Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
Renfro Valley, KY
June 18th, 2005
Review By: Cole
Patty's given me much more than just her amazing music- she's given me some of the greatest friends ever simply
because of that music. Through the past 19 years of following her, I've made some wonderful friendships with other Loveless Lunatics. Some I've known for 15 years- some we just met. But we've all bonded for the same reason. We've said before we've kinda got our own Patty family--and if that's the case, Renfro Valley is like a family reunion. For as long as I can remember--a ton of "loyals" have been going to that show. I know before I even get to Renfro that we're going to be with so many other Lunatics. This year was no exception.
When Tammie and I arrived at the venue, we met up with Brad and Janet and sat around at the picnic tables for awhile, swapping stories from the past few days and last year's tour. We ended Tour 2004 last year with Brad and Janet- so it was wonderful to have them with us for this show to kick off the new tour. Before too long, we met up with "Lazarus" once again, who also showed us his Harley, so we could come back and show pictures of it on the boards to Bob J. We all chatted- mainly trying to kill some time before the doors opened!
We took our seats not too soon before the show started, and had to laugh- Tammie was sitting directly behind me, Brad and Janet sitting directly next to me- Lazarus & Vicki sitting in front of us, just a few spots over- and before too long, Richard and Patti showed up, and were directly in front of me. None of us bought our tickets together, so it was so funny to see that we were all sitting together. While that was our group in that area, it certainly wasn't the end of our friends in the area- we discovered Valerie sitting just across from us, with Steve and Sue just down the row from her. And to the right side of the stage, way far away from us sat Jess and Mike, as well as an old friend of mine, Molly. There were plenty of others there, but we just didn't have the time to find them all!
Renfro Valley has their rule for allowing people to go to the front of the stage for the first three songs to take photographs. We were super closer, but Richard and I hopped up to take photos anyway- it was too hard to see her with everyone standing in front of us. It was great to stand up to the stage, with Patty standing
right there above you. What could be better?
The set list was basically the same as it was the night before- with the simple switch of "Someone I Used to Know" wasn't sang at this one- "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive" was sang (at both shows) instead, which is always fitting for Kentucky shows. I've always noted that Kentucky audiences appreciate the song more than any other crowd I've seen. At this particular show, she said her brother Mike was there to see her- and that it was the first time he had seen her perform in about 20 years. Before singing 'Grandpa', she also pointed out that one of Emory's aunts was there, that she had lost a sister this year, and that was Patty's mother in law. She sang "Grandpa" for Emory's Aunt that night.
Also different with this set list- "On Your Way Home" was on the set list, and she did sing that instead of "Here I Am" this night, which we were all thrilled with. Nice that we were treated with "Here I Am" twice and then "On Your Way Home" this weekend.
The crowd went nuts over
ALL of the new stuff- which was the same reaction as the night before. I've not really seen that great of a reaction to so much new material of hers in a long time- it was fabulous to see everyone was digging it! Again, at this show, "Big Chance" just stood out to me. Think it's going to be my favorite on the new cd. I also was really captivated by "My Old Friend The Blues"- it amazes me at how crystal clear she sounds. We got Steve Earle's version prior to going to the shows- and I just loved the song, but once you hear HER sing it--you'll be blown away! There are a few parts in the lyrics that I just love:
Just when every ray of hope was gone
I should have known that you would come along
I can't believe I ever doubted you
My old friend the blues
Another lonely night, a nameless town
If sleep don't take me first, you'll come around
'Cause I know I can always count on you
My old friend the blues
Lovers leave and friends will let you down
But you're the only sure thing that I've found
No matter what I do I'll never lose
My old friend the blues
There was no encore during the first show, since they didn't have time. After the first show we headed outside to spend some time with Marcia, and to hook up with Anita and Jessica, who were sitting with us for the second show.
It always seems like the second show at Renfro is better than the first. Maybe it's because she does encores and just lets loose- she doesn't have to "worry" about time as much. This year was no different- the second show as great! As the emcee at the venue said when we all screamed-- "the wooers are back!", which just hyped us up a little more for the show. We had a GREAT row this show- the folks next to us were really into it, and the wife had said she bought the tickets for her husband for Valentines Day. Turns out he was so flabbergasted with Patty- when he went to the stage to take photos and she was shaking hands, he was too nervous to touch her.
The second show we were in the center section, which proved to be great, because we were sitting in front of Marcia- and we had come prepared for her last show with us, Tammie sporting a Marcia shirt, and us carrying in Marcia signs. After the acoustic set, Tammie, Anita and I each held up a sign that said "Marcia", so we spelt out "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia"- and the second she saw it, we flipped them around for her to read "We'll, Miss, You". She loved it!
At each show, when she announced she had a new record coming out, the audiences cheered, which was a great sign. Everyone seemed very impressed with she dedicated "Dreamin My Dreams" to Waylon Jennings, and performed her rendition of it. I'm so glad Patty and Emory added some stuff to the song- I noticed that Waylon's version was only two minutes long. Patty's was much longer.
Patty had a ton of energy second show- and was certainly very animated. Her encores were "You Don't Even Know Who I Am" and "Elvis"- and she had us cracking up during "Elvis" as she 'acted out' some of the lines in the song. We wont spoil it for you- just hope she does it at the shows you see her at! She was a hoot!
As I said in the last review, the band was just smokin' this weekend. I don't know how they could really improve over the year, because I thought they sounded killer for their second week out! I will say...not complaining about it, but I sure do miss the keyboards! Without the keys, Guthrie has some extra stuff to play, and he does a fabulous job with it, but I miss the keys--
ESPECIALLY on "I Try to Think About Elvis". Marcia kept telling us everything sounded great without keys and I probably wouldn't even notice that much. I agree, it sounded great, but I really noticed the keyboards absence. I know she doesn't have the keys on the new album, nor does she on "On Your Way Home", but...LOL I'm just not used to her not having them in a live show too.
We were so sad to see the show end- it brought an end of a killer weekend with four Patty shows. All in all we traveled over 2000 miles, and spent way too much money on tickets, hotels, and gas- but she was worth every cent. We not only saw four great Patty Loveless concerts, we got to spend some time with some of our extended 'Patty Family', and got the chance to spend time with Marcia on our last weekend with her. This was my 150th Patty Loveless show- and I'm nowhere near it being my last!
The evening was capped off with what we all hope will happen...Patty came out and signed autographs for a very large crowd outside! I was quite pleased, I now have met her at each "milestone" show- 50, 100, and now 150. Thanks Patty for coming out to sign!
To everyone that I met back up with...Richard, Patti, Brad, Janet, Valerie, Mike, Jess, Steve, Sue, Molly, Mike H-- it was wonderful to see you all again. I can't wait till our next meet up!
Tammie, Jess, and Anita- I had soooo much fun with you girls, as usual! Anita, Jess- I've missed you!
And finally, to Marcia....thanks for such a great weekend, and a great Saturday. We're so lucky to have gained such a wonderful friendship over the past year. You will be missed in the band!
