Little Big Town

At The Delaware County Fair Aug. 22, 2009

by Renee Clark
Static Noise
http://www.staticnoise.net

Little Big Town performed a near sold out show at The Delaware County Fair on Saturday, August 22nd.  The audience was big in numbers but small in the amount of excitement they should have possessed for the band when they first hit the stage.

When Little Big town came out I expected (and was preparing for) people to immediately be standing up from their seats and rushing the stage while I was up there photographing them. But after a minute or two of snapping off shots I looked back and saw everyone still sitting politely in his or her seats. Gaping up at them with no reaction on their faces like they were watching them on their TV instead of live! This really took me by surprise. Don’t get me wrong there were excited members of the audience sprinkled around the venue singing along and having a great time but I expected the whole area by the stage to have more energy than they did.  Especially since it’s a rare occasion we get great bands to perform in our area (see I was going to say “Boondocks” instead of our area there but didn’t!).  Maybe that could be the reason why, people don’t get out to a good show much that they don’t know quite how to react when a band first bursts onto stage. Coming from a rock background (and I’ve covered a few bigger country shows too that had better audience interaction) I simply expect an immediate frenzy when the music starts at a show! There’s nothing like that excitement of a band you love finally coming out and being in the same room to play just for you.

LBT started off strong with  “Good As Gone” then went right into “Bones.”  I really liked what they did with that song. They mixed/ended it with a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain.” During these first few songs there were a lot of kids coming up to get a closer look and to take photos of the band. It was great to see the band’s interaction with the young fans. A few of the members even took time to come to the edge of the stage and bend down and say “hi” to a few of the excited young concert goers.

The crowd filled the venue up so much that they had to start seating people in the bleachers behind/beside the stage. Vocalist Karen Fairchild was even surprised by this and even joked that she wished she would have done a few lunges before coming out!

One thing I really like about Little Big Town, is each song feels unique. With all four members sharing the lead with the rest always backing them up you get a really brilliant variety of melodies.

They sang an assortment of songs from all of their albums ranging from “Little More You,” “Fine Line,” “Evangeline,” “I’m With The Band,” “Wounded,” a cover of The Eagles “Heartache Tonight,” and “Lookin’ For A Reason.”

I saw a small group of girls finally stop holding back and got up during “Welcome To The Family.” A few members of the band even noticed this and went over to them to let them know they appreciated it.  The rain held out for the most part but started really falling down when LBT went into “Boondocks.” I think with the high recognition of the song combined with the rain this is when people FINALLY jumped from their seats and let loose! I don’t know about the band but I could feel the excitement and energy pouring from each person in the audience.

So Delaware County Fairgoers you did redeem yourselves by the end of the night. I give the audience an A. But remember I am grading on a curve!  Little Big Town gets an A+. They put on an extremely entertaining and enjoyable show! Seriously Walton, NY don’t be afraid, it’s OK to let your hair down, get off your butts and shake it like the proverbial Polaroid picture! Why not justify eating that corn dog, candy apple and that funnel cake by dancing off the calories?  I know I did!

If you missed Little Big Town in Walton you have another chance to see them when they hit Verona, NY at The Turning Stone Casino’s Showroom on September 24th. I was inspired to go out and get my ticket and highly suggest anyone who even likes Little Big Town just a slight amount to go see them live. They are exceptional and I am confident you will fall in love with this band 10x more if you go to one of their live shows. But be forewarned at the next show I plan on kickin’ it rock n’ roll style so you won’t be seeing me in my seat. So Verona, NY be prepared to shake it with me because I’m not sitting down no matter how many dirty looks you might give me! 

Set List:
Good As Gone
Bones/The Chain
Little More U
Novocaine
Fine Line
Good Lord Willing
Bring It On Home
Evangeline
Welcome To The Family
Wounded
Stay
I’m With The Band
Life Rolls On
Lookin’ For A Reason
Firebird Fly
Boondocks
Northern Town
Heartache Tonight

Little Big Town is:
Karen Fairchild –Vocals
Kimberly Roads Schlapman – Vocals
Phillip Sweet – Vocals, acoustic guitar
Jimi Westbrook – Vocals

Twitter:
www.twitter.com/LBTmusic

Myspace (I am totally on their top people’s list! I know you’re jealous!):
www.myspace.com/littlebigtown

Facebook:
www.facebook.com/littlebigtown