The stars shined a little brighter over Rootstown on Saturday night as Drake White and The Big Fire ignited both the stage, and the Sold Out crowd at the Dusty Armadillo. OMG! What a show it was!
White, a native of Hokes Bluff in Northeastern Alabama, is undoubtedly one of the most energetic, engaging, soulful and downright fun artists in Country Music today. It’s been said that his shows “are equal parts Baptist tent revival and amped up southern rock festival,” and we most certainly agree. White and his band are masters of exciting the crowd to a fever pitch. While White’s voice is distinctive and unmistakable, his showmanship and on stage energy are on par with Garth Brooks in his prime. Or maybe even Mick Jagger. The man just doesn’t stop, and his fans love every second of what he does. It really is a sight to see!
The show this night brought everything fans have come to expect from a Drake White concert, and quite possibly even a little bit more. The songs touched on everything from a tribute to his grandfather (“Grandpa’s Farm”), who clearly influenced White to pursue his country music dream, to the deeply personal “Girl In Pieces,” to a whole lot of songs about living life and having some fun along the way. With respect to “Girl In Pieces,” White has said that the song is the story of his life with his wife, right down to the girl having green eyes! Interestingly, this is one song that White didn’t write. But to hear him sing it, there’s no doubt about who it is that’s on his mind.
One of the real highlights of the show was when White invited a young couple to join the band on stage, where they danced, and then the young man got down on one knee and proposed. It was evident that this was the last thing the young lady expected, but she said YES! Much good luck to this couple as they begin a new life together.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t give a big thumb’s up to The Big Fire band. This group of guys is as talented as any band in Country Music. They do a great job of keeping up with White’s energy and adding to the evening’s excitement.
On top of being an explosive and entertaining performer, Drake White is also a downright decent guy. After being physically and emotionally spent from the show, he came back out for a meet and greet with a line of what looked to be more than 100 people. This show of gratitude and appreciation for his fans speaks volumes about the man’s character.
Yes, Drake White and The Big Fire put on one helluva great show at the Dusty Armadillo. If you haven’t seen them live yet, we suggest you make a point of doing so at your earliest opportunity. You won’t be disappointed.
THE SET LIST
“Grandpa’s Farm”
“It Feels Good” (James Brown)
“Back To Free”
“Simple Life”
“Girl In Pieces”
“I Can See Clearly”
“Same Mistake Twice”
“Heartbeat”
“The Coast Is Clear”
Acoustic Set (2) Freestyle
“Live Some”
“All Would Be Right With The World”
“Feelin’ Alright”
“Making Me Look Good Again”
“Pioneers”
“Boston”
“Livin’ The Dream
Encore:
“Fat Bottomed Girls”
Drake White and The Big Fire at Dusty Armadillo (3.23.19) – Photos by Gerard Hilinski
