VENDOR WRITING

The Greatest Show On Earth — Well, Almost

BY NORMA B.

The Greatest Show On Earth was once used to describe Dan Rice’s circus popular from the 1830s-1860s, and more famously it became the tagline associated with the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey’s circus from 1871-2017.

These shows had a variety of people and animals designed to shock attendees and leave them in awe.

However, I contend that this moniker could just as easily be applied to a live Garth Brooks concert. The only difference? He’s ONE performer who can single handedly reach out and touch the hearts and minds of thousands in attendance, stirring their emotions, making them smile in one moment with his crazy antics on stage, and bringing them to tears the next making each one feel as though he’s talking directly to them because they can relate to what he’s saying.

Garth Brooks' song catalogue does just that! Need some examples? Here’s just a few. For something that can touch the heart and soul of anyone by showing the importance of life and love, try the iconic songs, “If Tomorrow Never Comes” and, “The Dance” or maybe, “To Make You Feel My Love.” Maybe you need a little something to make you smile. Give a listen to, “Nobody Gets Off In This Town,” or, “Against The Grain.” How about a dose of real life issues? Try, “We Shall Be Free,” or “The Thunder Rolls,” or “Much To Young To Feel This Damn Old.” Whatever style or genre you prefer, I encourage you to give a listen. There truly is something for everyone. These are just a few examples.

How do I know all this? It’s simple, by listening repeatedly to his songs and attending one concert.

I was fortunate enough to get a ticket to his most recent show at Nissan Stadium on July 31, 2021. Chris Young gave a rousing performance of “Famous Friends” from The Grand Ole Opry followed up with a beautiful song in tribute to Johnny and June Carter Cash sung by Emmylou Harris and surprise guest Trisha Yearwood.

One can only wonder what other surprises were in store for those in attendance, but the concert was postponed due to inclement weather after only three songs when the thunder rolled and the lightning — did indeed — strike multiple times! (See Photo) We were ushered like cattle into the covered area of the concourse where we were given sodas and water at no charge and cooled as well as they could by large fans. (No social distancing here, so I was glad I had my mask. In fact, I wish I’d had ALL my masks. SO many people were asking about it!) I got to meet people from ALL over, literally: Mackinac Island, Mich., Detroit, Mich., Orlando, Fla., and perhaps the most touching of all was a young couple from Sacramento, Calif. The girlfriend had flown her boyfriend out to see Garth for his birthday! Wow!

I was even able to meet a young lady who was fortunate enough to score front row seats! I was happy for her of course, but the green-eyed monster of jealousy did rear its ugly head when I realized that I would never have that opportunity because I’m in a wheelchair.

You see, when I arrived at the show I was told I couldn’t take my chair onto the field where my seat was located. The staff was very helpful and quickly ushered me to the wheelchair section also on the field, but in the back rows. I’m not complaining, I mean, at least I was in the stadium!

It just doesn’t seem fair to me that those in wheelchairs will never have an opportunity to have that up close and personal moment with a superstar like Garth Brooks simply because they are disabled, what a shame!

Who knows maybe Garth can do something about that, I mean, he is the “g-man” even though it is with a little "g" if anyone can I know he can and will do so. He’s SO hands on with all his shows!

Who knows, if he does, maybe other superstars will sit up, take note and make changes too so ALL in attendance can enjoy every aspect these dynamic shows have to offer!

As for what the rescheduled show has in store there’s no way to know for sure, but I have no doubt it will be The Greatest Show on Earth!