Monday’s performance by Old Crow Medicine Show at the Globe-News Center was significant for a number of reasons.
First, it attracted an audience that crossed genre and even age lines- it was a remarkably diverse crowd.
Second, it was apparent to me as I was sitting in the audience that the Amarillo area is hungry for entertainment, and we are an appreciative bunch when it is delivered.
Third, due to the recent flood damage at the Amarillo Civic Center, this show was moved into the Globe-News Center, a serendipitous event for those who attended. The Globe-News Center is a world-class hall and I’m hopeful that it can be utilized for more events like this in the future.
Now, let’s talk about the performance itself.
The seven members of Old Crow Medicine Show are all multi-instrumentalists, and hardly any of them played the same instrument for more than two songs in a row. In fact, one of their stage hands had only one job: to pass instruments from one musician to another between songs. It was a high energy performance from the very first notes. The set list contained tunes from their entire catalog, as well as the occasional burst of dancing. They were thoroughly engaged with the audience. They made sure that everyone had a great time. I know I did.
Frontman Ketch Secor made an announcement from the stage that they would be selling copies of their brand new CD Remedy and signing autographs in the lobby after the show, proving this band understands the current landscape of the music industry and realizes the importance of connecting with their audience on a grass-roots level.
This was not your typical Monday night in Amarillo, and we are all enriched because of it.
