Wow!

I’ve always liked Hootie & the Blowfish, since I first heard them around 1994. At least 3 times since then, I’d considered going to one of their concerts, but never did. Today, finally, I did. I was expecting a great concert. It was, but it was better than that — it was one of the best concerts I’ve ever attended. I liked the new material, loved the older material, and enjoyed the covers. The band was full of energy and the songs had grown and matured from their album versions. With between 6 and 8 people on stage, the layers of sound and avenues of expression were wider that anything I’d heard from them before. In short, I’m now more of a Hootie fan than ever. I regret all those years of concerts I’ve missed. Next time the band is anywhere near, I’ll be there. As soon as I got home I ordered their latest album Looking for Lucky. I didn’t know it was out but I certainly do now. From what I heard at the concert, it could every bit the album Cracked Rearview Mirror was.

The setting itself was great for any concert. 15 minutes from my house, abundant and close parking, great ribs before the show, no seats to mess with in front of the stage, and a great location during the concert near the stage. The weather was perfect. I’ll be back next year so long as Hootie is there.