The atmosphere before and during this show was definately different from the rest. Once the long line was allowed into the theater, I expected a mad rush to crowd the stage area. But I hurried to look in to gauge whether or not I dared risk the time it would take to purchase a drink to avoid dehydration, and lo and behold everyone was simply sitting down very calmly in their general admission seats, thank you very much. I spied Taylor's keyboard and stuff up on the stage, quickly saw that there was a good aisle seat right in front of him about 9 rows back, and I decided to go thirsty. I snagged the place I wanted, and then sat back to be astounded by the fact that I was at a show that, although a radio promo, was primarily filled with Hanson fans, and *no one* was being pushy, rude, or bitchy. In fact, people were politely asking if seats were taken or not, nicely holding seats for strangers who needed to step out for one reason or another, asking if they were blocking your view, and just being kind all around. During the entire evening. Welcome to Kentucky, land of the genteel. At a Hanson concert, no less. I was proud.
Since this was a summer kickoff show sponsored by a radio station, and there were three other acts involved, I was prepared to suffer miserably through those others until my guys would finally come out. I knew Hanson would perform last since after all they *were* the main attraction. Call me jaded after having to endure terminal boredom and sheer agony the last time I attended one of those things back in 2000 in Louisville. (I still shudder when I think of the alleged Swedish guy called Bosson who screeched and screamed through his turn in the spotlight.) This year looked even less promising when once again there was a singer I had never heard of with one name. Cherie. From France ::sigh:: But I was pleasantly surprised to find that Cherie had a really great voice, showed a lot of versatility in her very short set, and had a quite catchy first single. It's called "I'm Ready". Check it out sometime if you're up for something new. It crossed my mind that this gal had some real potential and maybe I ought to snap a picture of her in case she became really big one day, but I was afraid to waste a frame of film just in case I needed them all for Hanson. LOL
Next came a rapper called Cassidy. Now don't get me wrong, I like certain rap songs, but only a select few of those catchy enough to be hit singles. Those that aren't, I find hideously repetitious. So, my mind wandered a bit during this performance, which was a bit longer than Cherie's. The crowd *really* got into Cassidy and his posse though. In my opinion, Cassidy's performance was good enough. I liked his song "Hotel" pretty well, and now and then he said something funny. I was ensconsed in my cushy seat, so I wasn't ready to rip my hair out or anything.
Between the implausibly long breaks between performers, radio personnel drew names for attendees to go to meet and greets. (What WERE they waiting on anyway? Since everyone except Hanson just used prerecorded music to sing along to, what was there to set up? Just stick the CD in the deck and push play, for crying out loud!) Darn the luck, of course I was not chosen for any of the meet and greets. The only time my name was ever drawn to win anything was back in sixth grade when I won a household thermometer. LOL
Next came Kimberley Locke, who was probably supposed to be the headliner before they got Hanson to come. I have never watched an episode of American Idol in my life, so someone had to tell me before the concert who she was. She had a nice voice though, and I did enjoy her performance. When she sang, that is. She chatted it up just a little *too* much to suit me. She seemed like a nice person though. I was just getting antsy for Hanson to begin, I guess.
After Kimberley left the stage, Hanson's guys started hooking up the mics, setting up guitars, taping down the playlists, putting out water. You know, things that really call for a 15-20 minute intermission.
At long last, and two and a half hours later, the moment arrived. Hanson was introduced and I left my cushy seat and stood up for the remainder of the evening,. And just like always, our guys came out and without further ado, began playing. "Rock and Roll Razorblade" was up first. But to my horror, there was a problem. There was some terrible humming feedback noise emanating from the sound system. It lasted through three songs and I was so worried that for those folks who *had* come to the show NOT knowing how awesome Hanson is, they might go away thinking they weren't all that. But after the third song, the guys did some instrumental, got everything working just great and proceeded to rock the place down.
