Well yes, a couple times.
Janis Ian, Rodney Crowell, Ricky Skaggs, STOMP... (anyone remember STOMP?)
Seeing Rodney Crowell five feet away was very cool.
And Ricky Skaggs from ten feet.
But there was a fluke I'd like to share.
While in Nashville with a buddy, who was a big fan of the Gatlin Brothers, Larry Gatlin was hosting a variety show at The Ryman,
featuring a number of known players (Charlie McCoy stole the show) as well as a couple up-and-coming hopefuls.
Our tickets were on will-call at the box office.
We were chatting with the ticket agent about how excited my buddy was to be at The Ryman.. the Mother Church,
the Holy Ground of country music.. when I said as a joke--
"Yes, and she is going to tell us there's been a cancellation and we get front row seats."
She got a smile on her face, pointed at the seat map, and said:
"Well, your seats are here, but how would you like to sit HERE instead?"
She gave us front row center of the balcony at the Ryman... arguably the best seats in the house.
She explained that these were reserved for the Chairman or the CEO, or someone in authority,
who was not planning to attend that particular evening.
It was quite a show!
My buddy still talks about it, and I guess I do too.
Notwithstanding, my personal favorite front row experience was seeing Janis Ian a few years back.
Mesmerizing.
How can a "Star" be so personable?
It's pure magic.
She has it, and gives it.
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