Swift captivates big crowd
By Devin Grant
Country music teen sensation Taylor Swift has visited the Lowcountry twice before, first as an opening act for George Strait in early 2007, then again later that same year to warm up the crowd for Brad Paisley.
Taylor Swift
Thursday night it was Swift's turn at the top of the roster, and the sold-out crowd at the North Charleston Coliseum didn't disappoint the singer.
With a decidedly female-heavy crowd populated by teen and pre-teen girls, as well as more than a few of their moms, the volume level was deafening as her fans screamed their approval between songs.
While Swift sang any one of her hits — "Tim McGraw," "White Horse," or ""Fearless," for example — it seemed at times that the 9,000-strong crowd would overwhelm the star's amplified voice as they sang along.
The show began with Swift rising from beneath the stage wearing a drum major's uniform, which was quickly ripped off by her backup dancers, revealing a slinky sequined dress that would make Tina Turner envious.
The show, part of Swift's "Fearless Tour," had the feel of a Broadway production at times, complete with multiple costume changes and special effects, including a thunderstorm at the end of the encore.
After a mid-concert acoustic set that featured Swift in front of a huge red curtain, she advised the crowd that she was taking them back in time.
With that, the curtain rose, revealing the stage behind it transformed into a multi-level castle.
Swift then again rose from beneath the stage, this time singing "Love Story" and transformed into a Cinderella-like character complete with a medieval ball gown.
Other songs performed by Swift included "Not Sorry," the inspirational "Change," and "I'm Only Me."
Swift has come quite a ways since first gracing a Lowcountry stage just over two years ago.
If Thursday's ambitious production is any indication of how Swift plans to make her mark in the entertainment world, then at the ripe old age of 19 it appears that we can expect some truly huge things from this star in the future.
Prior to Swift's impressive performance, Nashville's Gloriana and former "American Idol" contestant Kellie Pickler treated the crowd to short sets.
Pickler, who placed sixth in season five of the popular TV talent show, received a particularly warm welcome from the audience.
Reach Devin Grant at chucktowncritic@yahoo.com.
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Comments
KidYendor (anonymous) says...
How is it sold out with 9,000 when the coliseum holds around 14,000 people with seating on the floor according to web information? Was there no seating on the floor? I do not know since I was not there.
May 1, 2009 at 2:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
squeezeoflime (anonymous) says...
With a Broadway type stage (curtains, backstage areas, etc), they don't seat people behind it - they wouldn't be able to see anything. So, all the seats with views that were available for sell were sold out.
May 1, 2009 at 7:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
Yeah haw, cookie cutter country with that outstanding star KiellY PicKler...gawd awful...
May 1, 2009 at 12:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dancingbackwardsinheels (anonymous) says...
The show was entertaining and exciting. Taylor Swift is such a refreshing change from the over-sexed Brittany Spears'-type performers. Taylor's songs are genuine and full of sincere emotion- as a mom they take me back to my teenage days of crushes and heartbreak- without all of the angst... In one of her songs she mentions that her best friend "abigail gave everything she had to a boy who changed his mind, and we both cried- 'cause when you're 15 and somebody tells you they love you, you're gonna believe them..." so poignant.
At one point in the performance a video showed her in an "interview" with Hoda Kotb in which Hoda asked her what she thinks about the fact that boys may not want to date her if she's going to write songs about them- the crowd grew quieter and I felt as if everyone was thinking "what if it were me and boys didn't want to date me? what would I do?" my heart stopped in my chest waiting for her response (I had my daughter with me and was hoping for an answer I could agree with)... her response was that if boys who dated her didn't want to be in her songs, then "they shouldn't do bad things"...and the crowd went wild!
I appreciate that -at least so far in her career- when I see her, I don't see her flaunting her body, teasing the audience and making trashy videos. I read in a review of her a few months ago that in concert she seems like the big sister of the girls in the audience- and I can attest that it is true. While her music may not stand the test of time as worthy of high honors- she brings something positive to the table for girls everywhere to emulate- and she should be applauded for that- loudly- again and again...
May 1, 2009 at 1:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KidYendor (anonymous) says...
I should have gone and tried to buy a ticket outside.
May 1, 2009 at 9:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hollyman (anonymous) says...
Dancingbackwards...,
I particularly enjoyed reading your post about the Taylor Swift concert. You obviously spent time and effort in putting it together, and looking for worthwhile qualities in her. I, too, hope she will remain the sqeaky-clean person that young girls today can emulate. It will be terribly hard for her to keep up that image, but it is an awesome opportunity for her to set a positive example for today's youth. Thank you for writing a fine post!
May 1, 2009 at 10:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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