Of course, everyone has different tastes in music. What I consider good other people can't stand. And vice versa. I have seen web sites devoted to bands I have a hard time dignifying with that term. And I know that my favorite music is looked at with derision by a large percentage of people, including some pretty good jokes about it. So here are some of my opinions about music.
Artists
Starting off is a group that has stood high in my opinion almost as long as I have been alive. The Statler Brothers have been singing and acting up for almost 40 years now, and they still sound great. They are not as popular on radio as they once were, but their TV show is certainly making up for that. The Statler Brothers Home Page can give you more information on the group and what they are doing. The Oak Ridge Boys are another long lasting group that I really like. Then of course there is Alabama. They do not have the 4 part vocals of the Oaks or Statlers, but their music is definitely some of the best that is out there. Even if you do not particularly care for country music. So far I have found a couple of sites, Alabama Fans is a very nice fan site, and the official site at thealabamaband.com. Just to show that country is not the only kind of music I listen to, check out this page devoted to The Nylons. They are an a Cappella group that does a lot of covers and original songs. And if you like a cappella music, then the A Cappella page is for you. Reviews, histories, and discographies of many different kinds of a Cappella groups. And now to prove that I do not just listen to groups, check out this official page devoted to Joe Diffie. Lots to look at here, including Joe's tour information, a press kit, and a nice set up for letters to and from Joe. He not only is a very nice guy, he is one of the most underrated performers in country music today. Check out his albums and see for yourself. My sister won tickets to see Clint Black in concert on March 14, 1998 in Ft. Wayne, IN. I would have bought tickets anyway, but this was cheaper, not to mention better seats. This is Clint's official website. In concert with Clint is Trace Adkins, another great artist. I love his songs and voice, and not just because he is close to my voice range. He has an official website here. Recently (August, 2003) I picked up the first album by a new artist. New to me anyway, he has been around for a few decades. I have since been hooked on his music. The CD was Meet Me In Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffet. He has a strong web presence, starting at his official site, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville.
Concerts
I have seen several artists in concert, especially this year. Here are some thoughts on my experiences.
Clint Black - Nothin' But The Taillights tour, March 14, 1998 - Great opening acts (The Kinleys and Trace Adkins), a good light show, and great music. Nothing more to ask for. Trace Adkins - Opening for Clint, March 14, 1998; In The Round, Wagon Wheel Theatre, Jan, 2001 - What a voice. He has fun singing and it shows, even in the second show of the night. He puts a lot of energy into his shows and entertaining his fans. Reba McEntire & Brooks & Dunn - If You See Him/If You See Her Tour, War Memorial Coliseum, Ft. Wayne, IN, August, 1998 - Despite having very poor seats, a great concert. Joe Diffie - In The Round, Wagon Wheel Theatre, Feb. 10, 2001 - He sounded good, did a good job working the entire audience, but not as energetic as I expected. You could tell it was the second show of the night. Tracy Byrd - In The Round, Wagon Wheel Theatre, March 24, 2001 - He put on a great show, bantering with the audience and his band, and he sounded great. Especially since he had strep throat at the time. Charlie Daniels Band - In The Round, Wagon Wheel Theatre, April 21, 2001 - It was unbelievable watching this performance. Great musicians playing everything from the blues to rock and roll to country. If you get the chance, go see Charlie Daniels and his band. Colin Raye - Embassy Theatre, Ft. Wayne, IN, 2001 - The family sitting next to me had driven 4 hours to see this show, because 2 of them had seen him in concert before. I do not blame them at all. An energetic, enthusiastic performance, with a lot of interaction with the audience and his band. An outstanding show. Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, Larry the Cable Guy, Ron White - Blue Collar Tour, Memorial Coliseum, Ft. Wayne, IN, May 5, 2001 - Only go to this tour if you are willing to spend 3 hours laughing. And laughing. Constantly. First they all do their individual stand up bits, then they sit down at the end and try to crack each other up. And you need to go with someone, so for days afterward you can say one line and crack each other up.
Musical Links
Here are some places for general musical interest and information.
Wagon Wheel Theatre - An intimate theatre in the round in Warsaw, IN. A great place to get close to the performers. And they have a great list of concerts coming. Music City News Online has articles from its' hard copy version, and listings of radio stations around the country that play country music. And they allow you to add to the list. A good place to check out for new information on your favorite country artists. WBTU 93.3 FM in Ft. Wayne, IN is the country station I usually listen too. They have a good variety of songs and artists and some pretty good DJs.
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