Having sworn off stadium shows in Cleveland years ago, I attempted fighting off the desire to attend the most anticipated show of the summer. But who could pass up the chance to see all these acts on the same day? A $96.50 per ticket cost for a closer seat pretty much gave me all the strength I needed to fight off those sick feelings I get of missing a show EVERYONE would be talking about for the next week. I am a concert junkie, and it was difficult, but I was at peace with the decision I had made not to go. Right up until a dear friend of mine called from Nashville and wanted to attend this show. Fourth row seats, a girls only weekend to spend with her, how could I resist? Reasoning with myself, I covered most of the aggravating issues by deciding we would go early and stay late to avoid the traffic jams, eat before we go and swallow my pride about having to pay $20 to park.
The weather for most of the day was perfect, mid 70's, partly sunny and a nice breeze. It served well as the backdrop for all the palm tree and beach decorations Kenny fans love to bring along for the tailgating parties. Arriving in Cleveland around noon, the tailgating barbecuer's had already fired up the summer air with the familiar aroma of simmering charcoal. The smell goes straight to your stomach and painfully reminded us that we had been so excited to get to the stadium we forgot to stop and eat on the way there. The gates didn't open until 2:30, so that meant no food til we could get inside 3 hours later. Thank heavens for Brooks & Dunn and Toyota, who had a huge tent set up in front of the stadium. They were holding open auditions for fans to appear in a commercial to air later in the year. One section of the display had free hotdogs and soda's for anyone who happened to pass by. Watching some of the fans "tryout" gave us some great entertainment while we dined on our free lunch. Let's just say some of them had been tailgating a little too much already that day. There's nothing more hilarious than watching a slightly intoxicated person **ahem** in front of a camera with a friend who is also "slightly" intoxicated.
Pat Green's Set
The show was to begin at 4:30 sharp and Pat Green was first to take the stage. Opening his set with "Cannonball," the first of four songs from his new CD, Cannonball, Pat worked the audience hard. This guy loves to perform and I love watching and listening to him. His passion is always present, and this performance was no exception. He worked the entire width of the stage and thrilled more than a few who were lucky enough to catch the guitar pics he pitched into the audience. He ended his set with his hit single, "Wave On Wave."
Sara Evans' Set
Sara Evans took to the stage next beginning her 11 song set with "A Real Fine Place To Start." Dressed in a pair of white dress shorts and gorgeous light weight, summery blouse that set off her beautiful summertime tan, Sara made it clear she was there to impress. Impress she did. Not only was she dressed brilliantly, her perfect vocals sounded nothing short of CD quality.
Performing hit after hit like, "Suds In The Bucket," "Cheatin'," and "I Could Not Ask For More," Sara told the crowd she would be releasing a Greatest Hits collection in the fall. She ended her set with an impressive version of Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way."
Sugarland's Set
A single from Enjoy The Ride, the brand spankin' new CD from one of Country's newer duo's, Sugarland was the choice to open their set. When the first familiar notes of "Settlin'" rang out from the stage, the crowd was all too ready for this energy packed performance. Erupting with some of the loudest applause so far, the audience made sure Sugarland knew how much Cleveland loves them. Lead singer Jennifer Nettles repaid the kindness by slipping on a #10 Cleveland Browns jersey. Kristian Bush, the other half of the duo was there in all his cowboy hat, skin tight jeans glory. The performance chemistry between these two is magical. Yet another passion-filled performance as the two of them worked every square inch of the stage. The only complaint I had is that their set was way too short. "Want To," and "Speed Of Life" were a couple songs from the six song set. They ended with "Just Might, (Make Me Believe.)"
It was somewhere in the middle of their set I thought I could whisk off and grab a drink. Sitting in the sun for a few hours had left me a little thirsty, hungry, and needing a quick bathroom break, and I wanted to avoid the intermission rush. I was soon reminded of a few more reasons why I hate to attend stadium shows. First off, 40 minutes in line to get a 10 ounce drink that cost me $6.75, was painful. The twenty minutes in line waiting to get rid of the $6.75 drink was a little more painful. Then as the fate Gods would have it, a 55,000 gallon water main break flooded the bathrooms, and had begun seeping into the concourse. It happened while I had been waiting in line. I'm in flip flops. I can't tell you how grossed out I was thinking of what I might be walking through. Water was EVERYWHERE! I found out the next day, the break was so bad they had to cancel the next two events at the stadium to repair the damage and get the place dried out. The part that made me mad, is that this isn't the first time it's happened. George Strait's concert a year or so earlier had the same problem. Combine that with your inability to leave the smoke free stadium after you come in because they claim they don't have a big enough staff to stamp hands for re-entry, the ridiculously long lines to purchase anything at a equally ridiculous price and I've got an over-abundant case for NEVER wanting to attend a Cleveland Stadium concert. With the prices they charge for everything, they can afford a bigger staff. Okay, I'm gonna step down from the soap box I actually needed at the stadium, and go on with the review.
