I've lived in Tucson for almost three months, but I haven't been out all that much. My first month was spent taking care of a lot of things like driver's license, background check, and settling in to my new place. I love getting out when I can, especially now that the weather is so amazing. It's hot still in the days but there's usually a nice breeze and in the morning and night the air is cool, and there are outstanding sunrises and sunsets. Often there is a soft wind to wash over you, too.
Every time I go downtown I realize more and more what a fun and lively city Tucson is at night. Now that it is autumn, downtown is getting even more exciting with all kinds of shops, restaurants, entertainment, museums, and fairs. I spent a little time walking around- I went to the downtown library and saw great art work displayed by the participants I work with! I saw this beautiful church...
My concert at the Fox Tucson Theater started at 7:30 and I wandered over and inside at around 7:00. It is such a great building, very vintage and cozy. People are free to stop at concessions and have popcorn, beer, wine, coke, or a drink of their choice. I found my seat and was delighted by how wonderful it was. Center stage about five rows up!
The opening act for Lee Ann, the Brothers, was great. These guys are from Canada! I especially enjoyed their Cowboy lullaby and the old Gospel number they rocked, "Jesus on the Mainline". Loved it! They seemed like sweet guys, too, and all of them had great hair. (Jealous!)
Lee Ann came out and was beautiful in a black dress above the knees and sheer covering her arms and bottom of the dress. She had on some high heel black boots and looked ravishing with her long blond curls and signature striking blue eyes. She sang so many songs! It was such a treat. I was telling a co-worker this morning about it, and he commented to me that hearing a concert where the musicians care so much is such a rare gift. It's true. The musicians were top notch, violins, bass, drums, guitar- four band members and Lee Ann. She sang a wide range of songs from gospel to bluegrass to old country and many of her hits. She honored the songwriters, herself included. She mentioned that "Twenty Years and Two Husbands Ago" is her story. She sang A Man of Constant Sorrow, I May Hate Myself in the Morning, I'll Think of a Reason Later, Lord, I Hope this is a Good Day, Last Call, and I Hope You Dance among many others.
I loved that this was LeeAnn's first concert on her 10 day tour promoting her first new album in seven years. She told us that the encore we gave her was her first since 2004. I'll tell you what I love about her music. She either writes or picks fantastic songs, and her voice sings out crisp and soulfully. Good music makes me feel things that I forget are even inside me.
I enjoyed being part of the crowd, too. There was an assortment of people all around me and made for some delightful people watching. I loved the men that came in with Southwestern long shirts with fancy Indian designs, leather vests, and big wide belts and Cowboy hats. There were women with long flowing blouses that gathered at the waist with wide belts, cowboy boots, and lots of jeans, blonde hair, and happy feelings. There were lovers, long time couples, people on dates, women that related to her songs and reminisced the break ups they've been through, and old ladies that still love to dance and drink.
Speaking of dancing, Lee Ann sang the song that "took her to the Opry". I can't help but think of all the times she sings "I Hope you Dance". Everyone is crazy about the song and many got out their phones just to record her singing it. Every lyric has great meaning, and it's a song filled with hope. As she was singing her gold winner, a couple in the first row got up and danced as she sang. The man twirled the tall, beautiful, red headed woman around and they danced tight and close. It was very sweet. Lee Ann blew them kisses.
It was a beautiful evening. I'm so thankful for great music and the chance to see it up close and live. It lifts my spirit and keeps it soaring.
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