This past Friday evening, Chunkette and I traveled to the Clay County Regional Event Center on the Clay County Fairgrounds in Spencer for the first event in the three concert series of appearances by northwest Iowa's own Nashville Star, Shawn Mayer. All proceeds from these three shows, including upcoming dates in Cherokee, Iowa, as well as Vermillion, South Dakota, are going to the 9th District of the American Legion. It was refreshing to see a young person like Shawn, who is trying to further her musical career, take the time to promote something other than herself. It is obvious in listening to this young lady that she is doing more than just talking the talk in regards to America's soldiers and the job that they do. Far too people anymore seem to remember that freedom is far from free, and for the 200-plus years of this nation's existence our freedom has been purchased with the sacrifice of the men and women of our armed forces. Ok, I'll crawl down from my soapbox now and get on with the report on Friday night's festivities.
Chunkette and I arrived at the venue at about 6:30 p.m., with a scheduled interview time with Shawn of 6:50. As it turned out, the five or so minutes that we expected was nowhere near as much as we received. As it turned out, we got to spend close to half an hour with this delightful young lady, and I am happy to report that she still appears to be the same small town girl who just a few short years ago was living in May City, Iowa, and dreaming of country music stardom!
When first approaching her, you can't help but notice the military-style dog tags that she wears proudly around her neck. During our conversation she told me that she had given a blank dog tag to an area veteran when she was in May City for her "hometown concert" during the run of the Nashville Star series. When she appeared at the Clay County Fair this fall, the same veteran returned the dog tag, now engraved with the legend, "We do what we did so that you can have the freedom to follow your dreams". To me that is the definition of military service.
As I mentioned earlier we had the opportunity to chat with this delightful young lady for close to half an hour, and even managed to make her blush while reminiscing about the first home-made Shawn Mayer CD that was delivered to the radio station a few years ago. The blush came from the reminder that we had played her music, even though the sound of crickets was clearly audible. She explained that fact with a self-conscious giggle by telling us that particular CD had been recorded in her garage. She has certainly come a long way since those days.
We were all having such a good time chatting, but alas there was a show that needed to be performed, and time has an annoying habit of marching on, even when you wish you could slow it to a crawl.
The show was an awesome experience, led off by O'Brien County's own Dave Fintel who performed several well-known country tunes, many of which leaned toward the patriotic, which I thought appropriate, considering the cause for which the show was being performed.
When Shawn Mayer took the stage she held the audience in the palm of her hand. This girl has a voice more powerful than a garlic milkshake!!! Chunkette and I were both blown away by the fact that such a huge voice could emit from such a little girl. If the only time you have heard Shawn Mayer sing was during the Nashville Star show, then you can't appreciate the voice that she possesses. TV simply is not able to do justice to that voice!!
Sadly, the concert passed as quickly as our private time with Shawn in the green room had passed, and it was time to head home. But very few people left!! The line for autographs was unbelievably long. And it was nice to see this up and coming country star take the time to return the affection to her fans that they so freely offer her.
All in all it was a great night!! We saw several people there we knew, and several listeners, as well. It was a great concert that raised money for a great cause. One of the most pleasant parts of the night, however, was the opportunity to see for ourselves that the success that has come Shawn's way over the past several months hasn't changed her from the sweet little small-town girl that she's always been. At a time when most performers are promoting themselves and working hard on their careers, she was willing to promote something bigger than herself and give something back to those who have sacrificed for all of us. My faith in the younger generation was renewed.
Click here to listen to the interview!
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