When I was younger, I used to write concert reviews for More Sugar magazine in New York/CT. I would attend the shows and then give my take on the acts. A perfect job for me because it combines two of my big loves, writing and music. The marriage of both is almost too much for my senses to handle. Here, I have to step back in time a little to give you my review of 3 Doors Down. The concert Saturday night was Awesome. I did not realize they were responsible for so many great songs. I mean I knew them all, having heard them on the radio, but wasn't aware this was the band, so it was a nice surprise. I think I knew every song. Staind opened and 3DD came on at 10:00pm. Weather was perfect for an outdoor concert. We pitched a blanket on the lawn, which were the cheap seats but they had 3 big screen TV’s so we could still see the band and watch in comfort. It was nice to just chill out there after a long stressful week.

I have to say one of the best live bands I’ve seen in recent memory. Brad Arnold on vocals draws you in with his Southern charm and empassioned perfomance. He tells stories between each song about how it came to be or what the song means to him. I love when artists do this, they become storytellers and give you a little glimpse into their creation process. I am fascinated with all forms of art, music, painting, acting, writing, etc. etc. Especially the inspiration behind it.

The stage was a salute to machinery with huge cogs and gears spinning around. But despite the cold mechanical feel, the show was somehow the complete opposite, especially when Arnold belted out emotional songs that delved into broken relationships and isolation. Obviously, topics we can ALL relate to. He makes you feel it.

Most memorable for me was the popular Away from the Sun and Let me Go. Also, I heard a couple new songs and now want to run out and buy the cd’s. If 3DD comes to your town, you definitely want to try to catch them. I took some pictures on my cell phone camera and will try to download them later. If they are any good, I’ll come back to this entry and post them here. Finally, the New England Dodge Theatre (formerly the Meadows) is a great place to see a show. Coldplay is coming on August 4th. Anyone want to go?