Before I begin yet another post about a concert I have attended, I feel the need to explain why I attend so many concerts. As I am sure the three people reading are asking....why do you go to so many concerts? Or haven't you seen that show before?
For me, it is three hours (give or take) where I can leave all the stress, decisions, work and all around thinking behind and just live in the moment for the time the artist is on the stage. I finally figured out the best way to explain it to my male friends... it is my golf. And that is an analogy most people understand.
So, without further explanation... my trip to the Farm.
First let me start by saying I love seeing mainstream artists in places that are not typical. For example, years ago I saw Kenny Chesney in Winston-Salem in a small venue that might hold 500 people. And this was when he could already sell out stadium shows. And hands down - still rates as the best show I have seen by Kenny. So last year when I learned that Luke Bryan puts on a Farm Tour where he basically pulls up in a field in rural areas and puts on a show - count me in. And trust me - it didn't disappoint!
This was the second time that I went with a group to Culler Farm, which is basically in the middle of nowhere South Carolina. But I don't say that as a bad thing - there is something very cool about it and on a large scale reminds me of some of the weekend nights back home down a dirt road listening to music and talking with friends for hours.
(yep - just a field... oh and Luke's bus riding through. Plus notice the fair like food stands and take note for later in the post!)
We purchased a VIP package, which promised a viewing area, air conditioned bathroom trailer (key people!) and concierge. Well... let's just say I could give the event company a run for their money at what they call VIP. And let's just leave it at that. (Unless you are Luke or his management reading this... and in that case... call me. Have been to several events by the company you use and trust me I could do what they do better... and with my eyes closed!) (Disclaimer 2: this last paragraph was not a reflection on Luke or the Farm Tour. This was a contracted out service through an event company.)
So when we saw where the VIP viewing area was (read about 200 feet from the stage on the side) we had to make a decision - stand in the VIP area or go in and fight the GA crowd to get a spot. And that is what we did.
We had a plan about where we wanted to be and sent one of our friends literally running to stake our place. Now there is one problem with this - once you claim your space - there is no moving or you lose your spot. So for the next few HOURS this is how you found me - hot, tired, really needing a water and well we won't even discuss the bathroom. PLUS I could smell the fair food and see the sign for the Corn Dogs from where I was standing - this was going to be hard people. (see above for pic of mentioned corn dog stand!)
(Literally sitting in a field of grass...errr....dirt....and notice how CLOSE the people are all around me...but don't take this the wrong way... still having fun!)
Once the shows started we realized how great our standing space was - however, we also realized that we might just get smushed against the stage from all of the people pushing their way up against us. And this was not pleasant! However, we learned some valuable tactical techniques that we perfected before Luke came on stage...as in when you see the performer coming your way, be sure and plant your feet, wide apart for balance, and stick your bum out to the back. You laugh people... but technique is critical here!
Oh and for the record, the lineup was some cute girl (name unknown...sorry!), the Peach Pickers, Cole Swindell and Luke Bryan.
For all of the pushing and shoving...when Luke Bryan came on... it was all worth it. And we will end with that - no need to rehash the parking fiasco leaving (what do you expect though... one road in... and lots of cars!) or the late night drive back to Charlotte - but end on the best Luke Bryan concert I have seen this year (and yes my proximity to the stage had something to do with that!) and I can make that statement very clearly since I have seen him in multiple shows and in multiple venues including an arena (or three), amphitheater (or two), stadium (or two) and now a field.
So a few pictures to let you experience it for yourself!
That is not haze...or fog... that is the amount of dirt that is swirling all around. Told you - welcome to the FARM!
Cole Swindell was great - puts on a really great show and is going to be a great headliner in his own right!
And this was how close we were to Luke.... no zoom people... and at times I had to step back from where I was standing because I was pretty sure he was going to step on me. Or fall... and that we would not have minded!
One of my friends that went with me asked if I got a great pic of his face... ummm...no because I was looking up at him all night. That close people...but plenty of his chin. Ha! These pics do not depict that... because well let's keep it PG and the close photos tend to be a little lower on him since he is so tall. Understand?
And just to show how close we were at times if you haven't figured it out yet - my camera would not even focus most of the time... and well here you go.
And one final parting shot from the Farm... real live animals. Two years in a row we went by these lamas... still cracks me up!
So for everyone reading this... I recommend you check out the Luke Bryan Farm Tour 2015. Hope to see you next year down on the Farm (if he comes close again to NC)!
If you wish to read about my Farm Tour 2013 experience...
click here!
If you are still here... a few videos of the experience... or at least the ones that were the size I could upload!
