Irvine Meadows Amphitheater: Darius Rucker, Dixie Chicks “Good for a good time”

tn-3 tn-10

Michael Hepworth

By Peter Peterson

Darius Rucker

Irvine Meadows Amphitheater, July 16, 2016: Another wonderful evening under the stars in Irvine. This was a great show as Darius and his band loved playing their last show ever at Irvine Meadows supporting their “Good for a good time” tour. Darius stated that he is “bummed” the Irvine Company is going to tear down the venue to build more housing complexes. Darius, a South Carolina native, commented during the show that this venue has a lot of memories for him. He recalls a lot of “good times” backstage! He starting out playing at Irvine Meadows with Hootie and the blowfish and now he was going to be a part of Irvine Meadows history being part of the last year of this venue. Darius commented that “Orange County needs a venue like this, a lot of artists purposely put Irvine Meadows on their tour list.” But, not to worry, a little birdy told me that there is definite consideration to build an amphitheater in the Great Park area or the old Tustin Helicopter base.

I’ll keep you informed as I hear more. Darius opened with Dan + Shay and Michael Ray. Again, you know the opening acts are good when the crowd fills the seats early. Both acts had their fans standing in their seats. Rucker had plenty of fan moments with his set list. You could definitely tell when he was performing his country songs compared to his Hootie songs. Darius had this certain twang in is voice when he was with Hootie and the blowfish. And that twang came out tonight when performing Hootie songs. Towards the end of the show, Rucker was brought to tears when he sang a song about his mother. She was an icon in his life and it showed. The band ended the show with bringing out Michael Ray and Dan + Shay to perform a couple songs. It was another great show. Darius Rucker and his band are true entertainers. Until Dixie Chicks on Wednesday July 20, 2016. Peace out. Crap, who schedules a show on a Wednesday night?

,Dixie Chicks

Irvine Meadows Amphitheater, July 20, 2016: If you have read my other country music reviews, barricade crew get a little nervous with the crowd because we don’t know what to expect. We figured this crowd would be rather tame, but you never know. This crowd was 90% female, from 12 to 60 years old. Given that ratio of male’s to female’s it was the decision of management to convert the men’s restrooms into the women’s restroom. Your welcome ladies. Although, there was one incidence in the lady’s room that “A women in a black dress has passed out and fallen, we need medical assistance and alcohol and perhaps drugs may be involved” Now that’s the stuff we like to hear. Because if no one throws up, strains an ankle, sets a lawn fire, experiences 30-minute bathroom wait times, get to meet Irvine PD, well it’s just not a country show. The Dixie Chicks, Martie Erwin Maguire, Emily Erwin Robison, and Natalie Maines have not been back to Irvine Meadows in over 10 years. The Dixie Chicks, supporting their MMXVI World Tour played for over two hours. Usually, at the shows I work, I see some guests singing along with the band, but this fan base knew every song and sang all night.

All of the instruments were stark white. Costumes were white except for Natalie whom changed outfits throughout the show. I do have to say, when these Chicks bring a confetti cannon, they bring the Texas size cannon. I was showered in confetti as were all the fans in Pit and orchestra. They ended the show with their controversial hit “Not ready to make nice” which I kinda feel sorry for the people in the housing behind the theater because this crowd sang louder than the band. The Chicks are off to another venue, in another state, entertaining another fan base; Thanks for stopping by Irvine Meadows. Next event Pacific Symphony Orchestra performing Beethoven’s Ninth. I don’t think this crowd will be difficult. But Sunday July 24, 2016 is Rob Zombie and Korn, management said to be ready! I love this job. Until then, Peace.

Michael Hepworth

287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211