The 2023—2024 E! Terrell Entertainment Series opened with a capacity crowd clapping, dancing, swaying, and singing along with “Key of G Live” and the group’s tribute to the music and words of Garth Brooks from early to present.
To modify the title of one of his greatest songs, “Much Too Young (To Feel This D – – – Old,” the wildly clapping and cheering and singing along audience was probably more “much too old to feel this d – – – young!”
After opening and introductory remarks and introductions by Judge Mike Chitty, including that this season has already broken the record for “most subscribers ever,” that E! Terrell has an allvolunteer staff, and that the Student Outreach Program is outstanding and has positively influenced countless area youths, the THUNDER BEGAN TO ROLL in an amazing and positive way with hit song after hit song and explanations about many!
The songs of Garth Brooks are “history.” “Ask Me How I Know,” “To Make You Feel My Love,” “Two Pina Coladas,” “More Than a Memory,” “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” “Friends in Low Places,” “The Dance,” “Standing Outside the Fire,” “The Thunder Rolls,” “What She’s Doing Now,”…..
…..“Shameless,” “Two of a Kind, Working on a Full House,” “The Beaches of Cheyenne,” “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” “Rodeo,” “Papa Loved Mama,” “Burning the House Down,” “Blame It All on My Roots,” “Amarillo By Morning,” “Wild Horses,” “No Exception to the Rule,” “Tell Me Something,” “Shadows,” “Much Too Young.” We heard all of these and more!
And I know I have left some out…..They played their hearts out and seemed to be having as great a time as the audience!
Note: A. J. Bisto decided to create this TRIBUTE after
performing as “Garth” in popular variety shows and then being encouraged by numerous industry professionals, due to his uncanny resemblance to the “sound of Garth Brooks” and his knowledge of Garth’s songs.
One highlight came when “Garth” (A. J. Bisto) told the story of how “Thunder Rolls,” and especially its 3rd stanza, came about.
Another great thing about this performance is/was that all the musicians were very accomplished, and we heard a little about their backgrounds.
The bass guitarist was a tall, blonde lady (Kimberley Dahme) and had performed with several “name” groups/ bands. The steel guitar player (Brady Markham) could bring that instrument to life and pluck the heartstrings of the audience. The curlyhaired FIDDLER/VOCALIST/ and multi-talented performer (Meagan Allen), who was “front-stage to the right of Bisto,” was only 23 years of age and had two degrees and much, much musical training and talent. My opinion is that she will be a “lead performer” before too long! Also in the group are David Langley (lead guitar), Adam Renfro (drums), Kristopher Mark (piano and guitar)—all three also exceptional! When the intermission came, we had already had a great concert, worth much more than the price of admission, and the 2nd session presented some songs not quite as “Garth only” numbers but also a few more long-time favorites— concluding with “Friends in Low Places” and the signature hit, “THE DANCE.”
Hardly anyone left the packed auditorium until the final applause had ended, and then we were able to talk to the seven-piece band’s members as we left— we were especially gratified with the time the two lead singers spent talking to anyone who approached them.
I would go back every night next week if they invited me, and I feel sure my lovely wife, Vivian, and our two great friends, Harry and Georgia, would be in the car before I could start the engine!
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