VENDOR WRITING

An Evening With Garth and His Guitars

BY NORMA B., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

So are you tired of hearing my stories about Garth yet? If so, this IS NOT the story for you. On the other hand, if you are a true Garth enthusiast like me, read on!

One might expect a superstar like Garth when performing at such an iconic venue as The Opry House to belt out one song after another from his vast catalog for the duration of the show, but that is not what happened at all when I saw him last Thursday.

He opened the show doing two or three songs as a “sound check” saying that while you typically do those before the show starts, it sounds totally different in an empty auditorium than in a room full of people, which I can attest is absolutely true.

After that, he said the show could begin. He went on to cover a multitude of artists both old and new often citing their influence on his own music, each famous in their own right — people like: James Taylor, Jim Croce, Ashley McBryde (Garth sang his version of, “A Boy Goin’ Nowhere.” Between you and me, I think he’s goin’ places.), and Dan Fogelberg. (At this point in the show, Garth told the audience exactly why guys sing in or join a band: “It’s for the girls,” he said.) He continued on with still more music from the likes of Bob Seger, George Strait, Billy Joel, George Jones, Merle Haggard and Bill Withers (“Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone” was a highlight, and he said his mom was channeling him for that particular song.) Not to be left out, he also sang Otis Redding, David Allan Coe and Don McLean.

So, was I disappointed? Not at all! For me, it just validated the way I listen to music. I put it on shuffle, and let it play.

Of course, there were a number

of Garth’s classic hits in the mix too. Many of them had the crowd of approximately 2,600 clapping, singing along, and often bringing them to their feet for standing ovations.

He spoke with great emotion about his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame especially the participation of George Strait, James Taylor, and Bob Seger each putting their own spin on one of Garth’s memorable melodies.

Just when you thought the show couldn’t possibly get any better he introduced his lovely wife Trisha Yearwood and the crowd went wild!

They teamed up for a few songs. Notably, “Walkaway Joe,” (Garth’s request), “Shallow,” “Golden Ring,” and “Whiskey to Wine.” She finished her set with her hit, “She’s In Love With the Boy” accompanied by Garth on guitar.

In fact, the entire show was like that. No big band or back up singers to drown out the purity of his voice or sheer raw talent that he clearly possesses, or to cover glaring flaws (not that there were any.) It was just Garth and his guitars — in fact, that’s what led to the title of this story.

There was one exception. He sang “Anonymous” acapella to a cancer patient undergoing treatment for the second time in three months. It was BEAUTIFUL!

The show fittingly concluded with, “The Dance” with the audience once again on their feet singing along right to the end.

Well Garth, you’ve done it again — lived up to the hype, and put on an unforgettable show! Thanks for the memories!

One can only wonder what’s next for this legendary performer. He hinted that this show may have been a test for a possible residency at The Opry House.

I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what happens with that... one thing’s for sure, if it does happen I have no doubt his fans will show up. How do I know? I met people who came specifically for the show from Florida and Austin, Texas. I also met a few locals. There was a lovely couple from Franklin enjoying their first time at the Opry on a date night, as well as a wonderful woman from Sparta who watched as I struggled to pick from two T-shirts so I could have a lasting memento of the event.

She said, “You should never have to choose when it comes to Garth,” and secretly paid for both shirts! When I realized what she’d done, I thanked her and in exchange I gave her the current issue of The Contributor, hand sanitizer, and a bumper sticker — that way she got something out of the deal too. Now that’s pretty cool if you ask me.