Tim McGraw’s Private Party

How much closer can you get?  An intimate private show, featuring Tim McGraw in a trendy Nashville loft.  The venue has no real address.  Just a door off Broadway, that takes you to a freight elevator, you ride up 3 floors, and there it is.  Once inside, there’s a large open space, a number of well-placed and well stocked bars, and a stage area.  Not actually a stage in the traditional sense.  But a stage area, where the band sets up, surrounded by a sound system, and industrial lights.  That was the setting for an invitation-only event the night before the CMA Awards. 

The music began with a 30 minute set by the legendary Mavericks.  They’ve played literally thousands of shows like this, first in their original Miami home, and then in packed clubs around the country.  Led by the gifted Raul Malo, the band glided through a set of new songs, as well as classics including a tender take on “O What A Thrill.”  They’ll release a long-awaited reunion CD, titled “In Time” early next year.

After a set change, on to the main course.   Tim McGraw spent the summer of 2012 performing in a couple dozen stadiums around the country with longtime friend Kenny Chesney.  So it’s rare to see him in such a small room.  It’s around 9:30 as the band assembles on stage.  Then, “The Man” entered, holding a coffee cup, as he stepped up to his personal mic stand.  Tim opened with a recent #1, “Felt Good On My Lips,” followed by the 1997 hit “For a Little While.”  The set was peppered with classics from his nearly-20-year career, including a song he hardly performs these days, “Red Rag Top.”  He also introduced several new songs from his forthcoming CD, “Two Lanes Of Freedom.”  One song that received a lot of attention was “Nashville Without You,” with lyrics saying it would just be another river city, but it wouldn’t be Nashville without you.

This wasn’t a traditional concert.  No chairs set in rows.  As you can see from the photos, the crowd stood an arms-length from McGraw himself.  Quite a memorable experience for all who attended.  As usual for a Nashville show, there were plaques.  Tim was presented a plaque that said he was the most-played country artist during the past 20 years.  That means his music has been played more on country radio than any other artist during that time.  Not hard to believe, given the number of hits he’s had during that time.  Tim was later joined by R&B singer Ne-Yo for a couple of songs. He then performed his new single, “One Of Those Nights,” a song that will be included on his new CD, “Two Lanes Of Freedom,” which is expected to be released on February 5th. 

Photo credit: TheGreenroomPR

Tags: mcgraw

Category: Photos