On November 16 I had the privilege of attending a concert performed by Plus One and Jaci Velasquez. This concert was at Liberty University and was attended by 50% 12 year old girls and 50% 18 year old males. This concert was all for show for some fans, and they got exactly what they bargained for.
'N Sync....Uh I mean Plus One came out looking as funky as ever but all of the females went crazy. Then out comes Jaci playing up the Latin look when she can hardly speak Spanish at all. Once all of the glamour shots were taken and they started to get to the business of singing, things made a turn for the better. Each of the Plus One guys had a spiritual insight to share with the crowd that they mixed in with the crowd pleasing ballads that they are becoming famous for. I must admit even though the high pitched screaming got a little annoying, they do have some talent. After Jaci came out shaking her hips, she got a little serious and sang her famous songs and told her heart wrenching story of her personal life for the past year or so. The basis of this story is how her parents have recently gotten a divorce and that it has come down to a self-esteem issue with her because she thinks she is the cause. Overall a great show with great music, but this one was geared for the younger crowd as they tried to appeal physically first and then throw in the spiritual after they had everyone's attention.

On October 21 I had the privelege of attending a concert performed by Tara Leigh Cobble and Riley Armstrong. The concert was played in a teen hangout above a Christian bookstore and the large room was filled with couches and big living room chairs giving the feel of a furniture store. Tara opened the evening and played a selection of songs off of her upcoming CD "Beneath This Skin". She brought the crowd into her music - especially a small group of girls no older than 6 who twirled and danced in front of the stage to the sound of Tara's guitar. I think the most memorable moment of the concert was during the song Tara has titled "The Break-Up Song". She sings in the song what she needs is Snickers and M&M's. Tara picked up a Snicker bar and attempted to throw it at the audience - only she aimed too high and hit one of the overhead lights. She did get the rest of the Snickers bars to the audience without any other mishaps. After the concert, Tara signed autographs and ! posed for pictures with her fans like a pro. No doubt this came from her years of practice as a member of Last Call. I'd like to tell you how Riley's set went but I have no clue. Tara and I went driving and I got a sneak peak at her CD (it should release in a month). IT IS INCREDIBLE! If you haven't ordered a copy yet - what are you waiting for?? Go to http://www.taraleigh.com for all the ordering info. And when you do get the CD - make sure you don't miss the hidden track. That in itself is well worth the $15. To sum up the evening - great concert, great music, great CD and great company.