Thursday, August 28, 2008

WHISKEY FOR MY MEN... BEER FOR MY HORSES....


The BK Boyeez go EVERYWHERE & we're up for any challenge! Even if that means we gotta travel all the way to New Jersey to see Country music singer, Toby Keith. Finally! We found some people who don't mind drinking endlessly to celebrate the conclusion of another week, the mere fact of not having to work for the next two days, and Toby Keith's Biggest & Baddest Tour. Cheers to that!!! All Access passes, huh? [Smile] You know we went straight backstage to meet members of the starting lineup which included Carter's Chord, Mica Roberts, Trailer Choir & Montgomery Gentry. Though most recording artists or up-and-coming stars have been rumored to be overly zealous pushovers, blinded by their own stardom, or just plain a**holes; luckily, this bunch didn’t possess those Hollywood traits. We truly experienced a fraction of their touring life thanks to the likes of Megan & Laura (two very significant individuals who work closely with Toby & his manager). They were nice enough to allow us into their personal living space (...yep, their tourbus...totally decked out with the fully stocked refrigerator and all!); their personal friendships (...yes again... we were at the exclusive concert afterparty to celebrate Becky from Carter's Chord's birthday). Happy Birthday Becky!!! The BK Boyeez, indeed, are everywhere! But back to the subject at hand, let's just say that Toby Keith has earned himself a few more fans after tonight's performance. We now have a newfound understanding for Country music, the deep meaning behind its lyrics, and a greater appreciation for Toby’s raspy yet soulful sound.

Apparently, Toby Keith has dropped over 10 albums- the vast majority reaching platinum status- and has been referred by Billboard Magazine as the "Top New Country Artist". Tonight's performance was just living proof of that testimony. Through massive TV projectors, on stage fireworks, and tons of confetti, Keith showed Jersey why he has had staying power in this fickle industry. He kept the crowd rolling with a myriad of his singles warming us up with hits like "Should've Been A Cowboy", "Who's That Man" and "How Do You Like Me Now?!" There were all ages of life jamming with Keith, and trust me, they did not hesitate to put their beers down and dance in the aisles during the up tempo favorite, "A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action". You couldn't buy that much action anywhere... Intoxicated Rednecks (as they were affectionately called by Toby) dancing? Priceless! We even witnessed two mid-aged women light up a joint & begin to indulge and reminisce until they were busted by the arena's security demanding they put it out. Just like guilty teens, I watched one woman hide the J behind her back and pass it off to her accomplice to avoid being thrown out. They even went as far as trying to offer the security officer a couple totes but he declined the offer as a catfight suddenly broke out a few feet from the stage. Now, how ironic is it that another two mid-aged and obviously inebriated women started brawling in the middle of Toby's newest single, "She Never Cried In Front Of Me". As Keith watched over the fight from the stage like a referee, he genuinely requested Security not to kick one of the bawling brawlers out of the arena. "Just take her to the other side." How convenient? A catfight to introduce the music hit "I Love This Bar," which was yet another crowd pleaser & from what I hear, so is Toby's popular Oklahoma City restaurant chain called I Love This Bar & Grill.

After rocking out for over an hour and a half, Toby decided to change the pace of the show. He performed his more patriotic hits like "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)" & "American Soldier" which brought many people- both men & women equally- to tears. The cameras in the arena focused its lens on the many U.S. firefighters, police officers, army & navy seals, and marines in the audience as he finished out his set. What a great way to spend a Friday night! We laughed, cried, drank, and were beyond entertained by Toby Keith, his opening acts, and the wild audience members who decided to put on their own show from their seats. I wanna give a special BK shout out to Cassie (she hooked up the tickets and totally put ME ON to the Toby Keith experience). Another shout out goes to my boy Al Boogie for having such a great friend & colleague like Cassie! ...And to our readers, don't be afraid to step out of the box sometimes & don't feel vulnerable when placed out of your comfort zone. Life's all about the EXPERIENCE & we sure experienced it with Toby Keith. He's got a new album coming out this Fall '08. Get into it......

...Ghost