Hearts and heartache

The irony wasn't lost on Orchestra Nashville's guest artists or audience last night at Grace Chapel in Lieper's Fork. Three of the finest songwriter/artists in Music City, Matraca Berg, Gretchen Peters and Suzy Bogguss, made for an amazing first half at our annual Valentine's Day show. The mood was festive, but the songs were not all about happy hearts. "This is the un-Valentine song" joked Peters as she introduced "You Don't Even Know Who I Am," her astonishingly powerful two-sided song of love gone cold that was made into a 1995 hit single by Patty Loveless. Suzy sang her own hit "Outbound Plane" where love almost flies, and "Aces" where it seems to be crash landing. Matraca offered a dose of young love with her smash hit "Strawberry Wine" (made famous by Deanna Carter) and had one of the night's show stoppers in a brand new song reflecting on the tragedy of post-Katrina New Orleans called "Muddy Water."

But fear not if you're thinking about catching tonight's repeat performance and you're in the mood for love songs. Raul Malo, the star of the second half, was all about romance, offering one delicious bon bon after another. He sang the Everly Brothers' classic "Let It Be Me," the kiss-filled "Besame Mucho" and a boiling Latin duet with Suzy on "Two To Tango."

Where you there? Please let us know what you thought.

Comments

[Marty Mikus]

The program was excellent. All 4 performers and the orchestra were great.

I have to comment that the amplification was not up to my expectations. It was tinny and slightly overpowering. It was interesting that the couple next to me made this same observation as I was thinking this. This may have been intensified for me since I was in the 5th row to stage right, directly facing the suspended speakers.

I have been to prior performances and not noticed this.

It didn’t ruin the performance Friday night, but it would have been better were it not so noticeable.

Thank you.

[Cash]

I thoroughly enjoyed Friday's performance- it was an incredible show that made for a wonderful Valentine's Day.

[Michael McKee]

We attended the show on Friday evening,and thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
It would be hard to choose a favorite from the performers,as they each contributed in their own way,but Suzy captured the stage with her brilliant smile and vibrant red jacket.
Kudos to Orchestra Nashville on a great event!!

[Denise Speed]

We attended the Thursday night event and were absolutely blown away! The intimacy of the performers and conductor chatting with the audience, almost like an "in the round" at a smaller venue, is so unique to Orchestra Nashville. Believe me, it's worth the drive to Leiper's Fork to participate in this unique experience. Count us in for the 3/28 concert!

[Connie Belknap]

The evening was WONDERFUL. This was our first exposure to Orchestra Nashville as well as Leiper's Fork. We truly enjoyed the evening and thought the orchestra as well as the guests were exceptional. We would love to go again, and I am sure we will make every effort to attend other events with Orchestra Nashville.