The Center for the Performing Arts
University Park,IL
June 5th, 2004
Review by: Mike H
I just got back from Patty's show In University Park Illinios. The venue is The Center for Perfoming Arts, on the Government State Campus. about 45 min. south of Chicago's loop. I really like the way Patty starts her shows, there is no big hopla, no big intro, the house lights go out, the band takes thier place, Deanie walks to center stage, and Martin counts Deanie to 3 and she starts a great fiddle solo, as Patty slowly walks to the mic stand. That is a great way to start a concert.The first 3 songs are "Tear-Stained Letter" "You Can Feel Bad" "Nothin' But The Wheel". She talked for a little bit, mentioning George Jones and Then Sang 'You Don't Seem To Miss Me", and "You Don't Even Know Who I Am", "The Trouble With The Truth", "Halfway Down" Guthrie did a great guitar lead in. "Draggin' My Heart Around", "Nothing Like The Lonely" Deanie did a great fiddle lead in with Patty humming these 2 ladies are a great team.
Then it was time for "Grandpa" this song by it's self was worth the price of admition I can't get over this song it's simple, touching and Patty and band make it seem effertless, even when they are giving it 110%, I don't know how Patty hits that note without taking a breath, she is the best. I think it is the perfect country song, sung as only Patty can sing it. Next was a 15 minute intermission, first time a have seen Patty do that. They came back to the stage with the Mountain Soul set "The Boys Are Back In Town", "I'll Never Grow Tired Of You", "Daniel Prayed", "Cheap Whiskey", "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive" which got the biggest pop from the crowd and a standing ovation from about half of the house, Patty got a little emotional from it and thanked everyone, a brief story about her father started "Harlan", "Pretty Little Miss" finished the MS set. Patty, Gary, and Marcia have great harmony together what a delight to here them sing together. "On Your Way Home", "Lovin'All Night","Don't Toss Us Away" Travis did an amazing steel solo on "Toss", and "Blame It On Your Heart" ended the show, and they did thier bows, but the crowd was loud and they came back out for 1 encore song "Here I AM".It was a good 2 hours of amazing country music, the way country music oughta' be.
