Thursday at CMA Music Festival
June 5, 2008
Premiere Radio Networks Puts Stars On Air at CMA Music Festival
During any afternoon of CMA Music Festival, one of the quietest places in Downtown Nashville is the Media Wing in the Nashville Convention Center. This is where members of the press drop in for a quick snack or just a few moments to chill between assignments.
Looking up and down this broad hall, you'd never guess that during the early mornings of Wednesday, June 4, through Friday, June 6, if you want to see the greatest concentration of Country Music starpower in the world, this is the place to be.
From about 6 until 10 AM, Room 205 looks more like an extremely clean and well organized version of Grand Central Station, only the crowds are rushing not toward trains but to tables bristling with microphones, laptops and the names radio stations from around the United States, courtesy of Premiere Radio Networks, the official radio broadcaster of CMA Music Festival and the CMA Awards.
Participating stations this year included WUBL/Atlanta, WPOC/Baltimore, WKKT/Charlotte, WGAR/Cleveland, WCOL/Columbus, KSCS/Dallas, KYGO/Denver, WYCD/Detroit, WLHK/Indianapolis, KFRG/Los Angeles/Riverside, WAMZ/Louisville, WSIX/Nashville, WGH/Norfolk, KNIX/Phoenix, KUPL/Portland, WQDR/Raleigh-Durham, KUSS/San Diego, KMPS/Seattle, WQYK/Tampa and WMZQ/Washington, D.C.
On Thursday morning at about 9:15 AM, maybe half of the people here were carrying clipboards and wearing identical black T-shirts with bold white letters proclaiming "TALENT ESCORT" on the back. They seemed unusually alert for this hour of the morning, glancing around the room for empty chairs at one or another table and then hoisting their clipboards above their heads and motioning urgently across the room.
There was something almost magical about it when one of these volunteers held up a sign bearing the name Julianne Hough and, seconds later, the artist herself appeared, stylish in capri-cut jeans, light yellow top and wide leather belt. Taking a seat across from Jimmy Ray and Jen, the morning on-air personalities for WGH-FM 97.3 in Norfolk, Va., she flashed a sunny smile, shook hands and settled down for one of the more than 30 interviews, most of them carried live in their home markets, that would take place on each of these three mornings.
Approximately 40 artist escorts were on duty this morning, almost all of them volunteers from local colleges and universities. Each was assigned to work with one artist at a time, with a mission to get him or her to as many stations as their schedule will allow. Their brisk efficiency was evident as they whisked Hough, Eric Church, Jewel, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Gretchen Wilson and other artists from table to table, their paths crossing like tapestry threads.
All of this happened in half of this ballroom space, behind a black curtain barrier. The action in the rest of the room swirled around two spots, the first being an arrangement of comfortable black leather furniture, a couch and two chairs, against the back wall, where Blair Garner was taping his nationally syndicated show, "After MidNite." On this morning, he was perched on the edge of his seat, microphone in hand, listening attentively to a smiling and relaxed Trisha Yearwood as she wrapped up her interview.
On the far side of the room, a camera and boom microphones were pointed toward a backdrop decorated with logos of Super 8 Motels and TracFone, two Premiere Radio network sponsors. As the minutes passed, a line of artists took their turns here, cutting brief promos, with prompting from off-camera facilitator Stuart MacLelland.
Showing how tight group communication can pay off, The Road Hammers waited for their cue and then spoke in unison: "Hi. We're The Road Hammers." Lead singer Jason McCoy took over with a short verbal solo: "Welcome to Country Music's ..." And then the band joined in again: " ... biggest party!"
"There's a lot of preparation but also a lot of improvisation involved in making sure that all of our radio affiliates get access to artists ," said Ilycia Deitch Chairomonte, Senior Director of Events, Premiere Radio Networks. "The same applies to use of the television studio,
which we've set up next door in Room 204, on Thursday and Friday. With this new opportunity added to the service we've been offering to radio at CMA Music Festival, we expect we'll be able to help participating stations reach an audience of more than 13 million this year. Frankly, at
this pace of increase, we may be about to outgrow our facility before too long."
-- Bob Doerschuk
CMA Music Festival Delivers Rousing First Set at Greased Lightning Riverfront Daytime Stages
Fans from around the world gathered alongside the Cumberland River on the morning of Thursday, June 5, for the Country Kickstart Show at the Greased Lightning Riverfront Daytime Stages.
