We’ve all been there. We buy a ticket to see a favorite act or show and somehow always manage to find a seat right in front of someone who has been alone in a cave for so long they feel an uncontrollable urge to recount the activities of their life since birth.
Or, they feel the need to tell everyone within earshot why the same band’s show the night before in insert-city-here was way better. Or, maybe you got lucky enough to stand near a group of uber fans who know every word of every song the band is performing.
Where is the line between singing along and enjoying the show and over-shouting the actual performers? You know, the ones you paid to see?
I know, I know. Get off my lawn. But, seriously, why do people pay to go to a show to then talk throughout?
I have to confess that I got busted for doing just that during an Amanda Shires show a few years ago. I bumped into an old friend and we got caught up in catching up, and well, a guy standing in front of us called us on it. We shut up and apologized later.
I attended a CD release party at Songbirds recently and was painfully embarrassed for the performer because his friends decided it was the right time to stand in the back of the room and talk.
Barry CourterI realize this is probably preaching to the converted, but maybe if we talk about it enough people will start to be more mindful of others in the audience who are trying to listen to the show. Maybe.
* James Rogers got a nice surprise call recently. He will be inducted into the North American Country Music Association International Hall of Fame on Saturday night in Pigeon Forge.
The ceremony will take place at the Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge.
“I will actually get to perform, as well,” he said. “I’m very honored.”
Rogers grew up in North Georgia and spent his early career singing up and down Brainerd Road and later at the Station House at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. His big successes came later performing in the Smokies at Silver Dollar City. He later became friends and then partners with Dolly Parton in several ventures in the Pigeon Forge area.
He won several awards during his time there as well, and has recorded songs honoring the National Guard and the American eagle.
You might not be familiar with the organization, but its mission is “To promote the development of the Country/Bluegrass/Gospel Music Industry in each state and country through an International Association.” Past inductees include Floyd Cramer, Patsy Cline, Merle Kilgore, Little Jimmy Dickens, Hank Cochran and so many other legends of the genre.
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.