The Farr Side: Rockin' out to live music

Back-to-back concerts, baby! That’s what I’m talking about! Whew! Last week was whirlwind of emotions, but by the end of the week it was time to relax and make some great new memories. I can’t think of a better way to do so than enjoying a night of great live music. And, in this case – Two great nights of music!

Last Thursday night my buddy, Doug, and I had the pleasure of seeing country singer JoDee Messina in concert at Blue Gate Performing Arts Center in Shipshewana. I’m familiar with some of her music, but have never had the chance to see her live and in concert like I have some of her peers like Faith Hill, Shania Twain and Jennifer Nettles.

Messina took the stage with the upbeat track “Dare To Dream.” You knew at that moment it was going to be a fun night. The crowd roared as she made her way about the stage singing. Her smile was infectious!

“That’s The Way” and “I’m Alright” followed. I began to see her in a whole new light. This is one heck of an artist. And, her voice is just killer.

I was particularly impressed with “Stand Beside Me” and “You’re Not In Kansas Anymore.” Both are such great songs. The fun continued with more dancing in the aisles to “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” “Bye Bye,” My Give A Damn’s Busted” and her cover of the Dottie West classic “A Lesson In Leavin.’”

Her personable side was nice. She talked about her sons and shopping for a new table while in Shipshewana. She’s just as common as common could be. I loved that about her.

As much as she can belt out a rockin’ set of songs, she could sure slow it down and have the audience in the palm of her hand. “Bring On The Rain” was well received, but, for me, it was her touching story she shared of a close friend who tragically lost a family member while visiting them. The story moved me so much. Messina had wrote a song to capture the moment. I had tears as she sang the words to “Life After You.” Honestly, I had totally experienced the lines “I’ve been busy keeping busy.”

Messina closed out the concert with the beautiful “Burn,” my favorite song of hers. I truly left the show a much bigger fan of her and her music!

Singer Danny Gokey performed Friday night at Blue Gate Performing Arts Center. This was a night of surprises as we got to meet Danny before the show. It was a pretty cool moment to be honest.

His show started with an upbeat number called “Make A Difference.” The sold-out crowd was energized with Danny’s enthusiasm and charisma. The stage set-up was pretty cool at the Blue Gate venue.

His ability to speak the Gospel came naturally and from the heart. He often shared the word in between songs that most everyone in attendance knew including “If You Ain’t In It,” “We All Need Jesus,” “Stay Strong,” “Love God Love People,” “Every Victory” and the very fun “Agradecido.”

I’ve like Danny ever since he was on “America Idol.” He made it to the Top 3 on Season 8 just behind Adam Lambert and Kris Allen. His love of Christian music remained strong and his career has just blossomed ever since.

The tracks “I Got You” and “Stand In Faith” sounded just incredible. He’s so strong vocally and with the message he was delivering – I felt like I was in church.

His spiritual convictions are a big part of who he is as a performing, but more importantly as a person, too. His devotion to America is just as strong, too. His rendition of the famed Lee Greenwood classic “God Bless The USA” was amazing. But, to my surprise, he’s penned his own patriotic anthem that proved just as powerful Friday night. Danny sang his own song, “My America (I Still Believe)” that earned a huge standing ovation.

I love me some great music and making some great memories. Jodee Messina and Danny Gokey delivered on both!

— David T. Farr is a Journal correspondent. Email him at farrboy@hotmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: The Farr Side: Rockin' out to live music