Amy Wilson Concert

Becky and I Went To a Concert

We survived it!

We heard about and saw an interview with Amy (Anne) Wilson, a Christian singer who’s become really popular with her “country music” style. Since she’s from Lexington, Kentucky, we decided to ride into to Greensboro to see her perform. We were surprised by a few things. First, the ticket cost almost $50 per person, and parking our car a distance away from the Tanger Center for Fine Art cost almost half of one ticket. But we were supporting a Christian artist, and it was our first outing since my back surgery. So, with my cane in hand and Becky by my side, we navigated the streets of downtown Greensboro to hear her sing.

Of course, it had been a while since we went to a concert, and the one that sticks out in my memory is when Neil Diamond came to Louisville. It was okay, but I remember sitting in the nosebleed section and wishing I had just bought a cassette tape (no CD’s yet) of his music, which I could listen to multiple times for a fraction of the cost. But it was a date. Yet this concert was different.

First, it was packed to the brim. I’m not exaggerating. Over 2700 screaming attendees squeezed into this concert hall. It was loud, but the staff kept everything under control and were incredibly kind. I have to admit, having a cane, looking a bit older, and Becky holding on to my hand or arm, people were very friendly. We had decent seats, but we were tightly packed together. But what really amazed me was that we were probably the oldest people there. What was I thinking when we bought the tickets? I don’t think these are confirmed statistics, but there were many more teenagers and young adults, mothers with their small children, and many of them wearing their boots and cowboy hats. Amy sings with a country flare so I was proud to say that I was not the only one wearing bib overalls.  The few men there seemed to just slide into their seats. But the overall attitude of the crowd, the demeanor of the people attending, and the kindnesses shown to us were truly heartwarming. 

So, here’s the thing: there were a few things that made me think about not purchasing  tickets to another concert. The concert began with a sales pitch for K-Love, followed by another pitch to adopt a child through World Vision, which we had already done years ago, and then an opening singer who we had never heard of. I was wanting to hear Amy Wilson. Where’s Michael W. Smith? Steve Greene? Amy Grant? But we had to listen to him sing and pitch his new CD. After an hour of all this pre-show stuff, Amy Wilson finally came out. Well, we couldn’t really see her because she was so far away and add to that smoke or fog or whatever, made it even more difficult. Then, for most of the concert, the crowd stood up, cheering and raising their hands, twisting and shouting. Contemporary services that I am familiar with can’t even compete with that. Being short and not able to stand for long periods of time, I rarely got a good look at her face. Then the music. Her band was so loud, that we couldn’t even understand what she was singing. One could feel the reverberation of the bass instruments move through one’s body.  The lights from the stage and ceiling were so bright that when I got only a glimpse her she was a blur.   And then there were people who kept their cell phones out to try and take photos during the concert, and when they weren’t doing that, texting their friends. That was really annoying, especially in a dark room.

Becky and I decided that we would have to think long and hard about going to a concert with such expensive tickets, parking so far away, and the crowd that we couldn’t see over, even when I stood up for a bit since I’m short. I’ll take Neil Diamond, Michael W. Smith, John Michael Talbot or Amy Grant any day.

BUT 

Wow, we witnessed something truly incredible! There was an electrifying energy around this Christian singer, especially among young women, K-Love mothers with daughters, and church groups. The atmosphere was filled with joy, hope, and a sense of something more than what this world can offer. I wonder if it was the Holy Spirit amidst all the excitement and chaos, or maybe something else, the Lord provided. I know He was there when they heard Amy, the 23-year-old’s inspiring and very moving story as she shared her journey. If they had listened attentively, they would have been uplifted and encouraged for their own lives. When Amy performed without the loudness of the base guitar, the souped-up piano, key board and the drums, it was truly beautiful. People felt like they were part of Amy’s best friend circle, able to connect with her struggles and how the Lord has been working and is working in her life. It’s understandable why mothers would want to bring their preteen daughters to hear her, why churches would send vans of teenagers, and why college or university students would endure the costs and time commitment for the overwhelming positives of this concert. These kids knew all her songs and sang them.  They totally identified with her.  

Now, I won’t be attending another one of her concerts, but I’ll definitely buy a CD where I can hear her clearly and receive the message of hope and encouragement she shares. Yes, it’s a joyful sound, but I also enjoyed turning on the Pandora channel to my Selah station during our trip home to listen to Christian music I could hear and understand. It was a great way to let my spirit soar and connect with God, just like the folks at the Amy Wilson concert. Thank you, God!  

Quentin