Deborah Allen opened this first concert of the first day of 2008 CMA Music Festival with an inspired rendering of the national anthem, after which CMA CEO Tammy Genovese and CMA Music Festival Executive Producer Tony Conway pumped the crowd for what proved to be a rockin' show.
Soaring temperatures didn't stop dedicated fans from filling every inch of space at concert grounds, as Luke Bryan, Jason Michael Carroll, Jo Dee Messina, Phil Vassar and Chuck Wicks kept them dancing during their show-stopping performances, with emcee Lon Helton, host of "CMT Country Countdown," keeping the crowd energized between artists.
Many attendees enhanced their experience of the music with fresh-squeezed lemonade, deep-chill snow cones and purchases of souvenirs that ranged from jewelry to cowboy hats.
Harmony Gayne of Toronto, Ontario, back for her second consecutive CMA Music Festival, summed up what drew she and husband Richard to this particular show and the many other events they anticipated: "It's four straight days of all the great acts — and I get to discover new artists each
year. We'll be back for the third time next summer."
-- Brenna Mader
KEEPING COOL AND LISTENING WITH A SMILE AT MARY KAY PRESENTS ACOUSTIC CORNER
Inside the Nashville Convention Center, one floor up from the autograph frenzies that filled the truTV Fan Fair Hall, the space known as Mary Kay Presents Acoustic Corner offered intimate listening experiences in a soothing setting.
The sequence of artists began with Jimmy Kish the Flying Cowboy. A 38-year veteran of the music business, Kish reflected his pure Country sound with the twang of his speech and the blue-and-white checkered shirt on his back.
“I’m going to do a Hank Williams song,” he said. He didn’t forget to introduce another song as a tribute to his parents, who now lay “beneath the green, green grass of home.” Then, with a chuckle, the seasoned showman reminded his band to keep the melody in the key of C as he closed with Gene Autry’s “Back in the Saddle Again.”
Jace Everett followed with an equally compelling if somewhat less nostalgic humor. Though his raspy voice conveyed raw emotion and a uniquely soulful sound, he did pause to reflect that a musician is never too old to pick up a guitar and sing. “I’m officially old enough to not be doing
what I’m doing,” he summarized. “But I’m not smart enough to stop.”
-- Benjamin Kann
THE HEAT IS ON: CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL BEGINS WITH REGISTRATION
It’s official: When the thermometer registers 90 degrees, it’s time for CMA Music Festival.
The mercury was already climbing as new arrivals on opening day started streaming into Sommet Center to pick up their tickets and receive their orange goody bags, each one overflowing with items that included the debut issue of Country Life magazine, coupons for VAULT drinks and samples
of Mr. Coffee.
But more than just a launch pad for the Festival experience, Sommet Center was a hub of activity. Families clustered around the large lobby, enjoying the chance to cool off while analyzing the concert lineups and planning when to begin their autograph safaris at truTV Fan Fair Hall.
One young fan, Jamie Keller of Atlanta, boiled her reason for coming to Nashville to two words: “Taylor Swift.” A first-timer at CMA Music Festival, her eyes glowed in anticipation of seeing her idol live.
More seasoned attendees mingled in the registration area too. Rhonda Dixon, of Dickson, Tenn., described how after coming to last year’s Festival she was committed to returning – and introducing a friend of hers to the adventure as well.
More than a process, registration at Sommet Center is a microcosm for what brings all these generations, newbies and Festival regulars, together once again every June in Nashville.
-- Tawney Milam
ON THE COUNTRY MUSIC ROAD FROM SUN CITY TO MUSIC CITY
The crowds that filled Chevy Plaza had already been partying for several hours Thursday, June 5, when Kingbilly took to the Chevy Stage for a selection of rock-flavored Country tunes. And as The SteelDrivers followed with an equally rousing bluegrass set, several fans with ice-cold drinks in hand took a moment to reflect on what drew them to CMA Music Festival.
“Once you come, you’re addicted,” insisted Maria Sutton of Allentown, Pa. “Everywhere you turn, there’s something to hear, see, smell and touch.”
That included test driving Chevy vehicles, checking out the Great American Country Bus for games and prizes and free samples from Chevy such as key chains, baseball caps and green glow sticks that symbolized the manufacturer’s environmentally friendly initiatives and hybrid models.
