http://www.chroniclet.com/2008/08/19/lorai...oustic-set_122/
Full Version: Review of Vince at Lorain County Fair
QUOTE(SRobin @ Aug 19 2008, 12:24 AM) 
Thank you for the great review! Wow! Didn't know Vince performed for county fairs. He is so way cool! He performed at our Utah State Fair in 1991 and I was surprised that such a big star would come to our state fair -- but I loved every minute of it!
Jaynee
Here is a copy of the review becaseu so many times the links only work for a short while:
LORAIN COUNTY FAIR: Gill buddies up to crowd with acoustic set
The Chronicle-Telegram Staff
Perfect weather meant a perfect evening for country music legend Vince Gill’s 90-minute-plus Lorain County Fair performance Monday night at the packed Lorain County Fair grandstand.
“Hey everybody, I’m your opening act,” said Gill, who moments before had walked onto the stage to overwhelming applause.
“Let’s play them some music, boys.”
The 51-year-old Nashville resident kicked off the evening with an acoustic-minded “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away,” which showcased Mr. Amy Grant’s talents of keen country pop songwriting and smooth vocals. Despite the fact the sound system wasn’t the best, Gill’s easygoing personality and everyman delivery made it just fine.
Talk about a great show for Gill fans. It had no set list, making it more of an unplugged affair with Gill — who remained seated during his show due to impending knee surgery — playing a career retrospective.
Plus, the affable singer’s demeanor makes him so darn appealing. In a world of ego-dominated celebrities and untouchable stars, Gill comes across like a good neighbor, decent brother-in-law or even best friend.
Early on, his set featured “Pretty Little Adriana” and “Tryin’ To Get Over You” before he dedicated a song to all of the Lorain County cowgirls. Gill then delivered a memorable version of “What the Cowgirls Do.” While the bluesy number showcased Gill’s guitar prowess, his band’s pianist dangled playful keys over the tight rhythm section for a fun, beer-joint kind of track.
With requests flying at the singer-guitarist throughout the night, the results were often entertaining. After one gregarious fan suggested “Let Me Love You Tonight,” which dates back to Gill’s erstwhile band Pure Prairie League, the performer willingly obliged.
“I did this on American Bandstand,” Gill said, laughing. “I might be the only hillbilly in country music that did American Bandstand. Let’s see. Talk about stump the band.”
He quickly dove into the tender song to the delight of the audience, which seemed to sense it was seeing something unique. Speaking to his appeal, Gill has Music City roots but approaches his music with a decidedly pop-rock approach.
“Basically I’ve just been a fan of his for about five years,” said fairgoer and Elyria resident Ed Farley. “I was always into rock ’n’ roll, so I’m a little late getting into country. But Gill doesn’t have a lot twang to his music, so I’m enjoying it.”
Gill’s set included his first solo Top 40 song, the upbeat “Victim of Life’s Circumstances,” the sorrowful “When I Call Your Name” and two unreleased new tracks, “The Lucky Diamond Motel” and “Forever Changed.”
There was also the Amy Grant-inspired “Whenever You Come Around,” which went from sentimental to funny in a moment’s notice when Gill — midsong, mind you — said, “Imagine if Willie Nelson had recorded this.” Then he played a few wobbly guitar chords, in the vein of the legendary country outlaw. The audience loved it.
As the sun was setting and dusk faded into night, Gill left the stage to a thunderous applause. It was at that moment you couldn’t help thinking about his earlier declaration, “There is nothing more fun than a county fair.”
Yeah, he’s right.
LORAIN COUNTY FAIR: Gill buddies up to crowd with acoustic set
The Chronicle-Telegram Staff
Perfect weather meant a perfect evening for country music legend Vince Gill’s 90-minute-plus Lorain County Fair performance Monday night at the packed Lorain County Fair grandstand.
“Hey everybody, I’m your opening act,” said Gill, who moments before had walked onto the stage to overwhelming applause.
“Let’s play them some music, boys.”
The 51-year-old Nashville resident kicked off the evening with an acoustic-minded “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away,” which showcased Mr. Amy Grant’s talents of keen country pop songwriting and smooth vocals. Despite the fact the sound system wasn’t the best, Gill’s easygoing personality and everyman delivery made it just fine.
Talk about a great show for Gill fans. It had no set list, making it more of an unplugged affair with Gill — who remained seated during his show due to impending knee surgery — playing a career retrospective.
Plus, the affable singer’s demeanor makes him so darn appealing. In a world of ego-dominated celebrities and untouchable stars, Gill comes across like a good neighbor, decent brother-in-law or even best friend.
Early on, his set featured “Pretty Little Adriana” and “Tryin’ To Get Over You” before he dedicated a song to all of the Lorain County cowgirls. Gill then delivered a memorable version of “What the Cowgirls Do.” While the bluesy number showcased Gill’s guitar prowess, his band’s pianist dangled playful keys over the tight rhythm section for a fun, beer-joint kind of track.
With requests flying at the singer-guitarist throughout the night, the results were often entertaining. After one gregarious fan suggested “Let Me Love You Tonight,” which dates back to Gill’s erstwhile band Pure Prairie League, the performer willingly obliged.
“I did this on American Bandstand,” Gill said, laughing. “I might be the only hillbilly in country music that did American Bandstand. Let’s see. Talk about stump the band.”
He quickly dove into the tender song to the delight of the audience, which seemed to sense it was seeing something unique. Speaking to his appeal, Gill has Music City roots but approaches his music with a decidedly pop-rock approach.
