Review: An Evening with John Prine
At the Belcourt Theater in Nashville TN this Artist Charms the Crowd
John Prine is one of the last great showmen, songwriters and performers of our time. At an intimate show in the Country Music Capital, Prine stands apart from the rest.
John Prine is an American Grammy award winning country/folk singer songwriter who has achieved widespread success since the early seventies. A man of medium stature with alarmingly sincere eyes, Prine is still performing and touring in his sixties. Well known for his work with his good friend Steve Goodman, Prine is nothing if he is not the epitome of an artist.
Prine Live at the Belcourt in Nashville
On Tuesday, May 13th 2008 Prine performed live at the request of his beautiful wife Fiona to benefit the Gilda's Club. Gilda's Club is a foundation to benefit those who are living with cancer, a subject close to the heart of Prine. Being a cancer survivor himself he lends his time and talent for the benefit of others when he can.
The show on this Tuesday evening began like any other concert, albeit it in a smaller venue and with intimately close seats. Prine greeted the audience in all his usual humor with the effect of making one feel less like guests at a show and more like friends gathered together. Launching into an amazing representation of his range and talent, Prine belted out classic songs and personal favorites with in his trademark smokey voice. With an ability unlike any other to craft a story with his lyrics, Prine engaged the audience as they sang along softly and tapped their feet. Though it lasted almost two hours, time seemed to dissolve in a matter of minutes.
Prine's long time back up musicians, Jason Wilber and David Jacques after fifteen years still perform with an awe-like enthusiasm that displays their respect for Prine's endless talent. After a dozen or more songs, and half as many guitars being used to achieve various sounds, the show concluded to a standing ovation. A standing ovation that wouldn't give up. Always the crowd pleaser, the trio returned for one last song before graciously thanking those in attendance for coming out.
What Sets Prine Apart From the Rest
Two types of tickets were sold for this event, regular general admission for a standard price and a gold member level for more than double the general admission fare. The gold member ticket holders were given the opportunity to meet Prine and have an extremely rare event poster signed. Unfortunately for the majority of those in attendance, the gold member tickets sold out within just a few hours of the event being announced. After the concert concluded, Prine dutifully met with each of the gold member events, signing memorabilia and taking the time to shake each of their hands.
A small group of fans gathered outside the back stage entrance, those either unable to afford the more expensive tickets or simply unable to purchase them in time. Prine's stage manager came out and greeted them, and told them if they were willing to wait, Prine would too make time for them as well. After about thirty minutes or so, a small group of waiting fans were escorted in to meet a noticeably tired John Prine. Even the fans with the less important tickets were given the same gold star treatment. Prine signed items presented before him and took the time to genuinely appreciate compliments given by gracious enthusiasts. With the last of those waiting attended to, near midnight, Prine settled into a folding chair and sighed contentedly.
Part of a dying breed of true artists, alive with passion and talent from another era, John Prine is a showman and a musician that everyone should experience at least once. With a deep appreciation for his diverse fan base, he makes time for everyone willing to come out and see him. Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness one of the last truly great performances on tour, visit Prine's Official Site for information.
