Lady Antebellum concert overcomes soggy delay
Lady Antebellum may have been the cherry on top the sundae that was Nebraskaland Days in North Platte.
However, the concert featuring the country and pop sensation almost didn’t go for a second consecutive year.
The band had to cancel its 2013 gig because lead singer Hillary Scott had her first baby.
However, instead of just canceling like another act may have done, Lady A agreed to perform during the 2014 celebration.
While people enjoyed the carnival rides during the days leading up to the concert, others took in the rodeo, parade and the Wild West show.
The weather was Chamber of Commerce weather – beautiful.
That is until about 2 hours before show time…
A thunderstorm watch was issued late afternoon for the North Platte area. Lisa asked the rain Gods to hold off until after the show.
So much for trying to negotiate. Thunderstorms popped up southwest and west of North Platte and headed our way. We were advised to find a spot and stand by for updates on the show.
We thought Cody Park might be a nice spot to relax at before the concert.
The show was scheduled for 8 p.m. At about 6 p.m., the first thunderstorm warning came across the radio. We had to seek shelter from heavy rain, strong winds and possible pea- or golf ball-sized hail, depending on who you believed.
We found shelter in a car wash bay. We were concerned that someone might come along and tell us to either wash the car or get out. Nope. Others drove up and took refuge in bays. In fact, I think a couple of bays were having a party. We saw people walking back and forth with beer bottles in their hands.
We did have an interesting moment when a car came speeding into our bay. I thought they were going to crash into us. Instead, they pulled halfway in and two women got out and started wrapping deep plastic over both front doors. I guess their front windows wouldn’t roll up. They finished their task, got in the car and sped away.
We stuck it out in our car wash bay. Fortunately for the area where we were, only heavy rain and strong winds came through.
Once the storm passed, we were advised the show was on!
We saw Lady A when they were an up and coming band, in 2007. They opened for Martina McBride at the Council Bluffs (Iowa) arena.
They skipped the first performer – David Nail – because of time constraints.
So, after the stage crew wiped off equipment and cleaned off the stage, it was show time.
At about 10 p.m., Lady Antebellum took the stage. They did not disappoint.
The 4,000+ concert goers were psyched! People who paid close to $100 to be on the Wild West Arena floor had a fun a time – the ground was completely muddy. I kept watch with my camera in case someone slipped fell in the mud. No such luck!
Lady A performed a full set and was amazing. They sang a lot of songs – both classic hits and new songs.
Among their early hits, we heard “Need You Now,” “I Run to You,” “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” and my favorite “Lookin’ for a Good Time.”
The band performed some newer tracks , including “Bartender,” “Downtown” and “We Own the Night.”
Since David Nail didn’t get to perform his set that night, Lady A brought him on stage for a few songs.
They performed his hit song “Whatever She’s Got” and a couple others.
He energized the crowd during his “mini” set.
Charles Kelley of Lady A mentioned that the band learned his song during the rain delay.
After a solid 90 minutes performing, the band came back on stage and spent another 15 minutes doing a few encores.
There is absolutely no way anyone left that show disappointed. It was a fun way to spend a soggy Friday night.
Disclaimer: Thanks to the North Platte/Lincoln County Visitors Bureau for the complimentary concert tickets. All opinions and views are ours.