“We look forward to CMA Music Festival every year,” added Frank Kerr, with his wife Helen at his side. “We drove in an RV from Sun City, Calif., all the way to Nashville because we love Country Music.”
Odds are that no one gathered with them beneath the beating sun would disagree. And back home fans could listen to live broadcasts of Chevy Stage concerts on XM Satellite Radio.
-- Benjamin Kann
NASCAR GIANT BOBBY LABONTE MAKES IT WORTH THE WAIT
For Wayne Dukes of Georgetown, Del., it made total sense to show up early before Bobby Labonte was scheduled to appear in the Fun Zone on the morning of Thursday, June 5.
First of all, Dukes suspected that he wouldn't be the only CMA Music Festival attendee to line up for an autograph from the former Winston Cup champion. And true enough, by 10:15 AM, more than an hour after he had taken his place at the front of the Super 8 booth, more than 100 other Labonte fans had formed a line behind him, stretching nearly a block down Lower Broadway toward First Avenue.
How did Dukes explain the NASCAR legend's appeal? "He's a class act," he insisted. "Win, lose or draw, he always finishes with class. He's Mr. Consistent."
Time passed quickly, as Super 8 staff distributed fans. The younger visitors sometimes left parents behind to play a few rounds of the Sega arcade game "Daytona USA: Battle on the Edge," under the shade of the left side of the booth, posed for photos with the Geico Gecko and cooled off on the Nashville Shores Water Slip and Slide. Passers-by, meanwhile, stopped to check out the Epiphone acoustic guitar, displayed in the glass case on which Labonte would offer his signature. Covered with autographs from Blue County, Flynnville Train, Lonestar, Whiskey Falls and other artists, it would be given away in a drawing from ballots cast by attendees for "the top eight performers" of the Festival, with winners announced from the LP Field stage Sunday night.
While in the Fun Zone, fans were able to quench their thirst with free samples of Tetley Iced Tea and VAULT, whet their appetite with tastings of Blue Bell Ice Cream and U.S. Farm Raised Catfish and win great prizes at BP, Chevy, Greased Lightning Cleaning Products, Martha White, USO and Waggin’ Train among many exhibitors.
But all eyes swerved to the space behind the case shortly after 10:30 AM, when Labonte showed up with pen in hand. Dukes stepped forward, pulled out a green T-shirt and presented as well a small model of a NASCAR vehicle. Labonte signed both, extended his hand and posed for a photograph before the next admirer stepped forward.
"What did I tell you?" Dukes said, moments later. "Lots of people wouldn't have done more than one autograph; they would have said, 'One item only. But not Bobby Labonte; he signed everything. Like I said – a class act!"
-- Bob Doerschuk
COUNTRY COMPETITORS BEAT THE HEAT AT FIELD & STREAM TOTAL OUTDOORSMAN CHALLENGE
Located this year next to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Chevy Sports Zone hosted the Field & Stream Celebrity Total Outdoorsman Challenge Thursday, June 5, in which Rhean Boyer from Carolina Rain, Daniel Lee Martin, Jeremy McComb, Bryan White and Mark Wills were among the artists engaged in amiable athletic competition.
They took their turns in events that included archery, air rifle marksmanship and bass casting – tests of skill made even more challenging by a strong wind that didn't quit throughout the afternoon.
Throughout the event, spectators enhanced the experience by perusing the Sports Zone booths, getting autographs from NASCAR drivers, tasting the barbecue, vying for various prizes and checking out DockDogs presented by Outdoor Channel and K-9s In Flight presented by Waggin’ Train. Others hung at the Outdoorsman Challenge long enough for autographs and photo ops with a few participants.
"It's hot but it was worth every minute to watch my favorite artists in this competition," said Festival attendee Lauren Wedertz, from Sandy, Utah.
UPDATE: Daniel Lee Martin was the winner of the Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge
-- Brenna Mader
K-9S IN FLIGHT PRESENTED BY WAGGIN’ TRAIN HIT NEW HEIGHTS AT CHEVY SPORTS ZONE
The DockDogs Competition presented by Outdoor Channel wasn’t the only canine extravaganza at the Chevy Sports Zone. K-9s in Flight, billed as “the Ultimate K9 Sports Show” presented by Waggin’ Train, offered another brand of dog-based entertainment.
