Country artists Carrie Underwood, Billy Currington along with guests Sons of Sylvia came to podunk Rapid City to rock the house last Tuesday, December 7. The Rapid City Rushmore Plaza Civic Center was sold out (sold out a long time ago actually. I got up early one Saturday morning months ago to buy the tickets online. It was our anniversary on the 9th, so we had our celebration at the concert!)
We were kinda in the middle of the arena, so my pictures aren’t great, but I guess it shows I was there!
The concert opened with a band called Sons of Sylvia. While I did not care as much for their style of play, I did find their musicality (especially with their variety of stringed instruments) to be quite impressive. His opening remarks? “It’s COLD up here…”
Billy Currington took the stage next, and with his easy mannerisms and great tunes, he quickly had the crowd going. Beer glasses tipped to “I’m good at drinking beer” and everyone singing to “People Are Crazy.” I really enjoyed his performance and he could have spent more time up there singing.
Carrie Underwood, though, knows how to put on a show! With raising platforms and swings, costume changes, great lighting (I’m a tech guy – I admit I was really watching the lights and displays and was looking to see how it was all done) and singing on the back of a pickup truck as it was suspended over the heads of the crowd on the floor!
The songs were a great mix of tempo and she threw in stories between sets – admittedly to catch her breath after “Un-do it.” It was hilarious as she came out for the encore with her song “Before He Cheats.” I think there were kids in the audience just waiting for that one. If they weren’t into it before, they were then!
The thing I loved the most about the whole performace was the fact that at the beginning, it was “Wow. That’s Carrie Underwood!” Near the end, it was “Yeah. That’s my friend, Carrie.” She made you feel so at home, welcome, and comfortable. It was a great time.
Having not been to a big name concert before, I thought it was very enjoyable. But others who went and had been to other concerts said this one was one of the best they had been to. So I guess the phrase “there’s no where else to go but up” ain’t gonna apply in this case!
And Kudos to Rapid City for staying on course for building the new arena that brings in bigger venues! It’s great for the area all the way around.
– Tristan
Tristan Emond
Prudential Kahler REALTORS
www.rapidcityhomes.net
Originally posted at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2018697/carrie-underwood-comes-to-small-town-rapid-city-