The day started out with the Charity Ride, which included lots of loud bikes and men who weren't afraid of the throttle - to put it mildly. Craig assembled some of the best in the Motocross world to participate in the event.
The concert was star-studded, too. It was in a "singers in the round" format to make for a very intimate acoustic show. The Renaissance Center is a perfect venue for small events like this, because every seat is has a gorgeous view. With less than 500 people in the theater, you can hear everything with utter clarity. I always love events at the Center.
On to the show...
Jason Michael Carroll
First, let me say this: Jason Michael Carroll's albums do not do justice to his powerhouse voice. His voice reminded me of sweet, warm honey...it's smooth and flows beautifully. The little nuances in his vocals don't come through on the record, so in order to get the full impact, you have to see him live. It's impressive!
Bucky Covington
Bucky knows how to work a crowd, and had the ladies in the palm of his hand. He's got a quick wit and a unique voice, a bit rough around the edges - but that's what makes it so appealing. He was a lot of fun to watch, and it was especially cool to see the utter happiness on his face as the audience sang the lyrics to "A Different World" back to him.
James Otto
The big man with the big voice delivered in a big way. His bluesy turn on "Damn Right" was gorgeous, but what I loved even more was his performance of "In Color," the hit he co-write with Jamey Johnson. That song is one of my favorites ever, and to hear James sing it was a real treat.
Kellie Pickler
She's even more beautiful in person than she is in magazines, and that's saying a lot. She's also one of the tiniest people I have ever seen. But she held her own with the boys, including a version of "9 to 5" that did its best to channel Dolly. And did I mention she's just flat-out beautiful?
Blake Shelton
Blake and Craig have been good friends for a long time, and their banter onstage was one of the best parts of the show. I've been a fan of Blake's stage show for a long time, but I've never seen him play an intimate show like this...he has even more impact when it's just him, that guitar, and that voice.
He name-checked Hickman County, which delighted several in the audience...and invoked the cuteness that is the chicks at Tractor Supply. Oh, and he's quite the poet...I think.
Craig Morgan
Speaking of poetry, Craig fired the first salvo with a poem for his friend Blake. But the real thrill of his performances was the introduction of a new song, "That Ain't Nothing." It will be on the reissue of his latest album, and it's a simple, straightforward country song - the kind that have defined Craig's sound over the years. He did a great job with it.
He's obviously proud to be from Dickson County...no matter what Blake says. *grin*
The goal of the Craig Morgan Fund is to raise money toward the building of Billy's Place, a home in Dickson County that will shelter displaced children while the foster care system works to place them. So many times children who are taken out of abusive situations wind up being shuffled from one home to another, or even taken to an office with the caseworker while they are waiting to be placed with a family. Billy's Place will provide those children with a warm, comfortable area to stay - one with playgrounds, warm beds, and as Craig put it, the aroma of fresh-baked cookies. The goal of Billy's Place is to make a tough situation easier for the little ones.
So not only was it a great event filled with fun of all kinds, it was for a good cause. It was worth every second and then some. My only complaint was that it was all over too soon. This was our second year to enjoy the event, and it has grown by leaps and bounds in that short period of time. I can't wait to see what it looks like next year!
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