Sunday, September 9, 2012, KUPL held it's first "Stars & Guitars" concert at Alderbrook Park in Brush Prairie, Washington.
The concert was to honor all military personnel, veterans and first responders. Tickets were given free to any of these people.
Alderbrook Park is a beautiful place, and an excellent venue for an all day event like "Stars & Guitars". Plenty of room for concert goers, and those looking for other things to do as well. Even the weather was perfect; not too hot, or too cold the entire time.
KUPL's inaugural "Stars & Guitars" concert featured a mix of new and established, local and national country acts.
Ben Rue, from Sliverton, Oregon got things started with a short set of tunes he'd written, as well as a few cover songs; like David Lee Murphy's "Dust On the Bottle".
Rue's voice complimented each song he performed, and judging from the people gathered to meet him after his set, he was a definite crowd pleaser.
Next up was local favorite, Kurt Van Meter. As always, Kurt was the ultimate professional, and kept concertgoers entertained throughout his set. From slow songs, to uptempo, and everything in between, Kurt had the audience's attention the whole time.
Unlike some concerts, very little time was spent between acts. Almost as soon as one artist was done, the next was onstage. In this case, "next" was another local act, Cloverdayle.
Like Kurt Van Meter, Cloverdayle has been a local favorite for quite awhile; though recently the duo, (Chad and Rachel), has spent some time in Nashville, recording their music. Among the songs Cloverdayle played was their current single, "Like We Were Kids Again". KUPL has been playing the song during it's overnights, and you could tell, there were those in the crowd who had heard the song before.
During their set, Cloverdayle played other music from their new CD, and even brought Ben Rue back onstage to sing a duet he'd recorded with them. Once again, another great set was performed during "Stars & Guitars".
There was a longer pause in the action after Cloverdayle, as the stage was set for that day's first national act, Lonestar.
When it came time to introduce the band, Earthquake Jake, from "Simon in the Morning", was the man for the job. As Jake told the crowd, he begged to be able to introduce the band, because they're his all-time favorite group.
Despite some technical difficulties during their set, Lonestar still managed to put on a stellar performance. They played many of their most popular hits, as well as some new tunes from their latest CD. Watching them perform, it makes one wonder why these guys aren't still having hits on the radio; they definitely still have the talent for country radio.
Another short break, then it was time for newcomer Andy Gibson.
Though Gibson is new to radio as a singer, ("Wanna Make You Love Me" and "Summer Back"), many have already heard a song of his. Gibson wrote the Jason Aldean/Kelly Clarkson #1 hit, "Don't You Want To Stay".
Gibson did all of these songs, and more he's written and recorded for his upcoming CD. Andy Gibson is someone to be watching for on the horizon; this talented young man deserves to make it big in country music.
Following Andy Gibson was Dustin Lynch. From the crowd reaction, Lynch was who the majority was there to see.
During the other performances, concertgoers were sitting listening to the music, or wandering Alderbrook Park. As soon as Lynch hit the stage however, a swarm of people, (mostly teenage girls), gathered at the front of the stage, singing and rocking along during Lynch's entire set; and he didn't disappoint either. Lynch proved to be an ultimate entertainer, playing and singing his best, and interacting with the crowd. You could tell he was having fun, and that fun was rubbing off on the crowd as well.
After Dustin Lynch was through, quite a few in the crowd left the concert; which was too bad, because more great music was in store.
Following Dustin Lynch, the Mavericks took the stage.
Though the Mavericks have just recently reunited and are working on a new project out this month; it seems lead singer, Raul Malo was the only original member in attendance this day. No worries though, Malo played many of the Mavericks early hits, as well as new music the band has been working on. The only real letdown to the Mavericks' performance was that it seemed much shorter than the other acts, and it seemed most people weren't really paying attention to the music.
Once the Mavericks were through, it was time for the day's headliner, Craig Morgan.
Morgan proved to be the perfect artist to wrap up an incredible day of music. He was funny, very interactive with the audience, and poured his heart and soul in to every song he sang; which he sang perfectly as well.
From his signature hit, "That's What I Love About Sunday", through all his hits and including his current radio single, "More Trucks Than Cars", Morgan kept the crowd on their feet, clapping cheering and laughing along with him.
All too soon however the show was over. What a day it had been though! There aren't many concerts like this, where you can see so many great acts for only $20; well worth it for sure!
During the concert there had been talk about possibly holding KUPL's "Countryfest" at Alderbrook Park. After "Stars & Guitars, at the venue, I'd have to agree, it would be an excellent place for that event. Can't wait to see if it happens; and also can't wait to see if there will be another "Stars & Guitars" concert next year. I sure hope so!
