I've been to a lot of concerts in my life. Bands, choirs, orchestras, large groups, small groups, individuals, comedians - just about every kind of concert you can imagine. I've seen Christian groups that only 12 people have heard of and I've seen the never-ending Cher farewell tour and the Rolling Stones. I've seen people just starting their careers (Mark Lowry back in the day) and those wrapping things up (the aforementioned Cher and the older-than-dirt-but-still-rocking Stones). Some were once-in-a-lifetime experiences (a frigid night in a tent with Rich Mullins and 20 other people singing "Awesome God" acapella after the power went out one December) and some were more run-of-the-mill - at least to our family (13+ Carman concerts, 4 Amy Grant concerts, several Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman concerts). I grew up on old-school Southern Gospel music (much to my mother's horror and disgust) , learned to play classical masterpieces on my violin, can sing in a number of languages and got an 'A' in the history of Jazz in college. I'm musically well rounded to say the least. My iPod looks like a record store. One thing I have never - EVER - done is see a concert by a country artist.

Well, I won't be able to say that for long. Tomorrow night, I will be among the sold out crowd at the Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson tour. I am very excited about it - my first country concert! All right, many people would argue that Reba isn't exactly old-school country - I say that she's country enough to qualify as far as I'm concerned. The reviews have been outstanding, so I am very much looking forward to seeing what Reba and Kelly have to offer - unfortunately, the weather is threatening to run my country hoe-down experience - possibly 5 inches of snow with strong winds. It could get ugly, but as long as the concert is on, I'm there. I may not make it home, but Mom and Dad only live a few miles from the venue, so I'll be playing it by ear.

Oh, and happy belated Kansas Day!!