Beneath a canvas tent, John Mista tossed a rapid-fire sequence of bright yellow Frisbees to his dogs, each of whom leaped for the disc according to its trainer’s cues and commands.
The fact that each dog in this show had been rescued or adopted added a positive spin to this unique and popular feature at CMA Music Festival.
-- Benjamin Kann
DOCKDOGS COMPETITION PRESENTED BY OUTDOOR CHANNEL OFFERS MORE COOL ENTERTAINMENT
Tails were wagging, tongues slobbering and canine teeth flashing at Chevy Sports Zone as trainers and their lovable dogs took part in the DockDogs Competitions. Presented by the Outdoor Channel, the event entranced dog enthusiasts off all ages with its commotion of barking, shouting and one spectacular splash.
“People love animals. It’s a sport where owner and best friend are a team. This is why we are introducing a totally different experience to the 2008 CMA Music Festival,” said Genia Friscone, Marketing and Public Relations assistant, DockDogs. “We don’t discriminate against dogs – fat or skinny, small or large.”
This means that there were no age or weight divisions as one dog after another leaped from a 40-foot ramp into a pool. As a measure of distance, the DockDogs officials calculated each canine’s distance by measuring the base of its tail as it hit the water.
No scores were rendered for the humans who gathered around the action as each dog hit the water like a torpedo, hoping to enjoy the experience of being soaked in the afternoon’s 92-degree heat.
-- Benjamin Kann
ADULTS AND KIDS COME TOGETHER IN MCDONALD’S–DR PEPPER FAMILY ZONE
What distinguishes the McDonald’s–Dr Pepper Family Zone at CMA Music Festival was its mixture of wholesome pleasures, combining strains of Country Music with the sounds of children at play. Some of its younger visitors bounced around in an inflated castle; others put puzzles together or colored pictures at the eight activities tables.
A few steps away from where Strawberry Shortcake was handing out hugs and posing for photos with young fans, the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee set up a tent in which different themes were addressed on different days of the Festival. On opening day, Thursday, June 5, First Aid and knife safety were the topics. And of course the famous Girl Scout Cookies were on hand as treats for little Festival goers and their parents. Nearby, fans quenched their thirst with free samples of Dr Pepper and picked up free samples of delicious McDonald’s foods while listening to celebrity storytelling at the Borders booth.
Shaded by the canopy that stretched over the Main Stage area, Cinda and Scott Martin, from Salt Lake City, Utah, along with three of their seven children, were enjoying their first visit to Nashville. The onstage entertainment was being provided by Kid Fiddlers, which consisted of five brothers and sisters and their mother, all of whom played everything from banjo and guitar to fiddler while clogging and yodeling to boot.
The music continued with Nashville native Katie Chance. Just 10 years old, this small dynamo bravely belted out songs that included “Love in My Pocket,” which she had written by herself and already recorded. Already a veteran, she noted that she has been singing since she was
in diapers and plans to make her career in music. A hit with young and old alike, the precocious was applauded wildly as she exited the stage.
-- Julee Cobb
RONALD MCDONALD AND STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE SERVE SWEET SETS AT MCDONALD’S–DR PEPPER FAMILY ZONE
For kids who believe that their favorite characters appear only on television or the side of a Happy Meal, the Main Stage at the Family Zone brought the impossible to life, as both Strawberry Shortcake and Ronald McDonald performed at CMA Music Festival.
Ronald McDonald’s “Get Moving” show urged children to stay active through the summer through activities such as jogging, swimming, dancing and playing basketball. At one point, as part of his magic show, he brought Dante Grayson up from the audience, placed a tall black hat on his head, tied a long cape around his neck and handed him a broken magic want. As the young assistant and the rest of the crowd giggled, the celebrated clown fixed the defective wand by pulling a new one magically from an empty box. Laughter continued through the “Frederica the Flying Flea” routine, in which an invisible flea jumped from a diving board and splashed members of the audience.
Strawberry Shortcake also made children’s eyes light up as she sang and danced with Ginger Snap and Orange Blossom, who are featured on the new “Big Country Fun” DVD. The three sweet-treat friends then decided to plan and invite the entire audience to a party. They ended by singing “Friendship
Grows Like a Flower” to their smiling and clapping fans.
