Alan Jackson entertains sold out crowd in Alpharetta

One of his biggest hits talks about growing up and playing on the Chattahoochee River, and last Saturday the singer got a chance to sing this hit a few miles from the river itself. Country superstar Alan Jackson played in front of a huge crowd Oct. 4 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, giving fans a special homecoming performance.

Growing up in nearby Newnan, Jackson has long had a deep appreciation for the area, and the fans seemed to give that right back, hanging onto his every word. Saying to the crowd that it was good to be close to home, Jackson filled the evening with a set of his numerous country hits.

The man who has sold more than 50 million records over the last few decades opened the show with "She's Gone Country," which began right after a countdown clock on the giant video monitors ended after two minutes. Jackson is a mostly stoic performer, standing up there with his acoustic guitar, letting the music speak for itself.

Practically the only time he seemed to move was when he would walk about the stage, throwing scores of guitar picks to the crowd as if he was dispensing candy in a parade, while his band, the Strayhorns, played.

One particular odd note about the band is that in addition to an electric guitar player and Jackson on his acoustic, the band features two other acoustic guitar players. Now, it doesn't seem like he's doing a lot of particularly complicated music to warrant the three acoustics, because not one of the three stands out over the other, but clearly it's worked for him over the years.

And, oh were the fans excited to see him.

Two women were spotted with cutoff neon yellow t-shirts with ironed-on pictures of the singer and the words "AJ + Me = Good Time" written on the back in permanent marker. This in addition to their glow sticks and flashing lights necklaces, and well, they were definitely aficionados to say the least.

Opening the show were two up-and-coming acts on the Nashville scene, Ashton Shepherd and Blake Shelton. Shepherd first took to the stage for a short, but energetic set where she showcased her vocal range.

Following her was Shelton, a tall number in his collared cowboy shirt with a camouflage Fender Telecaster guitar. Shelton liked to tell stories on stage, and actually apologized to the crowd, saying how he often said stupid stuff on stage, but that it was fitting since his initials are "BS."

But in the end, the crowd was clearly there to hear Alan Jackson, and he seemed very appreciative of the moment by pointing out his extensive family who had made the trip up to the north end of Atlanta to hear their relative belt out his hits.

Jackson has had a long career in the industry, but with the way he's still drawing in crowds, he doesn't look to quit any time soon.
- www.northfulton.com

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