a sold out crowd. Yep, that's me, Jenn at her finest moment but thank God it was so dark and no one but me knew about it or could see me!

We got to our seats just as the show started and my anxiety died down and my happiness set in. The band sounded exceptionally good tonight, not that they don't sound great every night but for some reason, they were just going for the brass ring tonight and they grabbed it. While two of my favorite people were missing, Don "Guitar" Carr and Chris Golden, the newest members of the Mighty Oaks Band, Roger Eaton and David Northrup filled the gap perfectly. The Oaks sounded fantastic, actually the best I've heard in all of the shows I've been to. It was almost like they may have actually gotten much needed rest after a gazillion nights on the road and sell out show after sell out show. Their voices blended perfectly, the harmonies were tighter than Luke Bryan's skinny jeans and their energy level was higher than a spider monkey jacked up on Red Bull. They were in it to win it tonight and what they won was the heart and attention of every person in that room. There was country, there was pop and there was that well known southern gospel that only the Oaks can sing that made me wanna jump up and clap my hands. I know I screamed "Hallelujah! Lordy Mercy!" at least twice and now have the need to join a church choir. I think I may have even seen the face of God during the finale of "Heaven Bound". I was saved for the 10th time, I swear I was! The Oaks never give less than 100% and tonight they gave twice that. They left everything they had on the stage, I mean everything. Now it was over, the night I look forward to every year and my heart deflated. Now I have to look forward to April for the next "Boys Night Out". Now let's see, how many days is that???

Set List:

EVERYDAY
AMERICAN MADE
YOU’RE THE ONE
RED DIRT HIGHWAY
LOVE SONG
Y'ALL COME BACK SALOON
OZARK MOUNTAIN JUBILEE
LEAVIN’ LOUISIANA IN THE BROAD DAYLIGHT
LUCKY MOON
TRYING TO LOVE TWO WOMEN
MAMA’S TABLE
THANK GOD FOR KIDS
LITTLE THINGS
ROLL TENNESSEE RIVER
WHERE THE SOUL NEVER DIES
BAPTISM OF JESSE TAYLOR
RAMBLIN’ MAN
NEVER HURTS TO HURT
DREAM ON
NO MATTER HOW HIGH
TOUCH A HAND
ELVIRA
HEAVEN BOUND

CONCERT REVIEW - OAK RIDGE BOYS - MYRTLE BEACH, SC 3/29/14

ARTIST: OAK RIDGE BOYS
TOUR: "BOYS NIGHT OUT"
VENUE: ALABAMA THEATRE - MYRTLE BEACH, SC
DATE: 3/29/14

The Oak Ridge Boys did it again, as they do every show, every city, every performance date - they give the best show possible, a fan interactive show, a fun show, a show that makes you wish it didn't have to end. That's why they are legends in the industry. They never fail to entertain, to keep fans coming back and wanting more.

The bus rolled back into Myrtle Beach, SC on Saturday, March 29 for a "homecoming" of sorts. The boys are on their "Boys Night Out" tour showcasing songs from their upcoming, first ever LIVE cd, "Boys Night Out" (due out on April 15). This isn't an ordinary show with the same old songs, the same old work out stage props, this is just good music done the way only the Oak Ridge Boys can do it, from their hearts straight to yours. One difference with the shows at the Alabama Theatre is that it's the same dedicated crowd, the same smiling faces. These fans know each other, they welcome each other and they support the Oaks as one big family. It truly is such a feel good experience. You can literally feel the warmth and friendliness radiate from those around you, see the smiles on the faces, the anticipation on their faces and the friendship these longtime fans share. It's a unique experience that you just don't get anywhere other than an Oak Ridge Boys show. They not only provide fans an experience, they provide a sense of home, a feeling of love and friendship and they blow the roof off with the music that everyone knows, loves and can sing a-long with. There is an immediate energy in the room that only gets stronger when Richard, Duane, William Lee and Joe take the stage. As referenced in their song, 'Reach Out and Touch a Hand (Make a Friend)', the lyrics "Can't you feel it in your heart now, a new thing is taking shape" truly apply at their shows. People do reach out, they do take your hand, they do make a new friend at each and every show. If you're a new face to the Oaks crowd, you are welcomed with open hearts and open arms. Your heart just feels happy, your mood is wonderful and you can always count on leaving an Oak Ridge Boys show feeling like a new person. If only every country concert had this effect on us! 

Be sure to check out the latest news on www.oakridgeboys.com, follow them as a group on Twitter at @OakRidgeBoys or individually at @JoeBonsall @DuaneAllen @WLGolden @RASterban. You can also find them on Facebook. They interact regularly and personally with their audience. Pick up their new CD, "Boys Night Out", starting April 15!  

Concert Review w/ *EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS*: The Oak Ridge Boys - Alabama Theatre, Myrtle Beach, SC - 9/10/11

Man, do you not know by now how much I LOVE Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, Richard Sterban and the 30 year beard himself, William Lee Golden? There are no finer people God ever put on this earth than the Oak Ridge Boys.