-- Julee Cobb
ON THE AUTOGRAPH SAFARI THROUGH FAN FAIR HALL
“I can’t wait to see Jamey Johnson and Trent Tomlinson,” said Jared Rodgers, a local attendee ready to enter the truTV Fan Fair Hall shortly before its opening on the morning of Thursday, June 5.
Rodgers was one of the high tide of enthusiasts eager to obtain a photo opportunity and an autograph from a favorite star. As soon as the doors opened, they barged through the Nashville Convention Doors like shoppers storming the mall the morning after Thanksgiving. Men, women and children raced toward the artist booths, each to obtain a ticket for his or her moment of meet-and-greet.
After a while, the tempo slowed into the patient procession of long lines. Many found time to purchase CDs at the Borders Books & Music booth and souvenirs and T-shirts at CMA Music Festival merchandise stands. The aroma of fresh, hot roasted pecans and barbecue wafted around fans as they looked through racks of Wrangler wear, visited the Grand Ole Opry booth, picked up samples at Mary Kay, Greased Lightning, Mr. Coffee, Tetley Iced Tea and VAULT, and explored the wonders that Fan Fair Hall had to offer with lots of fun games, prizes and opportunities to get autographs and take photos.
Not least enticing was the air conditioning that helps make this vast space a must-visit stop on every visitor’s itinerary.
-- Benjamin Kann
MORNING AT THE RYMAN: TAYLOR SWIFT, RANDY TRAVIS AND GRETCHEN WILSON TAPE “CMA CELEBRITY CLOSE UP” PRESENTED BY GAC
A chance to get up close and personal with a few stars of Country Music – that’s what the two “CMA Celebrity Close Up” presented by GAC tapings offered Thursday, June 5.
Hosted by Lorianne Crook, the 1:30 PM show had drawn a long line toward the Ryman Auditorium an hour in advance. When the doors opened, the crowd filed into the historic venue, snapping photos of its famous wooden pews and the front of the stage, where two chairs and warm back paneling created an ambience of intimacy and living-room conversation.
Crook described her first guest, Gretchen Wilson, as “inspiring and a little bit dangerous.” The singer drew applause by noting that the word “redneck,” as used in the title of her book Redneck Woman, means “being true to yourself.” The bond between her and her audience was undeniable as she asserted, “I’m just an ordinary girl.”
Energy stayed high as Randy Travis walked onstage in blue jeans and black cowboy boots. The Country legend drew laughter as he expressed gratitude for being “grandfathered into” this year’s Festival and subsequently answered audience questions on the development of his deep voice, being introduced by his father at age 8 to guitar and being encouraged by his wife Elizabeth Hatcher to “want to be a better person.”
Screams of excitement erupted as Taylor Swift made her entrance. Spying a fan named Natalie who waved a sign from the front row reading “You rock, Taylor Swift,” she called it “beautiful” and brought the young girl onstage for a photo and a hug. Questions from fans allowed
Swift to affirm the importance of self-confidence and her goal of remaining authentic to all girls who view her as a role model, after which she shared some hair tips and playfully sang a brief a cappella sample of “Our Song,” complete with a little dancing. Approachable and charming,
Swift captivated her fans, who streamed to the front of the stage to share their love as the taping ended.
-- Tawney Milam
NEW FACES AND FAMILIAR VOICES LIGHT UP GREASED LIGHTNING RIVERFRONT DAYTIME STAGES
With the heat rising at 2 PM Thursday, June 5, a sea of Country Music fans greeted The Bellamy Brothers with a salute of upraised cowboy hats and cold beverages, swaying together to the tune of “Let Your Love Flow, “Redneck Girls Forever” and other hits.
Former Trick Pony lead singer Heidi Newfield then took her turn at the microphone during the “Wrangler Complete Country Show.” Her feisty song “Knocked Up” and her new single “Johnny and June” brought the crowd back to its feet. After that, another former front person in a popular group, onetime Lonestar singer Richie McDonald, debuted one new song and inspired fans to sing along to “I’m Already There,” “Walking in Memphis” and other familiar tunes.
New to the national Country spotlight, Zac Brown Band and Carter’s Chord earned warm receptions, in sets that peaked with their respective singles, the gritty “Chicken Fried” and the sweetly harmonized “Different Breed.” Mark Chestnutt wrapped the program up with a performance that nearly made the sun-drenched onlookers forget the heat.