“Basically I’ve just been a fan of his for about five years,” said fairgoer and Elyria resident Ed Farley. “I was always into rock ’n’ roll, so I’m a little late getting into country. But Gill doesn’t have a lot twang to his music, so I’m enjoying it.”
Gill’s set included his first solo Top 40 song, the upbeat “Victim of Life’s Circumstances,” the sorrowful “When I Call Your Name” and two unreleased new tracks, “The Lucky Diamond Motel” and “Forever Changed.”
There was also the Amy Grant-inspired “Whenever You Come Around,” which went from sentimental to funny in a moment’s notice when Gill — midsong, mind you — said, “Imagine if Willie Nelson had recorded this.” Then he played a few wobbly guitar chords, in the vein of the legendary country outlaw. The audience loved it.
As the sun was setting and dusk faded into night, Gill left the stage to a thunderous applause. It was at that moment you couldn’t help thinking about his earlier declaration, “There is nothing more fun than a county fair.”
Yeah, he’s right.
I was fortunate enough to get to see this show....in addition to singing a whole bunch of his hits and audience requests Vince played two new songs....the first one was the Lucky Diamond Motel, a storytelling acount of a fictional motel somewhere on Route 66, I think somewhere's in Oklahoma...a very colorful piece about the characters that hung out there. The second song he said he wrote because he was sick of people who abuse children. It a beautiful work of music chiding those who do.
The county fair setting was perfect...before the show we took our young niece and nephew to see a little living person in fish bowl and Gabora the woman turn into an ape, as well as ride rides and sample various fried things. The weather cooperated by being absolutley perfect. Vince's acoustic set was delightfully different as he improvised and changed up a few songs. My favorite part was when he sang first "It's Hard to Kiss the lips at Night...." followed by a statement similar to "I told her it is not about her, but Amy just shakes her head" or something like that...and then he followed it up with a song he did write about her, "Whenever You Come Around". During that song he said if Willie Nelson had done this song it would sond like this: and he played it like Willie would, which just about had me on the floor laughing with hysterics.
The saddest part of the evening was watching Vince move. He limped on stage and limped back off after, at least taking a chair during. I felt particularly bad for him as he took pictures and signed autographs afterwards for fans ...me being one of them. I kept thinking of him riding along in the tour bus bouncing down the highway moving to the next show, hoping that he can rest up enough so maybe the pain can subside a bit.
The best part was introducing my cousin Tracy and her kids to Vince. His music is beautiful and in concert is an awesome way to be introduced to him because he is so darn personable and funny. Little Kate got to meet him backstage too with me. She said "he is so nice!". Ain't that the truth!
The county fair setting was perfect...before the show we took our young niece and nephew to see a little living person in fish bowl and Gabora the woman turn into an ape, as well as ride rides and sample various fried things. The weather cooperated by being absolutley perfect. Vince's acoustic set was delightfully different as he improvised and changed up a few songs. My favorite part was when he sang first "It's Hard to Kiss the lips at Night...." followed by a statement similar to "I told her it is not about her, but Amy just shakes her head" or something like that...and then he followed it up with a song he did write about her, "Whenever You Come Around". During that song he said if Willie Nelson had done this song it would sond like this: and he played it like Willie would, which just about had me on the floor laughing with hysterics.
The saddest part of the evening was watching Vince move. He limped on stage and limped back off after, at least taking a chair during. I felt particularly bad for him as he took pictures and signed autographs afterwards for fans ...me being one of them. I kept thinking of him riding along in the tour bus bouncing down the highway moving to the next show, hoping that he can rest up enough so maybe the pain can subside a bit.
The best part was introducing my cousin Tracy and her kids to Vince. His music is beautiful and in concert is an awesome way to be introduced to him because he is so darn personable and funny. Little Kate got to meet him backstage too with me. She said "he is so nice!". Ain't that the truth!
Wow.......what awesome reviews! Thanks for sharing them, Dawn! Makes me even more anxious to see him next month!
That is so sad about his knee and back. I have never hurt my knee but have thrown my back out many times so I know what that feels like. He is such a trooper for still doing these concerts! I think he loves doing them, though, and I know we love watching them!
That is so sad about his knee and back. I have never hurt my knee but have thrown my back out many times so I know what that feels like. He is such a trooper for still doing these concerts! I think he loves doing them, though, and I know we love watching them!
QUOTE(Crime-Stopper @ Aug 19 2008, 03:10 AM)
Thank you for the great review! Wow! Didn't know Vince performed for county fairs. He is so way cool! He performed at our Utah State Fair in 1991 and I was surprised that such a big star would come to our state fair -- but I loved every minute of it!
Jaynee
Thanks for the review. But I live out in Western Washington and don't know what state you guys are referring to! Ohio?? Vince used to come out to the Puyallup Fair in Western Washington every year but hasn't been in quite a while now - in fact he doesn't get this far to the NW corner of the US very often any more. Never missed him when he did come our way.
QUOTE(Freida S @ Aug 19 2008, 09:00 PM)
Thanks for the review. But I live out in Western Washington and don't know what state you guys are referring to! Ohio?? Vince used to come out to the Puyallup Fair in Western Washington every year but hasn't been in quite a while now - in fact he doesn't get this far to the NW corner of the US very often any more. Never missed him when he did come our way.
Yeah, I didn't know where Lorain County was either, but I found out it is Ohio. It's probably a good idea for everyone to put the state/province/country information in with their posts when a location is mentioned. It's fun to read where all of us Vince fans are from.
Jaynee
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