Last Sunday night, Train performed in Erie at the Tullio Arena. Whenever a big name comes to Erie, I try to get tickets to see them, because it’s not often that we a) get good artists and b) that I only have to drive 20 minutes for a concert.
If you know me, you know that I drive insane distances to see my favorite artists. I am basically a concert aficionado. The longest drive yet has been to Scranton, Pa., for a Sugarland concert. Let me add to that that I drove down to Indiana, Pa., first, to pick up my best friend for the show, adding two hours (each way) onto my trip. It was totally worth it, though.
Thus far in my short life of 21 years, I have seen: Goo Goo Dolls, Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Sara Bareilles, Sugarland, Tim McGraw, Josh Turner, Brooks & Dunn, Merle Haggard, Gary Allan, Keith Urban, Plain White Ts, Parachute, Third Eye Blind, Train, and a few more.
Now, I have liked Train’s music since the beginning but have not been a hardcore fan. This basically means that I only knew about a third of the songs he played, but enjoyed them all.
It’s cool that Pat Monahan is from Erie and loves the fact that he is from Erie. His daughters also still live here. The band is comprised of Monahan, Soctt Underwood on drums, and Jimmy Stafford on guitar. They opened with their first single, “Meet Virginia” and proceeded to perform “Hey Soul, Sister,” “Drops of Jupiter,” “Calling all Angels,” “When I Look to the Sky,” and many more. During “Marry Me,” Monahan walked around the concert and I got to touch his hand! (I have also touched Brad Paisley’s hand–I am starting a list.)
Train’s music is very soothing, although Monahan sings it like a rocker at times.
I was surprised that Monahan changed his shirt around five times throughout the show–I’ve actually never been to a concert where a male performer has an outfit change. First time for everything, I guess, although it seems a little…vain, to put it nicely.
Overall, the concert was a fun time, especially because I went to it with my mom, and we made a day of it with shopping and dinner beforehand.
With that, I will also mention that Blake Shelton, one of today’s biggest country music stars, in performing in Erie on Thursday, Feb. 9. Erie must be moving up in the world. Wish me luck tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. when tickets go on sale…I’m hoping for some seats up real close!