CMAfest Greased Lightning Riverfront Stages Review

Today at the riverfront stages, the heat was close to unbearable. You could see the stress the artists were under due to the heat. I know they were all happy to be up there performing for their fans, but with all that heat your heart just has to go out to them.

The Pajama Party consisted of Deborah Allen, The Kinley's, and Michelle Wright. They did some of the old songs and were great on the new songs. Michelle is sounding and looking as good as she ever did. Deborah's "Baby I Lied" and Michelle's "Take it Like A Man" are classics still worthy of listening to today.

The Seals brothers consists of Dan Seals and Jimmy Seals of Seals and Crofts fame to the stage next, still sounding as good as they ever did. Aaron Lines, Pin Monkey and Memarie filled out this portion of the show.

The next portion was Tammy Cochran. She is sounding better than I've heard her recently. James Otto was a fair favorite and was received quite well. He is a member of the Muzik Mafia that plays at Mercy Lounge every Tuesday night.

Steve Azar was next and Lynn Anderson still looks and sounds wonderful. She is always a real treat to see in person. Scotty Emerick is one of my favorite songwriters. He showed his multiple talents to perfection on stage today. Next was Trent Wilmont. I never saw him before and was impressed. I think we will be hearing more from him in the future.

By this time, the heat really had the artists and the crowd subdued. Jessica Andrews showed what she was really made of. She was as great as ever. Jimmy Wayne was the crowd favorite of the day. He did his 2 hits "I Love You This Much" and " Stay Gone". His cd is truly one of the best I've ever owned. Jimmy is destined to be a superstar.

Next up was Hilljack one of my favorite groups. They are a Texas style band and include swing numbers. The lead singer is Paul Jefferson. Their lead guitarist is Porter Howell of Little Texas. Porter was missed today but the band still rocked. Their first single is "Bigger Than Dallas" Their self-titled CD was just recently released and is one of the most played in my collection. They even honored a request from the audience and sang "Texas 101".

Josh Turner did his "Long Black Train" and showed us all why he got the very rare standing ovation the first time he appeared at the Grand Ole Opry. Connie Smith is as lovely as ever. She is a singers' singer and is timeless. Eddy Raven was the last act.

Despite the heat, today's riverfest stages were a lineup of superb talent. Thank you everyone for sharing your special talents with all of us fans.