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Post by topgsfan on Feb 3, 2013 0:15:18 GMT -5
 Does anyone know how I can get my avatar shaped like it is above? Thanks! It's 100 x 113 pixils. Jane, It looks stretched. My avatar's width and height are both 100. Go back and play with yours until you get what you want. Try changing the height from 113 to 100. Kora, thanks! It looks a little better, but might work with it a little more. |
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Post by topgsfan on Feb 4, 2013 23:30:29 GMT -5
George's "Give It All We Got Tonight" jumped from #21 to #19 on Mediabase.
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Post by topgsfan on Feb 4, 2013 23:36:31 GMT -5
I'm leaving for Vegas early tomorrow to see George. [/size]  Whoopie!!!!
Will return Tuesday, probably.[/quote] Lucky girl! Can't wait for your review! |
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Post by topgsfan on Feb 5, 2013 23:50:32 GMT -5
Kora, what a great review! It made me feel like I was there....only wish I was! I also read somewhere that George leaves Martina flowers in her dressing room. I think that is so sweet!
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Post by kora on Feb 6, 2013 14:05:40 GMT -5
Kora, what a great review! It made me feel like I was there....only wish I was! I also read somewhere that George leaves Martina flowers in her dressing room. I think that is so sweet! Thanks, Jane. I really enjoyed it. Hope you get a chance to see George before he stops touring. |
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Post by kora on Feb 6, 2013 14:37:55 GMT -5
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Post by kora on Feb 6, 2013 16:01:11 GMT -5
I'm trying to catch up on other concert info. Here's one the day before Vegas. Concert Review - Sacramento, Sleep Train Arena, Jan. 31, 2013George Strait is `Pure Country' in SacramentoBy Jim Harrington Oakland Tribunemercurynews.com February 2, 2013 2:33 AM Martina McBride summed up the evening's mood quite nicely. "I am the luckiest girl in the world," she said early in her opening set. "You know why? "Because I get to tour with George Strait." She wasn't the only feeling fortunate on Thursday. Some 16,500 fans -- a capacity crowd -- seemed thrilled to be at the George Strait show at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento. The fact that McBride -- easily one of the 10 greatest female artists in country music history -- was the opening act was just a sizable bonus for attending. Not that one needs an extra reason for going to see Strait. "The King of Country" has already given fans plenty over the decades. He has, after all, scored 59 No. 1 hits in his 30-plus-year career -- more than any artist (country or otherwise) in history. That number includes such all-time country greats as "You Look So Good in Love," "The Chair" and "A Fire You Can't Put Out." None of those songs, or any other chart-topper that could make his set list, stood as the best reason for buying a ticket to the show. The most important one was the chance to see Strait, quite possibly, for the last time. Strait's current The Cowboy Rides Away Tour is being billed as his final road show. When it ends, Strait will allegedly saddle up and, indeed, ride away. Hopefully, the tour will make another pass through Northern California -- especially since it completely skipped over the Bay Area this time around. As of right now, however, that's only wishful thinking. That's why I decided to make the long trek up to see Strait in Sacramento. I wasn't willing to pass up what may well be my last shot at saying goodbye to the King of Country. Strait's show on Thursday was much like the one's I've seen in the past. He's never been the most energetic or animated performer. He's not one for running about the stage and trying to whip fans into a frenzy, a la those from the Garth Brooks School of Country Music Concerts. He simply strolls out, grabs his guitar and lets the songs carry the load. It's the ultimate anti-shtick, in an age where country musicians seem to be looking to Bon Jovi and Motley Crue for inspiration, and it's absolutely refreshing. Nobody does old-school better than George Strait. The Strait-ahead approach definitely worked in Sacramento, as the capacity crowd greeted each and every song as if it was absolute right choice. The 60-year-old star sounded strong as he crooned through such gems as "Ocean Front Property," "What's Going On in Your World" and "The Chair." It was nothing less than "Pure Country," delivered by the man who has defined that term for several generations of fans. Here's hoping that Thursday wasn't Strait's "last rodeo" in Northern California. The Bay Area deserves one more George Strait show. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Saying goodbye as the Aces play "The Cowboy Rides Away" www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vh6_Z4-NEYw |
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Post by kora on Feb 6, 2013 16:03:31 GMT -5
Concert Review #2 - Sacramento, Sleep Train Arena, Jan. 31, 2013
George Strait says farewell to Sacramento
by Nancy Flagg,
February 2, 2013
George Strait touched his hand to his heart, pointed to his fans and tipped his hat in his Sacramento farewell concert. “I’ll always remember you,” promised Strait, who is on his final tour after more than 30 years on the road.
The “King of Country” and his Ace in the Hole band performed to a full house on Jan. 31st at Sleep Train Arena. In neatly creased jeans with a big silver belt buckle, pinstriped pink shirt and black cowboy hat, Strait strapped on his black guitar and launched into “Here for a Good Time.”
