jack_hsn

I must confess, other than the fact that it was at one of my favorite venues, I really wasn't too "pumped" about going to this show. I knew it would probably be crowded and wasn't really sure how well that would work with my kids. I also feared we might have to deal with much of the "drunken frat boy" mentality that I have very little patience for. But, I had only seen Jack Ingram at KHYI's Texas Music Revolutions, and wanted to see what he was like for a whole show, as opposed to the 30-45 minute ones.

We got to Sherman about 6:15. There wee already chairs lined up across the front. We were content to sit about two rows behind that. After all, I'm not bashful about sneaking up long enough for taking photos.

For those who have not been to Sherman's "Hot Summer Nights" music series, it's a treat well worth the drive from wherever you are. They do a series of outdoor concerts on their Municipal Building lawn, and it is FREE. You may bring chairs, coolers, food, etc. There is also a wonderful concession stand provided by the Lion's Club with sodas, popcorn, big pickles, hot dogs, and the best stuffed jalepenos around! We have also found all the Sherman folks to be some of the friendliest around.

Chairs unfolded, blankets on the ground, hot dogs for the kids, peppers and sandwiches for us, we dined in the warm evening awaiting the show. The place really began to fill up. I began to notice the area in front of us REALLY filling up with mostly the younger crowd...I'd say 23 and younger. This appeared to be the crowd I was fearing. But I immediately noticed a few things.

First of all, and maybe it has to do with Sherman being a "dry county" (no beer, wine, or liquor sales) none of them seemed drunk or drinking. If they were, they were being very discreet about it. Secondly, they were using pretty good manners. A couple of them unloaded a couch from the back of a pick up and brought it over to sit on. Good idea, I thought! How comfy! Thirdly, none of the guys appeared to be looking for a fight or getting rowdy. Fourthly, and most importantly to some of the males around me, there were tons of GIRLS! Probably 2/3 of them had the same blonde streaked hair color! It was amazing! And I gotta tell you, I've not seen so much (shall we say) cleavage in one place in a LONG time! Spaghetti strap tops, tank tops, tube tops, and even a bustier! It was a male's eye candy delight! I'm sure Jack's vantage point was quite good.

When 7:30 arrived, Jack was announced and he came onstage to a warm welcome. He and his band were hot, both literally and figuratively. They played a few tunes, with many mouths in the crowd singing along. He did stop and say that he had really looked forward to playing this venue again, after the fun he had last year. I did notice that during the "lesser popular" songs, the kids in front of me had a shorter attention span. When he did his newer songs, I could have counted on one hand how many of those hundred or so in front of me were paying attention. I would think that would be really irritating to an artist, (especially when giving the band a break so that it's "Just Jack") singing the stuff closest to his heart and his "biggest fans" not paying attention.

I could tell though, that Jack often looked beyond those guys, back to our section and beyond, to see that people were in fact listening. That's one thing about Jack, he played to his entire audience, not just those in the front. And he and the "Beat Up Fords" played very, very well.

He told the audience at one point that he was about to do a song that he'd written with his "brother" Bruce Robison, who was the next best thing to come out of Waco since Billy Joe Shaver. Sitting with some fellow Shaverheads, had he not already won us over, he would have then! He also swore up and down through the entire show that he would be back in Sherman on Monday to purchase the Elementary school that was for sale down the road. He would also proclaim it "Jack Ingram Elementary", keep his touring to "weekends only", and teach the children of Sherman during the week. I think my two little ones were ready to enroll, they both loved Jack.

Whether it was the favorites, or the new songs, Jack and his talented band members were really good. As the sun went down, and temp began to fall a little, it turned into a perfect summer night for doing exactly what we all were doing. Of course, we were sharing the evenings festivities with about 8 of our friends, some of whom sure helped with our children. It's always fun to share the music with good friends. I think they all had fun too.

When it came time for the obligatory "Barbie Doll" song, about 85 of the folks in front of us went ahead and stood up and went to the stage. Of course, the entire audience sang along, old and young alike. He said "Thank you and good night" and was then asked to do a few more tunes.

I was GREATLY surprised that after about two more songs, there weren't very many folks standing in front of the stage any more. Sure, there were some, but nothing like the packed area during "THE" song. A few even started putting away their chairs and heading to the car. Odd I thought, but I guess they'd already heard what they came to hear. We try not to leave until it's ALL over! And we were glad we didn't.

Jack's show was great, much different, more diverse, and more real than I really imagined it would be. It was obvious he and the band were having fun, and he told the audience sometimes he lies and says it was fun, but tonight he was sincere! I had heard that the "angst ridden Jack" was also not devoting much time or attention to fans this past year. What I saw was a relaxed, "no angst", artist who was very nice to his fans of all types. I was more impressed with him than I've ever been, and will definitely make a point to see him again. Probably at Sherman, if not before. He wants to be there again next year. My kids want to see him again too!

Now... if you happened to attend the concert and DID NOT PICK UP YOUR TRASH, SHAME ON YOU!!!! Your kinfolks raised you better than that. I have seen four shows in Sherman now, and the lawn has always looked pretty clean until this time. There was trash all over! They were obviously prepared for it, clean up began as soon as Jack left the stage. I hope we're back to folks having better "garbage etiquette" for the next show.

And I'll be there to praise or scold. I love this venue, and will be sad to see "Hot Summer Nights" end.

Written by Dana Jones

Venue: Hot Summer Nights in Sherman

Concert Date: July 19, 2001

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