We arrived at the Alabama Theatre around 5:30pm and Joe told us to park back by the bus. We pulled into our parking space behind the theatre and there's Joe Joe waiting for us. I think my happy-o-meter automatically shot up to unheard of levels just seeing that friendly, familiar and much loved smile on his moustached face. I hadn't seen him since they became official Opry members so I was determined to hug the pure crap of him and boy did I. We walked backstage into the catering area and the other guys had just finished eating and were hibernating on the bus, but that was ok because I love any personal time with Joe that I am lucky enough to get. Am I gushing too much? If you got to know Joe, trust me you'd gush too. He's just an amazing person to me and I think the world of him, heck I think beyond the world of him.

So we sat in catering yammering on about anything and everything. How often do you get to sit next to a country legend, one you can honestly call a dear friend, and hear unheard of stories about Willie Nelson? He also told the best stories about his parents. What a great time we had just catching up. I asked him if Duane had my advance copy of the new cd that comes out on September 19, "It's Only Natural" and he said he doubted it since even he didn't have a copy of it yet. Duane had promised me one so I didn't give up hope. It came time for Joe to get dressed for the show so he told us to grab a bite to eat and he'd be back shortly. Casey and I had barely finished off our catered dinner of pot roast, mashed potatoes, green beans and chocolate cake when I heard Duane coming down the hall. Yay, time for some one on one with my other favorite guy. Duane walked in the door, looked at me and waved around the cd I had been hoping for, but my blondeness kicked in and I didn't even notice it in his hand! He made me charge him like a bull charging the matador for this priceless treasure, a treasure that the band didn't even have yet! Talk about feeling the love! I almost cried I was so ecstatic to hold this cd in my hands. There were some meet and greet attendees in the room, so I squeezed in my quick hug and kiss on the cheek and let the guys do their meeting and greeting. They're always just the best at these things, always make everyone feel important and appreciated. I guess that's why they've stood the test of over 30 years as some of country's most beloved and revered artists. The meet and greet ended, and we got a few more minutes personal time with Joe and Duane before they had to hit the stage. (William Lee and Richard came in the room for a very short time, then left before I got a chance to really talk to them, but I'm used to that with them. They like their private time before a show.) We headed to will call, picked up our tickets and seated ourselves about 7 rows from the stage. Show time everyone! Places, quiet!

The familiar tempo of "The Boys are Back" filled the room and out came the Boys to a huge round of applause and love from a sold out theatre. They broke out their biggest hits and some of the new unheard songs, both of which went over like gangbusters. Fans of the Oak Ridge Boys are a dedicated, loving bunch of people. They know every word to every song and hum along to the new ones they haven't memorized yet. We sang along to classics like "American Made", "Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight", "Y'all Come Back Saloon", "It's Gonna Take A Lot of River", "Beyond Those Years" and we sang along to current songs like "The Boys are Back", "Beautiful Bluebird", "Boom Boom" and others. They also rehearsed for an upcoming Opry show tribute to George Jones. We also were lucky enough to be some of the first to hear songs off the new cd like "The Shade", "Whatcha Gonna Do" and an emotional tribute to September 11 and our uniformed heroes by Joe Bonsall, "Sacrifice ... For Me". Ok, I cried, I admit it. To have that sung the night before the 10th anniversary of that horrible day that changed our lives, what a tug on the heart and only Joe can give it that extra emotion to bring on the tears. The show ended with everyone's favorite hits, "Elvira" and "Bobbie Sue". The place was going nuts. There were so many standing ovations that night I lost total count. Amazing night of the best music ever given to us.

We left the theatre and stood by the bus with the gazillions of fans who were there hoping for a handshake, hug, autograph or even just a glimpse of one of country's most loved groups. I sent Joe a text telling him I wanted my hug before they left. We waited and finally Joe came out, gave his hugs, chatted it up for a few, shook his hands and posed the pics before walking back on the bus. My heart sank, I figured he didn't see his phone so we turned to leave without my hug, my heart was sad but ALAS! My phone screen lit up with a text, "Where are You???". I called him and told him we were outside the bus and he really proved to me what our friendship meant to him, he came back out among the crowd, told those that were shoving photos and cameras in his face that he just came back out to tell his dear friend, ME!!!!, goodbye. He hugged me and kissed me on the cheek and totally warmed my heart by taking the time to do that despite how tired he was and the long road back home they were about to take. We made plans for Casey and I to come to their December 3 Christmas show in Virginia so now I have that to look forward to in the next few months. 

I thank God every day for allowing me to create a lasting friendship with Joe Bonsall and Duane Allen. These men both have places in my heart that belong to them and only them. I love them so much and realize how lucky I am to have them in my life. I love the Oaks for their gift of humble, honest and heartfelt music that keeps giving the more it's played. What a great night, chalk it up with the other 3 shows I'll never forget. I am proud to call them friends and so proud of them for their long overdue induction into the Grand Ole Opry. Memories and friendships like these are what life is made of.