From Kenny Chesney’s island vibes to Dierks Bentley’s southern twang, the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater continuously packs its seats with eager country music fans year-round. This Friday night, country artist Eric Church will take the mic under the Tuscaloosa stars for yet another sold out show.
“I’ve already seen him twice and he puts on an incredible show,” said Kara Gravlee, a junior majoring in marketing and specializing in international business and sales who will attend the concert tonight. “It’s going to be a ton of fun, and after all, a college town is his prime market.”
Church’s “Holdin’ My Own” tour began in January and includes 62 different shows throughout 2017. His rock-n-roll yet southern staple seems to create a memorable show as fans enjoy a set list of varied songs and sounds between acoustic guitars and vibrating drums.
“I saw Eric Church over the summer and it was the greatest show I have ever seen,” said Nicole Bracey, a junior majoring in finance. “He doesn’t just sing, he puts on a performance that’s engaging, active and all-around incredible.”
While many country crooners take the Amphitheater stage, Bracey believes this concert will be a little bit different.
“Eric Church is an extremely popular country artist,” Bracey said. “He has a number of fantastic hits and albums dating all the way back to the 2011 ‘Chief’ album featuring both hits ‘Springsteen’ and ‘Drink In My Hand,’ which highlights his ability to create music that has a ton of different meanings and sounds. Springsteen is obviously more laid back and melodic, whereas Drink In My Hand is a much louder and fun crowd-pleaser.”
Bracey said the Amphitheater has an intimate feel, which adds to the concert experience.
“It’s family weekend, so what better place to kick off family weekend in the South than at an incredible country concert?” Bracey said. “This is the sort of show you bring a handful of your friends to relax, catch up and enjoy the country hits playing live just yards away because the Amphitheater is also a super intimate venue.”
The Amphitheater is bringing in bigger names each year; Kings of Leon, Daryl Hall & John Oates and Willie Nelson will all take the stage this semester.
“I’m happy to see the Amphitheater bringing in big names like Eric Church,” Bracey said. “It’s really beneficial to the community when a ton of students and Tuscaloosa residents come together for these country concerts and support both the artists and the community in purchasing tickets. I think it’s going to take Tuscaloosa in a really good direction.”
Eric Church’s show is tonight at 7 p.m. at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater.
