More Rascal Flatts - A Little Bit Country... A Little Bit Rock 'n' Roll

What a night! 
Chris Young, whom we'd never before heard of, opened the last extravaganza of the season at Bethel Woods. His terrific voice was surpassed only by the most infectious smile I've ever seen. 

Good stuff. 

Then came Kellie Pickler. We got such a kick out of her segment, 'cause as you CMI guests know, we're huge IDOL fans. She overcame a few sound issues to deliver her
 sweet music. 

The true excitement began... literally... when to some stage thunder and lightning, on came the charismatic and most congenial Rascal Flatts. WOW! Did they ever give us an awesome event. Their music is SO crossover.

Our last-minute ticket upgrade put us face-to-face with Gary et al. There are upsetting ticket stories to be told, both from Tuesday and last night; but, I do not want to blight this happy post.

These guys interact with the audience, a la Billy Joel... a huge compliment here. During one of his biggest hits, Gary acknowledged a sign held by a woman in front of us; it requested that she sing "Bless The Broken Road" with him. He helped her onto the stage, relinquished his mike for three-quarters of the song, finished it with her, hugged and kissed her before helping her back to her seat, and then handed the keepsake sign to a band member. Gracious.

A dozen young fans got the thrill of a lifetime when Gary helped them onto the stage to join him in yet another song. All night long, band members  hammed it up for  cameras  being held in their faces. And Gary signed autographs, bending and reaching, without skipping a beat. Guitar picks were being tossed into the crowd and the Fantastic Fiddler put on a mini show of his own. Ahhh. Music.

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Bri just stopped in (Friday morning). He's a veteran of many BW shows this summer. He just declared Rascal Flatts to the the very best of the season. Affirmed.

We expected to have a good time; it's a given at Bethel Woods. Our surprise came in being grabbed - hook, line and sinker. Two new fans were born, last evening. We're exhausted and energized, all at the same time.

Thanks, Rascal Flatts et al.