Live Stream Concerts In The Midst Of Social Distancing
Most of us are on at least day 5 of social distancing, and are trying to come up with anything to do to stay busy and sane. One of my favorite things the past few nights has been all the country artists doing live streams from their houses. Some have been more formal and other completely ad-libbed but on thing is for sure they have all been entertaining.
I haven’t been able to watch them all but Brad Paisley bringing on Carrie Underwood for their duet Remind Me and Tim McGraw for some George Strait was definitely a highlight. Plus Brad and his wife Kimberly set up and “audience” of stuffed animals and added in some humor with recorded “applause”.
Chris Young was tuning into several of the “shows” last night, he made an appearance on Brad’s as well as Travis Denning’s later in the night. Both Travis and Riley Green took to Instagram to sing some favorites and Riley debuted several new songs that I can’t wait to hear recorded as soon as this is all over.
Kelsea Ballerini took the opportunity to play some new music off her album “Kelsea” that was released at midnight and had appearances from Kenny Chesney and Halsey, both of whom she has songs with the album. While it was not the album release she had planned, I can’t think of a more personal and authentic way than just talking with her fans, she even invited several fans to join her on the live stream and their reactions were absolutely precious.
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Other highlights have been Thomas Rhett’s completely unplanned show, he was just talking with and interacting with fans, one thing led to another and he ended up doing several songs over the course or an hour with his wife Lauren event making an appearance; Jake Owen’s 90’s Country Night with several specials guests who tuned in just to watch and ended up joining in on the fun, Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flatts and his daughter Rocky just goofing off and having a blast together, or Morgan Evans showing us his signature margarita recipe.
There are so many I’ve missed too- Luke Combs and Luke Bryan, Parker McCollum, Willie Nelson, Randy Houser, and several others.
It’s also fun to see who else is tuned in, there are so many artists supporting artists- Chris Young, Thomas Rhett, Hardy,Tyler Rich, and Chuck Wicks are just a few of the names I’ve seen pop up as joining or commenting.
It’s things like this that remind me why I love country music so much, I was drawn to it by the lyrics but it’s been the realness of all the artists that make country special to me. It’s comforting in these uncertain and difficult times to know that your favorite artists are going through the same things-social distancing is hard on everyone no matter who you are. I have a feeling these shows are bringing them just as much joy as they are fans. I’m greatful we live in a time with the technology to make this possible and while I can’t wait until we can attend that first post quarantine show I’m excited to see who else in planning on joining in on the fun.
