Friday night saw Terri Clark return to Casino Rama after a 1 year hiatus. Terri had been playing the venue on a regular basis but didn't manage to make it up to Orillia last year. I would have to say the heart grows fonder or maybe its the crowd that does, when they don't get to see you as often. You could tell she was happy to be back in Ontario performing for a solid group of her Hat Brats (Fan Club Members).
Terri and her fantastic band kicked things off with a crowd favourite in Poor Poor Pitiful Me. This onehad the crowd situated on the floor rushing the stage, trying to get that perfect spot to witness one of Canada's most beloved female Country Artists. The night was smooth and just seemed to resonate with the audience. The stories that Terri told had the audience listening intently and laughing along. It was a impersonation of Reba that had the crowd giggling at points in the show and I have to say having seen Reba perform she nailed that impersonation to a tee.
This was my very first time seeing a full Terri Clark show. A couple years back I had a chance to catch Terri at a NASH FM show in Detroit where she sang 3 or 4 acoustic songs in front of a packed audience at the storied Fillmore. I recall that night she did a smash up job of her acoustic set and on Friday night she did it again. She pulled up a chair and sang a few without the band. I can honestly say it's performances like this that drove me to doing the Mason Jar Sessions. RAW Talent wins over synthesized pop country any day. Terri Clark is a true country artist with songs about Life, Love and Tragedy she knows how to piece together a show.
Terri made a comment early in the show that people come to see "the stuff they got drunk in college too" and is typically write but for me the highlight was a new song that so happened to be the title track to her current album "Some Songs". Just something about this one, and to hear & see it performed live was pretty amazing. One thing I have to say that I really loved about the show is Terri's connection with the audience. In between songs taking the time to tell a story or two and introduce at one point of the show her Grandmother who had just recently celebrated a 90+ birthday. Again likely a reason I love country music so much. Real people who appreciate some of the simple things in life. Terri made everyone in the audience that night feel as they were just sitting in her living room jammin' out to some of the hits.
If you have a chance to catch Terri Clark on her upcoming Back To My Roots Tour I would strongly suggest you grab your tickets ASAP. You won't want to miss this one of a kind opportunity to see one of Canada's biggest female country artists in some pretty cool venues. I remember on my way out hearing a lady standing by the Merch booth saying in the 10+ shows she had seen this was easily her favourite. All I can say is Mrs. Clark sure puts on one hell of a show. We want to thank the fine folks up at Casino Rama for hosting us this weekend and if you are looking for a full schedule of events happening up at Rama that can be found HERE.
Corey Kelly / @CoreyKelly76
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Well if your reading this you must really be bored... So I was born and raised in a small town and have a thirst for good Canadian Whiskey and amazing Country Music.