Summerside P.E.I. - It’s often been said that good things come in threes and Saturday evening at the Credit Union Place was no exception as three country legends, sticking to their roots with true grit, performed together on stage.
The East Coast Production Group show, Roots and Boots, raised fans spirits as Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin and Collin Raye flexed their musical muscles, while respectfully stepping back during the other’s solos to allow them to take full focus.
Harold Green and his wife, Darlene, bagged front row seats for unimpeded views of the country singers that had a string of hits in the 1990s, which ranged from the rowdy to the romantic.
“We purchased our tickets right away when we heard that our two favourite country singers, Sammy Kershaw and Aaron Tippin, were coming to Summerside,” announced Darlene, from Wood Islands.
“Country music is a big part of our life. I sing, play and listen to it,” added Harold. “My age would tell a story because I was born in the ‘50s and our radio was always tuned to the Saturday Night Hoedown, so I have many memories connected to these songs.”
Each artist proved their true talents as they strummed their acoustic version of the songs that gave them their top successes, before joining together in perfect harmony.
“Our favourite song by Kershaw is ‘Yard Sale.’ It’s a sombre song about divorce, but we like the lyrics. In the song, this guy is having a home yard sale and he has a golden memory attached to each item as it’s taken away,” explained Harold, who admitted he would sing quietly along.
Among the fans in the audience were John MacDonald and his friend Randy Campbell, who were both decked in cowboy hats.
“Collin Raye is my favourite,” said MacDonald, from Charlottetown. “His song ‘Little Rock’ stands out because when we were growing up it resonated. The song is about a guy struggling and he’s trying to get better, and I guess everyone’s trying to improve.”
“It’s the struggle of the underdog,” added Campbell.
“There will be memories that will come alive with their songs throughout the night, and we will be foot-stomping along. And we don’t expect our hats will even make it back home tonight, so there you go,” said MacDonald, as his face lit up.
Concert doors opened at 7p.m. and the show kicked off under dimmed lights at 8 p.m.
