I've loved the Dixie Chicks since I heard "Wide Open Spaces" back in 1998.
They took the world of country music by storm.
Everybody loved The Dixie Chicks
Until
They didn't
From Wikipedia - "On March 10, 2003, during a London concert, nine days before the March 19, 2003 invasion of Iraq, lead vocalist Maines told the audience: "We don't want this war, this violence, and we're ashamed that the President of the United States (George W. Bush) is from Texas."
What followed was shameful.
Conservative radio couldn't find enough bad things to say about the Chicks.
The world of country music abandoned them.
But, you know.
They hung tough.
They attempted to explain their position. Not that those who had already made up their minds might listen . . .
Regardless.
They've hung on to their values.
And their "real" fans never gave up on them.
So.
Who could not wait to try for tickets the minute they went on sale for a show in Charlotte, NC?
And guess who was able to score really good seats in the Charlotte PNC Pavillion?
ME!
Yay!
10th Row Seats!
Was I a happy girl?
Well, hell yeah.
So, yesterday we tossed a bag in the car, along with Harley (who had a nice comfy air conditioned hotel room all to himself for a few hours) and went to see the Dixie Chicks.
There was one on every chair in the Charlotte PNC Arena.
One for everyone.
Printed on the hat are the words "No Hate For Our State." love it love it love it!
I would normally not wear a baseball cap with a little summer frock, but this was one I could not resist.
Being able to see them live was not only fun because it was one hell of a show, but it was also an honor.
I think their core audience may be somewhat different than in once was, but many of the original fans, including me and Donald, were there and on our feet through most of the show, clothes soaked completely through due to the heat, and grinning from ear to ear.
Let me tell you about our seatmates.
In front us, to my right, a lesbian couple.
Immediately in front of me and Donald, two gay couples.
In front of us, to Donald's left, the always present, drunker than 14 sailors, redneck couple.
To Donald's immediate left, a wonderful southern good ol' boy and his delightful wife. (This guy won a lot of friends, and a lot of hearts when he disappeared for awhile only to come back with a case of cold water that he passed out to everyone around us. Twice.)
To my immediate right, a young married interracial couple.
Directly behind me, a mother and daughter.
And it was a bit of a lovefest.
We all laughed together, took pictures with one another's cameras and phones and a good time was had by all.
Enjoy a few pictures - - -
And, of course, the Chicks, being the Chicks, had a little bit to say about a few things political.
Not much, really, and what they did say was said with heart and with humor.
And it was well received.
Especially all the red, white and blue confetti which had us all feeling as though we may have ended up at a political rally - but only for a little while..
and then it was back to one of the most energized, and energizing, shows we've ever attended.
One of the "baby chicks" (and I'm sorry I do not know whose son he is) was on stage playing for awhile.
There may not be any disposable cigarette lighters in the audience any longer, but cell phones work almost as well. They were being waved non-stop, along with some pretty impressive clapping, stomping, whistling and shouting until the Chicks reappeared.
Along with a whole slew of "baby chicks!" which was SO cool.
Along with members from the two warm up groups, Smooth Hound Smith and Vintage Trouble.
And this is what a very tired girl looks like after a Dixie Chicks concert.
Tired, wearing soaking wet clothes (did I mention it was HOT?!)
But happy.
And I wore my new favorite shirt home to Boone this morning after a restless night's sleep in Charlotte.
The Chicks were playing in my head all night long - not a bad thing - but I'll bet I sleep a little better tonight in my own bed back home in Boone.
1 comment:
I'm so glad the Dixie Chicks are still around. I live in North Alabama and our local country stations still don't play their music. I was just thinking about the Chicks the other day as I was driving and thinking that its such a shame people aren't very forgiving apparently. Personally, I think we should all be able to speak our opinion as long as it doesn't included violence. Not liking a certain president just wasn't something personal to me. I have to admit what gets me most angry would be "leaders" spouting hate against certain nationalities and religions. I'll never ever support someone who thinks all of any group is bad. Thanks for this post. Enjoyed it.
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