countryfest 2012

This was a major thrill.  I've done little things here and there over the years, but there was so much of a time constraint in the past for local acts that it really was difficult.  That's what I loved about this year's Countryfest the most - it gave a lot of Capital Region artists  the chance to show their wares, and the Lost Cantina Band was nice enough to let me do the same.

CountryFest 2012 this past Saturday wasn't just about the great acts such as Eric Church, Joe Nichols, Thompson Square and Josh Thompson. It was also about YOU, the great GNA listeners! If you were outside at the free block party or inside the Times Union Center, we thank you and hope you enjoyed the party...

It's close to that time of year when the county fairs start coming into town. I always enjoy the fairs for some great rides, games and all the great fair food. But what I think I enjoy the most is the great country  music you can enjoy whether it be local or national acts.

I don't think I've ever typed those words before, but this actually happened in my watch at Countryfest with this very nice listener who shall remain nameless at the risk of totally embarrassing her.  So I'll partially embarrass her instead

By now I bet you think you know all there is to know about Countryfest. Well not so fast my friends! Let me take you into a dark and scary place called MY MIND! Here is what July 7th 2012 was like for me.

CountryFest 2012 is in the books and it was a rockin' party for sure. I loved getting to mingle with many of you at the free outdoor street party listening to some great local talent as well as newcomer Dustin Lynch. Indoors was rockin' as well as Josh Thompson, Thompson Square, Joe Nichols and of course Eric Church ripped the roof off the Times Union Center.

Joe Nichols not only put on a great performance at Countryfest 2012, he also gave one of the best interviews of the night, bringing with him his unique sense of humor and ability to make people (me) blush. Joe talked about what it's like to be Eric Church (huh?), kickin' it with microbes and his ginormous ... you'll have to watch find out what!

Here are the shots that I attempted to take inside the TU Center. I think you know how difficult it is to get good shots inside at a concert when you are far away, but i gave it the old college try.  My compact camera did a better job than my expensive one - go figure

What a great day  -Countryfest 2012.  It looked like rain was on the horizon a few times ,but once again we were kissed by the continuing lucky streak that we seem to have year after year weather-wize.  Here's a small slideshow that I put together of the outdoor part- the block party

Eric Church ( @ericchurch) is having a great time playing for the GNA show in Albany at the Times Union Center. He had, we think, a red solo cup of whiskey on his mic stand and one on standby. Hat, sunglasses, and guitar - he rocked the TU Center. The crowd went wild with Springsteen too, of course.

Joe Nichols ( @joenichols ) brought the tequila to the Times Union Center - and perhaps some people kept their clothes on. We didn't look because were were too busy capturing great photos of his performance on stage! We're looking forward to the next time Joe is in Albany for sure!

Country superstar Eric Church (@ericchurch) played Taste of Country tonight, and fans lined up before he took the stage just to get a picture with him. Check out the photos here!