Gettin' Off on the Pain

The Crystal Grand Music Theater in Wisconsin Dells seats approximately 2000 people. To some major recording artists, performing at a venue that size would be considered small beans. But for Gary Allan, it seems the smaller the audience, the better the show.

Gary Allan, the dark horse of the country music industry, sold out the small Crystal Grand Music Theater on Saturday night and myself, Andy, my sister Cheri and her husband Corey were all there to rock out with him.

The four of us had seats in the upper balcony, but it didn't really matter because every seat in the house was a good seat. However, as Gary took the stage and opened the show with his new hit "Get Off on the Pain", my sister and I jumped to our feet (as most concert goers usually do at the opening of a show) obviously expecting the rest of the audience to follow suit. We were jumping up and down and screaming, and after a moment we looked around and saw the rest of the balcony just...sitting. Then we looked at each other with a puzzled expression. "Why the hell isn't everyone standing up?"

So we sat down. Aggravated.

Despite our distaste at having to dance in our chairs, Gary rocked the house as usual. He intermingled dark hits like "I Just Got Back From Hell" with hard rock anthems "A Feeling Like That" and "Living Hard" mixed with ballads such as "The One", "Best I Ever Had" and his newest heart-wrencher, "Today." I was most thrilled when he sang my favorite Gary Allan song of all time, "Songs About Rain." During that song, Andy and I got up and danced. Sorry to those behind us who couldn't see. Maybe you should get out of your seats and shake it like all the people on the floor below!

Having seen Gary several times, as the end of the show approached we knew what to expect. Gary ends every show with the tavern tune, "Drinking Dark Whiskey, Telling White Lies". For this particular show, he was joined on stage by a sheepdog. I'm not sure whose sheepdog it was, maybe it was Gary's, maybe it was a band member's, but the dog trotted out on stage and collapsed at Gary's feet, just chilling while Gary's no-nonsense raw voice belted out the last song of the night.

As we attempted to get out of the parking lot, it became evident what every country fan really wants. As we sat in the line of cars, we were approached by dozens of people with one question, "Does anybody have any beer?"

I would say it was a good time had by all.

Look for Gary's new album, Get Off on the Pain, which drops in stores and on iTunes March 9. Also, check out Gary as he performs at the House of Blues live this Saturday, March 6 on GAC. His raw, rockin' style won't let you down.