Fans enthusiastically responded to the opening song and every song thereafter. During the most popular numbers, such as “Ocean Front Property” and “Amarillo by Morning,” nearly the entire crowd heartily sang along, almost drowning out Strait.
The audience, many in cowboy hats, ranged in age from twenties to sixties and was a testament to the enduring and widespread appeal of the King’s classic country style.
Jim Villanueva and Kristi Contartese have enjoyed Strait’s music for years and wanted to be at this concert “for the last ride.” They came to “see the King in the home of the Kings,” explained Villanueva.
In his two-hour “The Cowboy Rides Away” show, Strait drew from his extensive catalog, playing songs spanning his career.
He told stories and honored the songwriters who have been with him and helped him get started. He said that Dean Dillon and Franklin Dycus co-wrote “Marina del Rey.” When Strait was playing at Billy Bob’s Texas Honky Tonk, Dycus handed the song to Strait on a cassette tape and asked him to listen to it. He did and the song became an early hit for Strait.
Strait holds the record for no. 1 hits. With 59 chart-topping singles, he leads all artists in all musical genres.
Although Strait has perhaps performed some of his songs thousands of times, he seemed to genuinely be enjoying himself and sang each as if it were fresh.
The performance of “Troubadour” was particularly touching when Strait, who is now 60, encapsulated his career with “I was a young troubadour when I rode in on a song and I’ll be an old troubadour when I’m gone.”
As he signed off for the final time in Sacramento, Strait took some deep breaths, waved farewell and finished with “The last goodbye’s the hardest one to take.”
In her hour-plus set, McBride circled the stage set in the center of the arena and smiled and waved to the crowd. She proclaimed, “I’m the luckiest girl in the world. And, you want to know why? ‘Cause I get to tour with George Freakin’ Strait!”
Sacramento was Strait’s fifth stop on his final tour. He intends to continue recording and possibly do a few special performances, but when the last song of the tour is sung in 2014, Strait will hang up his touring boots and the cowboy will ride away.
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Post by kora on Feb 6, 2013 20:06:02 GMT -5
Ok, now it's time to cover the Fresno concert.
Concert Preview - Fresno, CA, Save Mart Center, 2/1/13
George Strait comes to Fresno, appeals to fans young and old
By Mike Osegueda - The Fresno Bee
Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013
When talking about George Strait, you could hurl any number of adjectives his way and they'd all fit: legendary, iconic, influential.
But let's skip the superfluous and just tell a story.
When 21-year-old Sara Prieto heard George Strait would be in Fresno on Friday for his "Cowboy Rides Away" tour -- his promised final march around the country in 2013 and 2014 -- she had to have tickets. And not just for her, but for her parents, too.
Jose and Rebecca Prieto are the reason she likes country music today. They used to listen to George Strait songs when they were dating, their daughter says. So she got tickets for all three of them, a monumental task, really, considering the show sold out quickly.
Tickets remain in high demand -- partially because it's the "farewell" tour and partially because, heck, it's George Strait, aka The King of Country. Don't be surprised if at year's end, tonight's show ends up being the highest attended of the year at Save Mart Center.
While one person on Craigslist is selling "George Straight" (ahem!) tickets for $600 each, Prieto is happy she's getting in. The tickets she bought ended up being an anniversary present for Mom and Dad, so tonight they'll be there together, a whole family united by George Strait.
Think about that, the impact of George Strait.
How many 21-year-olds do you know who listen to the same music as their parents, let alone go to concerts with them? Kudos to this cross-generational cowboy.
"It's pretty amazing that an artist is able to do that," Prieto says. "He's classic."
Strait has managed to do what so many musicians, no matter the genre, haven't: stay commercially viable to listeners both young and old during four decades.
Look at the numbers: 24 chart-topping albums (dating back to 1981) and 59 No. 1 singles (as recently as last year) on the country charts. Those 59 No. 1 singles are more than any other artist in any genre -- Elvis, Mariah Carey, anybody.
"He spans the generations," says Jody Jo, the morning show co-host and music director at Kiss Country (KSKS, FM 93.7). "Everybody knows who he is. He doesn't leave anyone out."
"My kids know who he is," she says. "And my mom listened to him when he was just starting out."
All of this George-Strait-going-away talk needs an asterisk. The King has only said he'll stop touring. He still plans to play and record music. But if we've learned anything from people like Cher, it's that a "farewell tour" can be as temporary as a celebrity marriage.
If one day he decides to tour again, you can be sure people will be excited to see him.
"He knows what the people want. And the people want George Strait," says Jody Jo, who can back that up with dozens of people who have been asking her for tickets.
"He never disappoints. He's the kind of guy who stands on stage and sings. He doesn't jump around like Brad Paisley, but he sure puts on a good show."
