If you insist on drawing a Venn diagram of Israeli’s(A) and Country music fans(B), I think you’ll find only one person exists in the intersection, me.  I was at an all time high this weekend at Chicago’s Country Music festival.  Two nights straight, I saw Gretchen Wilson and Taylor Swift.  Somehow, I now own a cowboy hat so all that remains to do is check out the high-tech industry in Nashville and buy a ticket.

“Do y’all mind if I have a drink?” The crowd cheers like crazy and Gretchen Wilson grabs a bottle of Jack Daniels and takes a long gulp.  I can’t imagine Madonna or Elton John or U2 or Robbie Williams doing anything remotely similar during a performance.  This is what I love.  Whoever can write an entire song about what not to do when you get drunk (All Jacked up) and how she keeps her Christmas lights on all year long (Redneck Woman) is entertaining enough for me.  Where else could I be shouting “Hey y’all and Yee Haw” without people wondering what planet I fell out of?

Taylor Swift was another story altogether.  If we ignore the shrieking of 16 year old girls, the advantage of seeing Taylor Swift is that you usually have a better view of the stage and you’re not pushing your way through big hairy men.  Her show was spectacular.  It’s hard to believe that she just finished high school.  My friend joined me for this concert.  If you look at the picture, you will understand why she felt a little bit out of place.  If you aren’t dirty blond with a cowboy hat, you stick out like a sour thumb.

The next day, I went to a cowboy store, which was advertised at the festival, and got myself a real cowboy hat.  Some things are just meant to be.
One day, I’ll rent a trailer with a few friends, and go through all those great states to experience the real America…  The trailer will have to have wi-fi though… and my bike … and a refrigerator for my ice cold Dr. Pepper… and a monkey who can bring me a can on queue… One Day…

Gretchen Wilson Concert

Taylor Swift Video

Stay tuned for the Chicago Marathon post… soon…