Soulful, Hard-Rocking, Raise-Your-Hands, Get-On-Your Feet Country

March 14th, 2010 in Uncategorized No Comments »

: Watching the Fans

Gary Allan brought country music to the DPAC stage on Friday night. Finally! I’m not talking low-key country crooning, but soulful, hard-rocking, raise-your-hands, get-on-your-feet country. Before the show, the lobbies came alive with the tapping of cowboy boots and popping of tallboy beers. Fans rolled in with a laid-back swagger, looking around at a venue of red carpet and not quite knowing if this home for world-class entertainment is a home for honky tonkin’ country.

Jason Marks Band blasted through the speakers as guests made their way into the house. The group from Wilmington gave a rockin’ start to a night of real country. (Thanks to Gary for supporting local NC talent!) Jason Marks Band showcased songs from their most recent album “Slow-Down” during a forty-minute set that kick-started the crowd.

Gary Allan hit the stage with his band to flashing lights and heavy guitars during “Get Off on the Pain”. The band’s energy electrified the theatre as fans danced, clapped and cheered. While he performed, he moved across the stage and interacted with his bandmates, making a point to engage the entire audience. He had guests singing along to hits like “Feelin’ Like That” and “Right Where I Need to Be” but also to songs from his new album including “Kiss Me When I’m Down”. (If you have not yet purchased “Get Off on the Pain”, I would suggest you at least start with this song.) After sharing swigs from a bottle of Jack, the band’s new piano player began the intro for “Life Ain’t Always Beautiful”, and Gary gave his most heartfelt and intimate performance of the evening. When he extended the mic out and the crowd sang back, he expressed genuine appreciation. Gary Allan – up close and personal – entertained the audience with outstanding vocals and dynamic guitar skills. When he got into fan favorite “Watching Airplanes”, DPAC rocked out to pumping fists, stomping boots and screaming women.

On my way home, I was listening to WQDR as Billy Dukes took calls about the concert. On the first call a woman asked, “What kinda dog was that?” The answer is a Labradoodle. During Gary Allan’s encore, his dog Lucy joined the band on stage. (A little strange? More like awesome!) Lucy was born for the spotlight as she interacted with the band members then took her spot on set and lay down. With a full house on their feet, Lucy and Gary exited the stage together to an ovation of hoots, hollers, raised glasses and camera phones.