Live Thursday from the CMAfest Greased Lightning Riverfront Stages

Thursday's Greased Lightning Riverfront Show Review
Country Kickstart
The day was hot and muggy, very typical CMAfest (fan fair) weather. The crowd was getting even hotter waiting for Montgomery Gentry to take the stage. They arrived the crowd going wild with screams, whistles and clapping. They sang all their hits and was on stage for over 30 minutes. Before they left, they gave their speech, as they always do, not to forget our MIA's and POW's and to give thanks to each and every military man or woman for sacrificing to keep our country free. The whole crowd was on their feet for the entire performance. Among the songs they sang were "Hell Yeah" and "My Town". Both of which were co-written by writer and artist, Jeffrey Steele. They audience was not going to let them go easily and brought them back for an encore, Hillbilly Shoes. After having the rugged Montgomery Gentry on stage, it was time for a beautiful female.

Jamie O'Neal took the stage next, opening with"I love my Life". She looked gorgeous, as usual, wearing a blue chambray shirt. After finishing "Trying to find Atlantis", Jamie announced that her daughter just celebrated her 2nd birthday this week and brought her out on stage. She looked just like an angel wearing pink. She will defiantly be a heartbreaker when she gets older, like her mother. She did the song "There Ain't No Arizona" and finished with "When I Think About Angels".

Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band took the stage next. They are a bluegrass/rock type of band. We have never heard a band with such a unique sound as they have. They have their first song out on radio now , "Dream Big" and it is starting to get a bit of airplay. They sand 5 songs and finished with a bluegrass gospel song. With their uniqueness, we feel this is a band to keep your eye on. They should go far.

Bryce Long made his first CMAfest appearance next. We've heard a lot about this handsome young man from our local radio station. He went to school with one of the DJ's who is promoting the heck out of Bryce, and he really does deserve the promotion. Bryce is a great looking man with talent to spare. His first single was just recently release. It is titled "It's Only Monday". He also sang "That Train". He has a blend of several different styles, which makes him a fresh talent. We're sure we will see more of Bryce in the near future and am looking forward to seeing him perform live again.

The next powerhouse of an act, Keith Anderson, totally stole the show for the afternoon. For being a relative newcomer, he really had the crowd out of their seats, cheering and yelling and having a good ole time. We have been following Keith and his career for several years and this former winner of the Colgate Country Showdown has done nothing else except impress us. He started his set with an audience participation song, "Wrap Around". He then told how he came from a large family where he has in excess of 10 aunts and uncles on each side. The uncles are all 350 lbs plus and the aunts are 400 plus pounds. He is the smallest one in the family, and he is not small(but he is perfect eye candy for the gals). This was the introduction for the next song "XXL" (double x-L). Next he did the title song from his new cd "Three Chord Harmony and American Rock and Roll". This song was co-written by Jeffrey Steel who also produced the cd. Country radio has needed a shot in the arm from the likes of Keith for a long time, we feel that Keith is the one to do the job. He told about growing up in the small Oklahoma town of Podunk, which is just north of Miami(pronounced My-am-ma) where you look forward all week to cruising Main St. for the weekend excitement. He ended the set with his first and current song on the radio "Picking Wildflowers". Keith Anderson is the one to watch. Keith is more towards country rock,. He is extremely good looking, has exceptional talent, and is just an all around nice guy. Do yourself a favor. Pick up a copy of his cod, then see him perform live, and we're am sure you would agree with us. Watch out Keith Urban, Keith Anderson has arrived!

Jessica Andrews took to the stage next. She is one talent that has been overlooked. She was looking just as beautiful as ever. Among her set list was "Who I Am", which was co-written by Brett James (another major overlooked artist- Remember "Chasing Amy")and one of Nashville's best songwriters. She also sang a new song "The Gentleman Plays Guitar" which we liked a lot and ended with her new single which is just being release to radio next month"Summer Girl". Jessica deserves to have radio give her a listen again. Please call your radio stations and request her new song next month.