Concert: George Strait

Thursday, 16 February 2012 13:28

On Saturday evening in Orlando, the George Strait/Martina McBride show came to town. Country music fans couldn’t have asked for a more perfect combination of two musical superstars.

The stage was set in the center of the arena and microphones were set up on all four sides of the stage. Four large video screens set up on each side of the stage gave every audience member a chance to see the artists up close and personal.

Country award-winning female artist Martina McBride opened the show. Martina is known for hitting those unbelievably high notes for what seems like several minutes. There were no elaborate costumes, theatrics or digitally “enhanced” effects— just a purely talented vocalist.

Her biggest applause and a standing ovation (and there were many) came during the song “Broken Wing”, a true Martina classic. She also performed several new songs from her latest album, Eleven, such as “Whatcha Gonna Do,” “Broken Umbrella” and “Teenage Daughters” (many fans were nodding in agreement with her lyrics) and old favorites such as “Wrong Again,” the upbeat “My Baby Loves Me.” But when she sang “Whatever You Say,” we got chills from the power behind her voice and her words tug at your heart. She closed the show with her anthem and ultimate fan favorite “Independence Day.”

After a brief intermission and the 11-piece Ace in the Hole Band entered the stage, the lights went down and King of Country George Strait walked onto the stage. Dressed in a black cowboy hat and denim jeans, he opened with his latest hit single “Here for a Good Time,” the title track off his latest album with the same name. He went right into, “I Gotta Get to You” and then the heartfelt song “I Saw God Today.”

He sang many favorites with the audience singing along with every tune, including the hits: “Check Yes or No,” “I Can Still Make Cheyenne” and the beautiful “Amarillo by Morning.” A few songs had couples in the audience slow dancing and two-stepping down the aisle.

On stage, he’s not much different from the no-nonsense, no-frills character that he played in Pure Country, a film that he starred in and wrote the music for. He’s a true showman, and as traditional-country as this generation is fortunate enough to see and hear. He brings class to country music and sounds impeccable with a voice that never changes. We can only hope that the King of Country finds his way back to central Florida again soon!

By Cathleen Rockwell

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