Is it getting hot in here?

That last post sure got some attention! I sent an extremely toned-down version to Raleigh's News&Observer, and it actually got published in the letters to the editor! I was happy just to get a response from the author, and was surprised to open up the paper the next morning to read my own words. I heard responses from a few people who I have a lot of respect for, which was a great (but kind of wierd) feeling.

In the spirit of lightening things up a bit, I'm going to step down off of my Raleigh soapbox and instead put on my live-music-critic hat.

Which, in this case, is a 10-gallon hat. With sequins. Yep, went to my first-every country music show this weekend. Don't revoke my Yankee card just yet...the tickets were free, provided by my roommate from my senior year of college. She works for Rascal Flatts, and invited me to come take in the show on Friday night in Greensboro.

After spending the entire 1 1/2 hour ride and 3 beers (at Red Oak, not in the car) trying to remember that one song I know by Rascal Flatts, I actually dug up an old mix cd that had it! Also on the cd was some Mystikal, lots-0-Ludacris, and JoDee Messina. Ironically, this cd comes from the short time that I lived in Greensboro...hence the mix of hip-hop and country. That's all they've got.

E & I got to the concert just in time to catch the main act. At least, I think it was Rascal Flatts...even with our great seats, it was hard to tell exactly which band we were watching because half (no exaggeration) of the show was covers. If I wanted to hear the Eagles, Pink Floyd, Clint Black (not that I would have known that it was a Clint Black song if the person behind me hadn't said something), Elton John (sorry, but Angie Aparo owns the Rocket Man cover), BETTE MIDLER, for goodness sake, I could have saved myself half a tank of gas, stayed in Raleigh and headed over to Napper Tandy's (the sorry excuse for an Irish Pub that used to be Ri Ra) for a cover band or E's brother-in-law dj'ing. Although, considering that I only know one Rascal Flatts song, it was nice to have those covers to sing along with.

The lowlight of the show was the 80's-inspired flying stage that transported the three members of the band (leaving behind their -count 'em- 4 back up band members) across the arena. This gave everyone a closer look at the snazzy bedazzling on their shirts and jeans, and allowed them to kill more time without actually having to play any songs.

There actually was a highlight! One of the band members (not the lead singer, and not the one called Joe Don) would take over with some solo action...he tore up the drums, played the piano, and sang a heckuvalot better than the other guy. Someone call me when his solo album comes out!

All in all, the concert was disappointing, not getting to hang out w/em after the show was disappointing, but hanging out at Red Oak before the show w/Scarlet was, as always, entertaining, and well worth the trip.