I'll try to recall some of the music they played. But be forewarned, I won't remember them all since I am not one of those types who write the playlist down. But I do know they played a really good mix of everything. MON, LFA, TTA, and Underneath. No covers. No solos. I am always awed when the guys roll out the old favorites like "I Will Come to You", "MmmBop", and "Where's the Love" and put a whole new spin on them with new arrangements. Very cool indeed, guys! "Hey", "Underneath", "Strong Enough to Break", "LOST WITHOUT EACH OTHER", yayness! And then they played "River". Taylor, Isaac, and Zac might as well be three sexy little Cupids shooting little arrows into my heart when they do this song. ::sniffles::
So I stood there, obeying Taylor's every command to clap, sing, or wave your arms. Enjoying the wonderful sound of my most favorite voices in the world. All three seemed to be in the best of moods. Sometimes, they are just "on", you know? It was one of those nights. They hit every note, nailed every lick. They joked and bantered throughout the evening. Zac was cracking wise and more involved in talking to the audience than I had ever seen in any of the fourteen performances I have been to. Zac is very beautiful, but his hair is killing me. It was sticking out all over the place last night, and I still miss the long drummer locks that I was so partial to. I found myself smiling about Zac's t-shirt. It looked to be embellished with some sort of shiny stones and seemed to be more Tayloresque than what I am used to seeing Zac wear. But it was very cool just the same.
Now, on to Isaac. ::rubs hands together in glee:: He has certainly been climbing his way up my personal little heart throb meter ever since my Cinci show last fall. But last night, he shot up there almost neck and neck with his delicious brother Taylor. The boy is SEX-Y! I love his sense of style, and I was not a little disappointed that he was dressed down in a t-shirt and jeans instead of one of his hot little ties that turn me on. But, I essentially forgot about his outfit because let me tell you what, Isaac Hanson blew me out of the water with his performance. I know, I know...Isaac has always had that smooth as silk voice, and he was a pretty handy little guitar player. But where was the passion? Newsflash: Isaac has come into his own. He belted out those songs last night like nobody's business and whoa baby! He elicited *several* mid-song cheers for his efforts. Maybe it was a lot of people doing it, or maybe it was just me, but he got cheers just the same! LOL And dear Isaac has become *quite* accomplished on the guitar. I was amazed and enthralled by his performance. All I can say is WOW! Go Isaac-you rock, baby doll! Wanna run off to a small deserted island with me? >;-)
And then of course there was my heart- my divine and precious Taylor. Although more and more I realize that all three of the brothers love the music the same as the others, I still feel that Taylor is the backbone that holds it all together. He sets the tone for the whole show and he gives it 110% every time he gets up on a stage. His voice was especially gravelly on a few of the night's songs and I had to make myself not leap right over the crowd and onto him. Yumminess. Oh, and the hair. It's getting long again. And it is a very good thing when it gets all sweaty....... and hangs in his face.....and he flips it back....::moannnnnnnn:: Luckily, some things won't ever change. >;)
Oooh, oooh, and I got to hear Taylor say "Shake your asses". (Bring TLS a bar of SOAP, Taylor! ::wicked thoughts::) After Taylor said this, Issac stood up, turned around and did so, and Taylor said, "Not you!" Very cute, guys! You always make me happy.
So, I run down to this show at The Kentucky Theater, figuring it is going to be a quickie, but what the heck, it's located close by. But what I had thought was going to be a fast little 20 minute set lasted a little over an hour, so I would pretty much call that a concert, wouldn't you? I drove home a very happy camper, and more excited than ever about my upcoming trip to Cleveland on the 31st. TH and I will fill you in on those details after they happen!
Thanks 104.5 The Cat for a great evening. Bring my babies back to the Bluegrass again real soon, you hear?
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Okay, here are my pictures from the show...not the best ever, but still, they are Hanson pics. Click on the thumbnails to actually view them.
If you haven't seen the awesome photos from the radio station site yet, you can go here and see them too. There are meet and greet pics followed by actual concert shots, so keep on going till the end.