It was a chilly 40 degree day with the rain holding out and only sprinkling in between acts. Gloriana kicked off their set second to last with a brand new unreleased song “Trouble.” What I noticed first was the band’s strong stage presence and how dedicated these musicians are to their band. It’s always cool when bands play unreleased songs live, especially first in the set. It was announced that the band’s next song was the first song that they’ve ever put out, the high energy sing along, “Wild At Heart.” A couple of songs later, the band surprised the crowd with a John Mellencamp cover that had everybody in the audience subconsciously singing along. “Wanna Take You Home” showcased Tom’s strong lead vocals with the other two’s harmonies effortlessly layered on top. Rachel pointed out for humor that the next song “Sunset Lovin” was perfect for parking lots the stage was set up in. The band was later introduced in separate instrumental show-offs which transferred into a cover that made me reevaluate what I was seeing, a “Come Together” cover with every member on stage and in the audience singing along, even the bassist came to the center stage microphone. The band concluded the set with their newest catchy tune “Best Night Ever” and the song that lived on the charts and what really made Gloriana; Gloriana, “(Kissed You) Good Night.”
At about 9:20 pm, The Band Perry began and I was taken completely off guard as soon as Kimberly Perry took the stage. I hadn’t had the slightest idea of what to expect from the soft spoken chart smashing “If I Die Young” band. The Band Perry had a huge production, back lit screens, a multitude of light arrangements, and even choreographed moves from the whole band! Such as the band members would bend over and twist in unison and things of that nature during certain song parts. During the third song, I heard some technical difficulties but coming from an audiophile, the average folk didn’t likely notice. Kim remained playing professionally straight through it and I commend that. “All Your Life” was a love song featuring the three siblings sitting on stools all playing with the other band members. I really enjoyed the arrangement. It was obvious to see how much time and effort is put into the band’s stage production. The entire band had such high energy and even told jokes about themselves and what they’ve heard in their lives between interludes. “A teacher in 8th grade told me, there’s lots of pretty girls out there, just be glad you’re smart!” from Kim, “Your hair is too long for country music, well I ain’t gonna cut it!” from Reid and a third one liner from her other brother Neil, the mandolin player, “I put the man in mandolin!” Kim is a great stage leader and a fantastic talker.
Before the album titled song “Pioneer,” Kim was giving tips to musicians, such as myself, but tips that could apply to anyone theoretically, “take things one song at a time and never quit!” I really needed to hear that. Jason Fitz was fantastic on violin playing the star-spangled banner, an arrangement on violin I’ve personally never heard. There’s a first for everything! What really struck me is how effortlessly he played in such cold weather! The band concluded with their more famous song, “If I Die Young” which had the remaining crowd, who stuck though the lovely below average Springtime temperatures, singing along. They make it known that they’re good, and they are.
Setlist:
The Band Perry Set List:
Done
Night Gone Wasted
You Lie
All Your Life
I’m A Keeper
Forever Mine
Hip To My Heart
Star Spangled Banner (Francis Scott Key cover)
Pioneer
Amazing Grace (Violin solo-John Newton Cover)
Timber (Ke$ha cover)
Chainsaw
Fat Bottomed Girls (Queen cover) Double Heart
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely
Encore
If I Die Young Better Dig Two
Glorianna Set List:
Trouble (New)
Wild At Heart
If You’re Leaving
Can’t Shake You
Jack and Diane (John Mellencamp Cover)
Go On…Miss Me
Wanna Take You Home
Lead Me On
Sunset Lovin’
You Said
Come Together (Beatles Cover)
Best Night Ever
(Kissed You) Good Night
Photos by Gus Griesinger. We would like to thank Miriam Friday from Splash Publicity from the credentials to review the show.
