All The Trouble In Seattle - LEE ANN WOMACK Review! 3/1/18
Lee Ann Womack
Eddie Berman
Tractor Tavern
Seattle, WA
3/1/18
Greetings,
Four shows in five days may not be much to some in the media
but for me it's a lot. Fortunately I
didn't have a show to cover Wednesday night (the day before), which allowed me
to recharge my batteries and get ready to commit 100% to Thursday's show, which
was a highlight for me - Lee Ann Womack.
When I cover a show for Eclectic Arts - that normally means
I am guest listed with a review ticket and usually a photo pass. This show was different as I went as a fan
and as media. I bought my ticket on
11/2. I then saw the details of the VIP
experience (something I've personally never done before - ever) and bought one
of those on 11/3. And then the wait
began for March 1st to get here.
During that time I reached out to the PR firm/management
that represents Ms. Womack requesting a brief interview and/or a photo pass to
officially shoot the show. When I found
out I was approved for a photo pass (but not the interview - maybe next time) I
was stoked!
I learned a long time ago to never be in the middle when it
comes to concerts. Either commit 100% or
just go casually. What I mean by that is
if I know I need to get shots at a show where there is no photo pit, and it's
general admission like the Tractor was, either I need to get in line early
before the doors open to get a good spot OR I need to just get there when I can
and work "harder" to get decent shots from further back in the crowd
(or on the bench along the brick wall at the Tractor).
Anticipation had been growing for this show since it sold
out months in advance so I knew I was going to get to the Tractor early, wait
outside (thankfully it wasn't raining), get a spot up front in front of the
stage, and just plant myself there all night.
I made good time getting to the Tractor so I ended up being
first in line. I can't remember the last
time that happened. I waited outside for
over an hour before the doors opened at 7pm.
The Tractor staff have always been cool people - every time I've gone
there - and Thursday was no exception.
They had everything for me - ticket, VIP packet, and my photo pass. Cool!
At 8pm the opener, Eddie Berman, came on and played a brief
30-minute set. The buzz of people
talking was kind of annoying but also the norm for opening acts at sold out
club shows. Singing, playing guitar and
banjo, Eddie did his best in front of the anxious crowd.
Around 8:45pm the backing band came on stage and started
playing. A six piece (yes, they all fit
on that tiny Tractor stage - I was amazed) of incredibly skilled musicians, the
energy in the Tractor erupted as soon as Lee Ann Womack walked up to the stage.
Sounding better than ever, Lee Ann sang a mix of songs from
her fantastic new album, "The Lonely, The Lonesome, and The Gone" as
well as many crowd favorites from her vast catalog. The set was long - over 20 songs aired
Thursday night - but it sure didn't feel like it as the time flew past (see
photo of the set list).
Everyone was having a great time - no issues in the crowd
that I was aware of. And it was a very
interesting mix of people at the show - old time fans, newer fans, LGBTQ fans,
fans from all walks of life, really.
And let me tell you - Lee Ann Womack is a class act - her
long career speaks to that. She was
honest, endearing, and very appreciative of the sold-out crowd at the
Tractor. And her voice - goodness - it
hasn't diminished in the least. She
sounded absolutely fantastic!
Playing just under 2 hours, she left the crowd wanting more.
And that's what the best of them always do.
After the show - the VIP area was set up quickly while the
other fans exited the venue. I waited in
line to get my photo taken with Lee Ann and have her sign my additional item
(part of the rules). She took time with
each person to greet him or her and talk briefly. When I it was my turn I walked up, she
greeted me and vice versa, and then I asked, "do you know what's
cool?" as I fumbled for my phone.
She said with a smile, "Aubrie was here" and I was like hey she
already knew. But I had photo
proof! I showed her my photo with Aubrie
that was taken in July 2016 at the very same club. She smiled warmly as she looked at the
photo. She smiled again and thanked me
for coming to both of their
shows. I got a hug and wished her safe
travels (the next show was in Bremerton, WA and then down to PDX). Aubrie Sellers is one of Lee Ann's talented
daughters for those that aren't familiar.
It was an amazing evening and experience seeing (and
meeting) Lee Ann Womack. I hope she
returns to Seattle soon. If she does -
I'll be there front and center to do it all over again.
Cheers!
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts
Special Thanks:
Matthew for the photo pass - I really appreciate it! Thank you!
Misc Notes: The VIP
Experience for this show was a very fair deal.
I don't have extra cash to be spending on VIP's like some fans. But here's what I and every other VIP got for
$50 here in Seattle:
*Signed CD
*Signed Photo (like a larger postcard)
*A meet n greet and photo op with Lee Ann Womack (with
backdrop - photo taken and uploaded online 24 hours after)
*A Seattle set list
*A VIP laminate
*One additional item of your choice signed (like your
laminate, if you bought something at the merch booth, or if you brought
something of your own)
I've seen other artists charge twice that for less
perks. Other artists should take notice
that charging $100 (and up to thousands) for VIP's is pricing out the majority
of your fans. I'm thankful this VIP was
made for the fans. Thank you!
(click on any photo for a better quality image)
Lee Ann Womack
Eddie Berman
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