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Up Front: Farewell tour strikes a chord
Emily Plihal
for Smoky River Express
Anyone who knows me really well, knows I’m a Brooks and Dunn junkie. To be quite honest, if I was incredibly wealthy, I’d likely be their groupie. I’d follow them to each venue, simply out of passion for their music.
For my birthday this year, I decided to spoil myself with front row tickets to their Last Rodeo concert in Edmonton. They will be bidding farewell to the music industry as a country duo at the end of 2010.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as my sister and I made our way to our seats last week. I’ve been to hundreds of concerts, plays and musicals over the course of my short lifespan, but none of my seats were ever so close.
Jason Blaine, a relatively new Canadian country music artist, was the first opening act. He came on the stage with two guitarists and opened the show with some great tunes that have climbed the country music charts. Blaine was amazing, but without a full band, I was unsure of what my ears would feel like after Gary Allan and Brooks and Dunn played.
Gary Allan took stage next, proving why he has steadily gained popularity in the music industry. A solid band, solid sound, and some catchy tunes all led me to gain a new admiration, not only for Allan, but all the musicians in his band. His electric guitar player was amazing! As the band played, you could feel each note penetrate through your body. It was the most amazing experience, not only hearing the music, but also feeling it.
My anticipation steadily increased as Allan’s set was closing. In just a few minutes I would be a few feet away from my all-time favourite band!
During intermission, Brooks and Dunn’s crew transformed the stage. A curtain dropped to hide the effects added to the stage.
A pre-recorded set of B&D’s music started playing, with a video of the two men travelling through an unknown destination. The crowd went wild as the lights went down in the house.
I cannot explain to you the sudden rush of excitement I felt when the security guard ushered us to the front of the stage to await B&D’s performance.
I was standing only a couple of feet away from where Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn would be performing. Like a teenaged girl waiting to be kissed for the first time, my stomach was battling a massive case of the “butterflies”.
The curtain lifted, and out came B&D with their band.
I’ve seen Brooks and Dunn three times now, and I can honestly say this was the best show they’ve ever put on. Was it because I was in such close proximity that I could closely evaluate each move they made? Perhaps.
Shaking Kix Brooks’ hand didn’t hurt either. Watching how enthusiastic they were about their music was probably the highlight. They were, are and will always be the kings of country music to me.
Their encore songs were “Brand New Man” and “Boot Scoot N’ Boogie”, arguably two of their best songs produced. To pick one flaw in their performance would be impossible. They engaged the crowd, engaged their band and back-up singers, and made the evening absolutely memorable.
It’s a shame to lose these artists after 20 years of music magic. I find it hard to believe that anyone could ever take their place.
I’m not sure if I’ll find another artist whose CD I can listen to from first track to last. For all your musical efforts over the last 20 years Brooks and Dunn, I thank you!
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