The next group of performers, featured in the “Nashville Spotlight Show,” kept things hot even as lofty breezes blew the flags along the Cumberland River toward LP Field, as if pointing the way to the evening’s Vault Concert Stages. Before sending everyone on their way, though, this final Riverfront set of the day ended the afternoon with some memorable entertainment by favorites that included Tracy Byrd, Andy Griggs and Danielle Peck as well as Eddy Raven and other new faces.
One of those belonged to Lee Brice, whose rowdy songs celebrated the virtues of Southern life. Clearly, his listeners could relate, as they danced and cheered through each number. And then Emerson Drive brought it to a close with a more subdued presentation that culminated in their hit
ballad “Moments.”
-- Julee Cobb and Claire Carville
TAYLOR SWIFT BLAZES, SUGARLAND HAS A BALL AND FANS PARTY HARD AT VAULT CONCERT STAGE AT LP FIELD
The last strains of Country Music had barely wafted across the Cumberland River from the Greased Lightning Riverfront Daytime Stages as fans streamed toward the first of 2008 CMA Music Festival’s VAULT Concert Stage at LP Field.
Following a warm welcome from CMA CEO Tammy Genovese, the national anthem was sung, jets piloted by United States Marines roared overhead, fireworks exploded and the huge assembly of fans unleashed waves of ecstatic cheers.
Jennifer Hanson quickly established a more intimate mood with an acoustic set. Amazed by the occasion, she pointed her own camera toward the crowd as she made her debut in a stadium setting.
XM Satellite Radio host and GAC-TV “Country Across America” personality Storme Warren then introduced “Country’s rowdiest duo.” That brought Montgomery Gentry to center stage, where they delivered high-energy versions of “Whatcha Think About That,” “Something
to Be Proud Of,” “Gone” and their most recent single, “Back When I Knew It All.”
During the set change, Warren teased the crowd by displaying a guitar, autographed by all the performers appearing on the bill, which some lucky fan would receive at the end of the night. This announcement elicited an ovation and even some outrageous dancing in the aisles, which set the stage nicely for an appearance by Taylor Swift, introducing her best friend, Kellie Pickler. The “American Idol” alumnus romped through an uptempo series that included “Red High Heels” and led to her empowering single, “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful.”
Warren followed by introducing the next artist to sign the prized guitar. Her name wasn’t on the schedule for Thursday night, but when Jessica Simpson walked on for a brief onstage interview, the crowd made it clear that they would welcome her back as a performer next year.
Luke Bryan then made his appearance, and though he sang only two songs, “Country Man” and “All My Friends Say,” spectators didn’t trip over a single syllable as they sang along.
Another CMA Music Festival newcomer, Jewel, was next. She first expressed excitement to be playing in front of a Country audience and then combined a couple of her older tunes in her new crossover style. Fans seemed to relish the pace she set as they sang along and swayed to the mellower
tempo.
More cheers broke out when Warren came out to acknowledge the Marine pilots who had flown overhead during the national anthem. A new favorite of the U.S. military, Pickler, returned to introduce the evening’s surprise unannounced attraction, Rascal Flatts. The crowd was still cheering as the
group slammed through several of their hits and eased into a reflective interlude with their ballads “My Wish” and “Every Day, with the fans echoing every lyric. Closing with “Bob That Head,” with a sea of cowboy hats bouncing up and down to the beat, Rascal Flatts left
the stage to an even bigger ovation than the one that had greeted their entrance.
Joined by “Dancing with the Stars” sensation Julianne Hough, Pickler then returned the favor from earlier in the show by introducing Swift. The crowd leaped to its feet as Swift stormed onto the stage with her rhinestone guitar, which spangled brilliantly as cameras flashed. It seemed as though every girl in the stadium sang in unison through the opening number, “Our Song.” Then, during a spirited performance of “Should’ve Said No,” she captivated the entire audience by adding her own drum part to rhythm. The set ended with a rocking rendition of “Picture to Burn,” backed by a spectacular big-screen replication of raging flames.
Swift then introduced Sugarland, who made the entrance of the night by rolling in huge transparent inflated balls across the outstretched hands of the crowd and up to the stage. There, the energetic duo sang “All I Wanna Do” and followed that with a string of earlier hits that sent the
fans on their way, drained, exhilarated and satisfied.
-- Claire Carvill
