Walking up to the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville creates a sense of expectation....expectation of what might happen over the next few hours. This converted revival hall seems to impose a sense of reverence as you walk into the concert hall. Maybe its the wooden pews or the high windows or just the weight of all the history that has occurred within its walls. All I know is that it takes a good showman to bring the audience out of this reverential state to their feet singing and dancing.
Last night at the Robert Earl Keen concert, Sherry and I experienced this transition over the 2 hour set. By the time he wrapped up with a rocking version of The Road Goes On Forever and a completely unplugged acoustic version of Walkin' Cane, the crowd was on their feet wanting more. To say the least, this was the best REK show that I have ever been to.
As we were leaving, there was a feeling of needing to remain behind. I think that is the spirit of the Ryman....it keeps a piece of all who perform there and a little of all who show up to listen.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment