Well this is it.  My first post on my first blog.  My next concert is January 21 to see a band named Blackberry Smoke.  Please read the note I wrote about them a few weeks ago if you are not sure if you want to see them or not...oh, by the way, welcome to my blog..

Raise you hand if you were born in the 60's or 70's.  Now keep that hand up if you were raised on southern rock.  The kind of music that reminds you of fast cars, summer nights and good times? The kind of music that was a little bawdy and a lot gritty?  Well, there is a band that is bringing all of that back to life and filling the void that has been missing in music for a very long time.  Blackberry Smoke is NOT a manufactured pretty boy band meant to sell records to the masses of teeny boppers.  They are not southern rock via Detroit, California or Idaho (HA). They are Georgia boys deep rooted in their southern upbringing and traditions.    They are, for lack of better words. "the real deal".  They are a little rock, a little country and a lot southern! 

I first got to see them while they were touring with Zac Brown (now signed to his record label Southern Ground).  I wasn't sure what to expect while waiting for them to perform.  But from their opening riff, I was hooked.  We made the trek to see them in Athens Georgia (along with a few thousand other fans) when they filmed their live DVD.  It was a performance that I am glad I did not miss. And if you watch the DVD closely, you will see me a few times looking like a complete goober.  

With all of that I said, Jay and I traveled to Wilmington, NC this past weekend to see them at the Brooklyn Arts Center. The BAC is an old church converted into a special events venue.  We joked on the drive down about Charlie Starr (the lead singer) and if he would drop the F'bomb in this fomer place of worship. It is a beautiful venue, and we will go back at some point.

We arrived just after the doors opened and were excited to find a place center stage right up front.  Jay and I have become quite spoiled (and lucky) recently. We have been front row for many bands recently (U2, Zac Brown, Crowfield, Edwin McCain, Blackberry Smoke).  Jay affectionately calls it being "in the crotch"  (which is appropriate for BBS).  So now if we are a few rows back, we are quite disappointed.   

They had two openers before their show.  First duo ( I'm not even sure what their name was), hailed from Raleigh. Second was a cutesy blonde chick named Madonna Nash (we all were taking bets if that was her real name).  Her over exaggerated southern drawl was a distraction and she seemed to lack substance to her songs.  Having read about her since the show, she has a country music pedigree.  Her great great uncle was founding president of the CMA. She may make it in the business one day, I guess we'll have to wait and see.  I just wasn't that impressed.

Finally,  BBS took the stage opening with a song (Leave a Scar) from their new album.  I'm one of those people who doesn't mind hearing stuff from new albums even though I may not know the words.  It's like getting a sneak peak of a christmas present.   They played 22 songs total including 3 completely brand new songs.  Also we are excited to find out that a couple of favorite songs (that haven't been a prior album) will be included on the new album.   They also did an amazing cover of Tom Petty's "I wont back down".  I was sad they didn't do Yesterday's Wine.  For whatever reason, the song reminds me of my dad.

A few take aways about Blackberry Smoke.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE them.  I haven't been this excited about a band in a very long time.  It's also great to meet others that are just as passionate about their music  We met a dad that had driven from Raleigh to see the show with his son.  I enjoyed watching this 13 year old fella, dance and sing and pretty much have the time of his life.  He knew all the words and I could tell this would be an experience he would never forget.  I also noticed that the band refrained from cussing during the show.  Whether or not it was our of reverance of being in an old church or the fact that there were a number of minors in the audience, I will never know.  But it impressed me beyond belief.  I also was impressed by the humbleness and gratitude they displayed toward their fans.  Meeting them after the show was a treat and the ease of talking to each one was surprising.  As popular as they are, it was like talking to an old friend.

Now for the sappy part. As most of you know, Scotty my brother died just a few weeks ago.  It was his love of music that influenced MY love music.  I know that he would have enjoyed seeing BBS.  For the past few weeks, I have mourned the loss of his life and the fact he and I would never attend a concert again.   But being at this show, gave me a glimmer of happiness during this otherwise dark holiday season.  I was able to escape my sadness for a bit of time.  More importantly, I was able to realize, had it not been for Scotty, I would not appreciate music the way that I do.  I am impressed with talented musicians and songwriters like BBS.  So I guess, with that in mind he will always be with me.

They will make it big.  I hope they do.  They are talented and truly deserve it.  And when they do, I will say I saw them when...however, I will be a little sad. It's not often that you can see one of your favorite bands standing just a few feet away.  Close enough to tickle their butts if I wanted to.  I know they will grow in popularity and the ability to be up in front will be increasingly difficult. Until then, I will savor the moments I see them.  

"Before you jump you need to know

it's a crazy thing the way I roll

I ain't changin' I'm a stubborn man

can you love me like i am

can you love me baby, like I am"

We all hope you DON'T change boys...because, yea, we love you just the way you are.