It was a unique concert experience; well it was for me anyway. I am used to attending rock and roll shows, so being seated in a small theatre watching a country folk artist for the evening was a bit of a switch, but certainly did not disappoint.
An audience made up of people in their early twenties right up to well into their sixties packed the theatre leaving not an empty seat in the house. And a very enthusiastic crowd we all proved to be too, clapping loudly and chanting anticipating the performer’s entrance. But before the headliner hit the stage we were treated to a great performance from Carrie Rodriguez, a young lady from Texas. She was relatively unknown around these parts but received a loud ovation from the audience after quickly winning us over with her approximately 30 minute set.
When the legendary singer songwriter John Prine hit the stage the crowd in unison stood up and gave him the first of several lengthy and loud standing ovations before a single chord was strummed on his guitar. Prine took centre stage with just two other musicians with him, an electric guitar player and a bassist, both who proved impressive throughout the night.
Prine sang through one well known number after another as the crowd often sang along. And it lasted a long time, the singer who is into his 60’s treated us for close to two and a half hours of songs from his 40 year career. Occasionally, Prine would stop long enough to tell one of his witty stories in between songs as he has also become characteristically known for. It is a treat to listen to him speak and share some stories about where he got the inspiration for one of his songs or the circumstances under which they were written.
About midway through the evening the two back up musicians left the stage and Prine performed several numbers solo including the popular Illegal Smile. He stopped singing at one point during this song, cued the house lights up, and the crowd took over.
The night finally ended with a 3 song encore which included Carrie Rodriguez coming back to the stage singing one of his classic duets, In Spite of Ourselves. Another lengthy and loud ovation ended the evening and I suspect no one walked away disappointed on this night.
Unfortulately I left my camera in our hotel room so I have no photos or footage from the concert, but here is the setlist from the evening. I have also included a youtube video clip of Prine performing the classic and haunting Hello in There.
Have a great week!
John Prine Setlist, August 29th, 2009
Spanish Pipedream, Picture Show, Speed of the Sound of Loneliness, Please Don't Bury Me, Souvenirs, Far From Me, Fish and Whistle, Glory of True Love, Long Monday, I Wish You Love, Angel From Montgomery, Christmas in Prison,Bruised Orange (Chain of Sorrow), Illegal Smile, Dear Abby, Sam Stone, Saddle in the Rain, Bear Creek, Sweet Revenge, Ain't Hurtin' Nobody, Hello In There, Lake Marie
Encore (with Carrie Rodriguez) - In Spite of Ourselves, Unwed Fathers, Paradise
