The following reviews are by Laurie Petricka.
The honor of opening the 2008 CMA Music Festival went to none other than Phil Vassar. Singing and dancing from the top of his piano he treated the fans to list of hits that included "Carlene," "Real Love," "Love Is A Beautiful Thing," "6 Pack Summer," "American Child" and "I'll Take That As a Yes." He joked about his current single "Love Is A Beautiful Thing" being stuck in the #2 because Brad will not get out of the way. In spite of the heat, Phil provided a high octane kick off to a packed Riverfront.
Jason Michael Carroll blew the ladies away with that sultry deep voice of his. His set included the ever popular "Livin' Our Love Song" and his current single "I Can Sleep When I'm Dead." As fans walked by in the photo line he would flash that famous smile. He continued on with the tear jerker "Alyssa Lies." This southern heart throb would have this crowd on its feet, as he closed his set with "Waiting In The Country For Me."
The smiles would continue to shine brightly as Luke Bryan took the stage and treated fans to "Country Man," as the crowd sang and danced along. The cheers continued as he sang a song he described as starting his career, "Baby's On The Way" followed by "We Ride In Trucks." Luke ended his set with the ladies screaming as he danced like Elvis on the bar while singing "All My Friends Say."
The temperature was rising just as fast as the career of the next singer to take the Riverfront stage, Chuck Wicks. He sang a selection of songs off his current album Starting Now, that included "All I Ever Wanted" and "If We Loved." Everyone in the audience would know his next song, "Stealing Cinderella." Much to the dismay of his many fans, his set ended with "She's Gonna Hurt Somebody." A gracious entertainer that he is, Chuck reached out and shook hands with fans in the photo line before he left the stage.
I had to get out of the heat for a while so I left the Riverfront to seek the air-conditioning of the Convention Center for a while. After a short reprieve, I went back to the Riverfront to see Keith Anderson heat up the stage with hits like "C'mon." This crowd was ready for his "XXL" sized dose of country as they sang along. Keith treated us to his fastest rising single which is also in the top 15 on the charts, "I Still Miss You." If things weren't hot enough around here, he would get all the ladies screaming with "Somebody Needs A Hug" and "Every Time I Hear Your Name." His set also ended too soon as he sang the ever popular "Pickin' Wildflowers."
The final performance for me for the day would be David Nail. This was David's first time on the Riverfront stage and he would perform songs off his current album, I'm Alive. He would heat up the stage in his own right as he played "This Time Around," "Follow Me" and "Clouds." He finished his set with his current single, "I'm About To Come Alive." What a way to end an amazing day of great music! It's hard to believe that this was only the first day of what was going to be a extended weekend of fabulous musical memories.
The following reviews are by Scott Sexton.
It was obvious the audience was getting excited to see Andy Griggs as they started moving around and getting their cameras ready. When he walked on the stage, everyone went crazy. He always has a vibe that can only be described as "cool."
Although he may not have a song on the charts, Andy's had one heck of a career and his fan base shows that. During these shows at the River Front, they are only able to sing a few of their biggest hits, so Andy used that time to do just that. His new album The Good Life was released on May 27th, and everyone in the audience seemed to have their copy.
"I Go Crazy" received a huge response from the fans, but "Ain't Living Long Like This" had everyone up at some point or another. During this performance, the temperature could have been 500 degrees, but I think the fans would have stayed for the whole show. That's how good it was.
Although Andy was only able to do a few songs, if this is any indication as to what his road show is like, everyone needs to see it. He truly is a one of a kind act.
Imagine sitting outside for hours with the temperature blazing at 98 degrees with no shade, just to see your favorite country music entertainer. That's exactly what thousands of people did throughout the week at this years CMA Music Festival.
When newcomer Adam Gregory came out, he knew the fans were hot, but he started off his show rockin'. His sound is a mix of country and rock, but everyone seemed to eat it up all the same.
For a new artist, Adam seemed very comfortable on the stage, entertaining all of his fans. His debut song "Crazy Days" was recorded on Midas Records and it seemed that most of the audience knew this tune. Although the other couple songs that he sang were not really known, they all had a great sound. When his new album comes out, you need to run out and by a couple copies, because you will wear the first one out. He may be new, but his version of country music is one of a kind.
If anyone thought it couldn't get any hotter than it did on Thursday, June 5, they were wrong. When Danielle Peck hit the stage, she almost made steam rise. She's got the class of Reba McEntire and her talent is something unique and can't be compared to anyone. As soon as she opened her mouth and started to sing "Bad For Me," it was obvious that Danielle Peck was right where she needed to be.
Fans in the audience were standing up and dancing as she flowed through each of her songs, but when she performed "Isn't That Everything" they went crazy. She has a special way of making every fan feel like they are special and one of a kind. Hopefully in the near future everyone will have a chance to check out Danielle Peck. If you don't, you're missing out!