If you want a closer point of view, talk to his opening act on this final tour, Martina McBride. She's toured with Strait before, but this time around, the spot is even more coveted.
"It's very special to be a part of someone's farewell tour," McBride says. "I'm very honored. I think it'll be emotional for sure. Especially for some fans who are getting to see him for the first time."
If the sold-out show, the chart success and the heaps of praise from the world of radio don't absolutely convince you that Strait is worthy of his crown, consider these words from McBride about her spot as Strait's opening act.
"When the phone rings and it's George Strait," McBride says, "you don't turn it down."
And that is what it's like to be The King.
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Post by kora on Feb 6, 2013 21:05:18 GMT -5
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Post by grg_straitfan on Feb 6, 2013 21:54:00 GMT -5
Great review Kora! I hope I don't disappoint in my review from Grandforks. Maybe I'll have to take notes! 😉
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Post by kora on Feb 7, 2013 15:46:28 GMT -5
Tina - We missed you. I was wondering where you were. Hey, your Grand Forks is getting closer, two Saturdays from now. Yahoo!
Whatever you tell us about the concert will not be wasted on us. We can never get enough George. LOL! We like to hear what you do and your take on the concert, too. At the end of the SLC concert, I could barely hear. I didn't get to bed until after 1:00am, and by the next morning my hearing was back.
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Post by kora on Feb 7, 2013 15:49:14 GMT -5
This is well-deserved!
George Strait To Be Honored During CRS
Eric Parker • February 6, 2013
George Strait is to be honored on Tuesday, Feb. 26 with the 2013 Country Radio Broadcasters Career Achievement Award.
The presentation, which takes place during the CRB’s Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction, will recognize Strait for his significant contribution to the development and promotion of country music and country radio.
“George Strait has done a superb job promoting country music and country radio over the years. His dedication to the format and ongoing contribution to the industry as a whole make him the perfect recipient for this award,” said Mike Culotta, CRB President.
Previous winners of this award include Brooks and Dunn, Kenny Rogers, Charlie Daniels, Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire.
As previously announced, the 6 p.m. ceremony will also feature Gaylan Christie being inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame. Dr. Don Carpenter, Crook & Chase, Eddie Edwards and Bill “Dex” Poindexter will be inducted in the Air Personality category. Bob Romeo will receive the 2013 President’s Award.
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Anotlher article with a few more details.
George Strait to Receive CRB Career Achievement Award
By Sarah Wyland
George Strait will receive the 2013 CRB Career Achievement Award at the Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction on Tuesday, February 26. The award is presented to an artist or act that has made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of country music and country radio through creativity, vision, performance or leadership. George’s career in country music spans more than 30 years.
“It’s been a great career and I think one of the reasons is I’ve always been fortunate enough to have good people around me and good people to work with,” George said. “Very loyal people that I get good advice from and bounce ideas off of and know that I can count on. You know you can’t do it by yourself. You can do a lot, but you can’t do it all.”
...The rest of the article is the same as the one above....
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Post by kora on Feb 7, 2013 16:00:07 GMT -5
This article has info we already know, I think, but you may find an interesting tidbit.
George Strait Reflects on Humble Beginnings as a Musician
As George Strait bids farewell to life on the road as one of country music’s most in-demand touring act, the country legend reflects back on his early days as a young musician trying to find his voice.
“I bought a guitar and started learning how to play it with these old songbooks that had the chords there,” Strait says of his humble beginnings as a young United States Army serviceman in the ’70s (quote via USA Today). “I got to where I thought I was pretty good.”
But it wasn’t until Strait stepped foot in front of an audience that he fully understood his potential as a great entertainer. “I guess the first time I got up on stage and sang with a band and a microphone and real speakers,” he shares, “I’m thinking, ‘I love this, and I really want to make a career out of it. Maybe I can.’”
The rest is history — or so they say. Strait’s first album, ‘Strait Country,’ saw immediate success in 1981, and he began touring as one of country music’s hottest newcomers shortly after. The ‘Give It All We Got Tonight’ singer has been touring for the better part of the last three decades, and he admits that his signature headgear which makes him one of country music’s leading cowboys has become a staple piece in his live show, as well.
“Most of my stuff stays on the bus all the time,” he explains. “But I’ve left my hat (at home) on one or two occasions and had to borrow a hat from one of my guys. I can’t go out there without my hat. That’s just me.”
Strait has pledged to wrap his days as a touring act with his the Cowboy Rides Away Tour, a two-year commitment that finds the singer playing 40 dates through 2014. A handful of dates for the first leg have already sold out, proving that Strait is still a huge draw on the concert circuit.
“I never expected the fans would react like this. It’s just incredible,” the humble icon reveals. “I really do have the best fans in the world, and I’m looking forward to seeing you all on the road very soon.”
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Post by kora on Feb 8, 2013 15:57:47 GMT -5
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