Thursday morning was the first day of CMA Music Festival, and Terri Clark was the opening act for the day. Having attended several opening shows before, I know that everybody and their brother has to be there for the opening shows, then they taper off.
The temperatures were supposed to hit 91 degrees that day; the hottest day of the year, so far. At 10:00 in the morning the sun is behind you and to your right, as you face the stage. Having credentials, I was able to stand right next to the stage and take my photos. The day may have been hot, but it was cloudy and windy as well.
The National Anthem was performed by Montage Music Group's Minnie Murphy. Shortly afterwards, Terri Clark hit the stage, dressed in jeans and a light green tank top, and her ever-present cowboy hat. She opened her show with "My Next Life," then went into "I Wanna Do It All," and finally going back a bit in her career for "Better Things To Do." (My favorite part of the latter song is where she changes the lyric from: "'Cause I know you and I know why we're talking You're wanting me to say I'm barely hanging on," to "'Cause I know you and I know why we're talking. I can't believe how many times I've sung this song."
Terri said that her album, My Next Life was going to come out on July 24th, and she sang the lead single, which is her current single, "Dirty Girl."
Terri took a seat on a stool and said that she'd like to perform another song she wrote for the new album called "Gypsy Boots." After that it was bye bye stool and hello "Poor, Poor, Pitiful Me," ending with the upbeat "Girls Lie Too."
It's always a pleasure to see Terri, and this was no exception. She gave it everything she had in her 30 minute set.
Second to play was Craig Morgan, who started his set with "Little Bit of Life," which got everyone up on their feet.
He starts "What I Love About Sunday" with a bit of "Amazing Grace," and thanks everyone for making the song the most played song of 2005.
Another fun song from his current album, A Little Bit of Life, was next, "International Harvester," and on to his tribute to strong women everywhere, "Tough."
"I've Got You" followed, and then he sang a cover song of Steve Miller's "The Joker."
His final song, "Redneck Yacht Club," included a jump over the railing into the photo line, to the delight of the crowd. I think a lot of people were suprised by this, but it's just Craig Morgan giving 110% at every show, and showing his fans how much he loved them. He even went to the other stage, giving the other side of the audience a chance to see him too.
One thing you can always expect at a Craig Morgan show is that you will be thoroughly entertained, and feel appreciated.
Country Legend John Anderson was up next, and about 1 minute into his first song, "Black Sheep of the Family," his hat blew right off his head. He continued without his hat, singing "When It Comes To You," "Straight Tequila Nights," and his current single, "Easy Money."
My very favorite John Anderson song was next; "Seminole Wind," and he finished up his set with another classic, which is probably his signature song, "Swingin'."
Great show. So glad to finally get to see John Anderson perform.
Chris Young was next, and he had a huge crowd of "Young Country" fans in the audience, bearing signs. He started with the appropriate "Beer or Gasoline," then following that with his current single, "You're Gonna Love Me."
Chris told the story of being in Los Angeles and wanting to go into a bar, I think it was, and they wouldn't let him in wearing his cowboy hat. He said "That pissed me off!." And he wrote the next song, called "Never Look Back."
Chris Young won the 4th season of Nashville Star by singing the next song, which he co-wrote. It's "Drinkin' Me Lonely." He ended his set with "Who's Gonna Take Me Home." I don't think he'd have any problem with finding any takers there.
Awesome, but too short, unfortunately.
The final show I stayed for was Jake Owen.
He started his set off with his first single, "Yee-Haw." And, ladies, he's as good looking in person as he is on his album cover. Yummy.
I think the next song was called "Drinking a Woman Away." He followed that with his Top 10 song, "Startin' With Me." He followed that with "Something About a Woman," and ended with the uptempo "Eight Second Ride," where he took off all over the stage.
I'm so glad I finally got to see Jake perform. Would love to see a full show. He's very energetic, and I love his music.