Date: 10.14.2011
Location: 1-800-ASK GARY Amphitheater – Tampa, FL
Acts: Toby Keith, Eric Church, J.T. Hodges
Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars
I have to start with the fact that this was my first official country music concert. I have seen Southern rock bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd dozens of times but never really experienced the official country concert. Well, let me tell you it was quite an amazing experience. It started with us heading backstage to interview the next big country star J.T. Hodges in his trailer. After that we got situated in our seats and got ready for J.T. Hodges to hit the stage. J.T. Hodges is known best for his hit single “Hunt You Down”, which is flooding the radio waves. His album is set to drop early 2012 and it is going to be amazing! J.T. had great stage presence and only had the chance to play five songs but sealed the deal on every one of them. I tell you now give him a few months and he will leading the his headlining his next tour.
Eric Church took the stage next and immediately he had the audience in the palm of him hand. People roared out of their chairs and leaped to their feet. The energy was very intense and everyone was singing…including myself. One thing that I noticed about Eric is that he seemed really excited and passionate about his music. I think that is why his music has the power that it does. Eric got to perform 13 songs and I am sure I am not the only one wishing he came back one for more. His biggest songs were definitely “Jack Daniels” and “I’m Gettin’ Stoned”. Stay tuned to Eric Church because his album is only getting more popular and popular.
Honestly after J.T. great performance and Eric’s energy, I was beat and ready to call it a night but then there was….Toby Keith. This guy comes out on stage with fireworks, all the bells and whistles and blows up the audience. The crows was cheering beyond belief and got me all recharged. It was so energetic at the 1-800-ASK GARY Amphitheater as he belted out “American Ride”. From there on it was just one hit after another. I cannot wait for his new album Clancy’s Tavern which comes out Oct.25th and he made sure to play a punch of new songs from the album, which made me even more excited. After eight songs, he had his backup singer belt out “Lady Marmalade”, which gave everyone a chance to sit down and get drinks (definitely a chance for him to also chill his voice). Of course Toby sang one of my favorite song “I Love This Bar”, which really got the crowd singing along. Throughout the rest of the concert, Toby was like the energizer bunny he just kept belting them out one after another totaling over 20 songs. I will be first in line next time he is our the Florida area for sure.
Eric Church set list
1. Creepin’
2. Hell on the Heart
3. Guys Like Me
4. Drink In My Hand
5. Jack Daniels
6. I’m Gettin’ Stoned
7. Springsteen
8. How Bout You
9. Love Your Love the Most
10. Lotta Boot Left to Fill
11. A Country Boy Can Survive
12. Homeboy
13. Smoke a Little Smoke
Toby Keith set list
1. American Ride
2. God Love Her
3. Made In America
4. I Need to Hear a Country Song
5. Clancy’s Tavern
6. Red Solo Cup
7. Get Drunk and Be Somebody
8. Whiskey Girl
9. Lady Marmalade
10. I Wanna Talk About Me
11. Does That Blue Moon Ever Shine on You
12. Who’s Your Daddy?
13. Ballad of Balad
14. As Good As I Once Was
15. I Love This Bar
16. Should’ve Been a Cowboy
17. Weed With Willie
18. Get Out of My Car
19. Beer For My Horses
20. How Do You Like Me Now!?
21. A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action
Encore:
22. American Soldier
23. Courtesy Of The Red, White, and Blue