Sugarland

Blog by Shedana

 

I’m usually one who likes to read reviews from fans from previous shows to see what I have in store for myself before I attend a show. But this was one of the few shows where I stayed clear of reviews and pictures. I stayed away from the fan club forums. I wanted to experience everything naturally. My friends and I started the day out early by going to the preshow party at the Hard Rock Café’, which was directly across from the Target Center. It was fun to be around a bunch of other Sugarland fans, and the food was delicious! Then it came time to play some Sugarland trivia. I was a little rusty but did pretty well! Then it was off to get in line for the Sugarpit.

 

As the time for doors were to open drew near, we were handed one of the LOVE flags and were told it would be used for a special moment during the show. FUN! The evening began with Matt Nathanson. Thanks to Sugarland performing “Come on Get Higher” in their shows past, I was familiar with Matt’s music. Who should come out to sing “Come on Get Higher” but Kristian himself! The crowd went nuts as they sang along! Little Big Town was a perfect choice to join Sugarland on this tour. I unfortunately missed the tour when they opened for them a few years ago, so this was perfect.

 

When I heard the opening notes to “All We Are”, I knew I was in for one heck of a show. The “Incredible Machine” album has become one of my all time favorites and to kick off the show with one of my favorite tracks really got me pumped for what else was to come.

 

Some of my favorite parts of any Sugarland show are Jennifer’s facial expressions. She’s so animated and I love trying to capture them all in pictures. My friend and I moved further back in the Sugarpit to experience the full stage show. Being that the tour was called The Incredible Machine tour, I knew they would have to perform the title track – which is my absolute favorite from the album. I freaked when they started playing it. Not too many people around me were singing the words, but I was in my own little word singing along. "CALLIN’! CALLIN’!"

 

Another favorite moment was hearing “Baby Girl” done campfire style. Jennifer even took a girl’s cell phone and left a message for the girl’s mom! I loved getting to see many of the songs off of Incredible Machine come to life live. The album is perfect for arenas!! As the show was nearing its end, we still didn’t get use of our LOVE flags. That is until “Stand Up”. After Jennifer spray painted her flag, everyone in the pit began waving theirs. Sugarland brought out Little Big Town to sing the song. They said that they would be recording the performance and proceeds from the sale of it would go to help those affected by the tornadoes in Alabama. It was an honor to be a part of that moment.

 

Little Big Town left the stage for a brief moment, only to come back out for the encore song of “Like a Prayer”. It was a fun song to end the show with, but having the show come to end was so sad. The show seemed to fly by so fast, but all great shows do. As I walked out of the arena I was glad I didn’t read reviews. I would have hated knowing all the little surprises sprinkled throughout the show!

 

Thank you, Shedana, for sharing your story! We always love hearing from a fan!