Country Music’s Future Has A Name And It’s Megan Moroney
Fifty years ago, influential rock critic, Jon Landau attended a concert at The Harvard Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In his review the next day he wrote the following that has become perhaps the most famous critique in music history. “I saw my rock and roll past flash before my eyes. I saw something else: I saw rock and roll’s future and its name is Bruce Springsteen.”
I modified this when seeing a young Eric Church, weeks after his second album, “Carolina,” was released. He took the stage at Coyote Joe’s and was a combination rock star, televangelist, cult leader, and charismatic politician. The two thousand+ people in attendance that night had an experience unlike any I’d ever witnessed at country concert. The following Monday in this blog space I proclaimed Church to be the future of country music. In so many ways, I was not wrong.
So, this Monday, heed my words. On Saturday night, I was mesmerized by the future of country music from the female perspective-and maybe country music in general. And her name is Megan Moroney.
Those that came to hear the seemingly ubiquitous “Tennessee Orange,” had about a 75-minute wait through a blistering set that left all in attendance breathless. As Megan led her band of sleeveless, male-hunk musicians (and make no mistake about it, this lady is in complete charge up there) into her second song (and current single) “I’m Not Pretty,” she welcomed a packed-to-the-rafters Coyote Joe’s to her “Lucky Tour” (Lucky is the title of her latest album). I thought, “Where have I heard this before?” Immediately the vision of Taylor Swift welcoming her audience to the Eras Tour came to mind.
If you’re a female entertainer in music, you could pick worse to mimic, right? And this was not to be the only homage to Time Magazine’s Person of the Year. Throughout the show, Moroney saluted the beyond enthusiastic audience with her hands together in the shape of a heart (noted Swift move/symbol). Also, a Swift cover, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” is in her set.
Perhaps though, the ultimate nod to Swift came in the form of something that could not be copied. The connection between Moroney and her fans is more than palpable. She and her audience are emotionally invested in each other. Moroney is captivatingly engaging, and Coyote Joe’s hung on to her every word (sung or spoken). Speaking of words, in almost 20 years of attending shows at Coyote Joe’s, I’ve NEVER heard every word to every song being screamed back at female artist on The Country 1037 Superstage. In fact, outside of Swift, I’ve never seen that-EVER. And by the time Megan Moroney made her exit near midnight, all of us privileged to have been there were left begging for more as our collective carriages were about to revert to pumpkin status.
Towards the end of her performance, Megan sang a song that poses the question which will break down first, her “Mustang or me.” Place your bets on the Ford. Megan Moroney is a country music thoroughbred the likes of which is rarely seen. She’s a musical Secretariat in a pink dress with a Gibson guitar and talent to burn. And we’ve not seen anything yet.
7 No-Nos That Spell Bad Etiquette at Concerts
Excessive Phone User
Bright screens and loud notifications can be distracting. Silence your phone, and if you need to use it, step out of the concert area. This also goes for taking photos and videos. A few pics or short videos are cool, but nobody wants to watch the whole concert through your shaky camera. Plus, it can block others’ views. In July, Miranda Lambert stopped her Las Vegas concert mid-song to call out fans for taking selfies.
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In & Out Concertgoer
Don’t be that person who’s always up and down during a concert. If you absolutely have to leave your seat, do it quietly when there’s a break between songs. Think about it, every time you get up, you make a whole row stand up to let you through. So, save your bathroom breaks and drink refills for intermissions, or opt for an aisle seat if you know you’ll be up and down a lot during the show. It’ll help keep things smooth for everyone.
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Loud Chit Chat
Nobody likes the person who talks loudly during the entire concert. They’re the one who chats with their friends at full volume, not realizing they’re annoying everyone else trying to enjoy the music. Essentially, they unintentionally disrupt the concert experience for others who just want to listen to the music without constant chatter in the background. If you want to chat, do it outside the concert area.
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Inebriation Nation
Excessive drinking or drug use can lead to obnoxious behavior and can be a safety concern. In a way, the concertgoer who’s sloppy drunk or high is like the wild card at the concert. They add an unpredictable element to the mix. While they might be having a blast, their actions can be a distraction and annoyance to others who are trying to enjoy the music in a more composed manner.
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Space Invader
Remember to respect people’s personal space and be aware of how you move around in the crowd. Most concerts are all about dancing and having a good time, so feel free to dance the night away. Just be sure to look around and make sure you’re not accidentally bumping into others while you’re at it. Additionally, being considerate means refraining from pushing or shoving them to get closer to the stage.
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