The Dixie Chicks Are Back
When the Dixie Chicks rolled their MMXVI tour into the AK-Chin Pavilion in Phoenix, Arizona it was definitely not a “Cold Day in July”. July 17th was a typical summer evening and the temperature at this beautiful outdoor venue was in the 100's. Thankfully there was cloud cover, so there was a little relief from the heat. Natalie Maines, lead singer/spokesperson of the Dixie Chicks, came out on stage rubbing her arms and quipping “Brrrrrrr. It’s frrreeeezing here.”
This Chicks concert was a little different from those in the past. There was a graphic light show and videos playing throughout most of the show. Those who know the Dixie Chicks know they can get themselves into trouble at times. While singing “Ready to Run,” the Chicks played a video behind them which made fun of all the presidential candidates. The video included Republicans, Democrats, and third party cartoon figures doing outrageously silly things. There was really no way anyone could be upset. Well done, Dixie Chicks. If you have to be political at least make fun of everyone.
The Dixie Chicks (Maines, sisters Emily Robison and Martie Maguire), provided a couple hours of phenomenal music. Despite the heat, the crowd was on their feet rocking out to “Goodbye, Earl” and “Sin Wagon”. They did a beautiful tribute to Prince although I was a little surprised they did not do a tribute to Merle Haggard who also passed away in 2016.
This is the first full US tour for the Dixie Chicks since 2006 when their album Taking the Long Way was released. That was their first album to release after their unfortunate remarks regarding President Bush a few years before. They performed a few of the songs from that Grammy Award winning album, including “Not Ready to Make Nice”, “Taking the Long Way”, and “Accidents and Accusations”. They also performed beautiful renditions of “Landslide”, “Travelin’ Soldier”, “Top of the World”, and “Cowboy Take Me Away”. They ended the night with one of my personal favorites, “Wide Open Spaces”.
I got the impression the fans were definitely ready to make nice and were thrilled to have the Dixie Chicks back on tour. Welcome back girls.~ Ellen Ann
About Ellen Ann
JournalistI grew up in Philadelphia which is rich in the culture of music and arts. I played the cello for 3 years in elementary school and for a short time I was a part of the Philadelphia Children's Orchestra. I believe every home should have a piano whether anyone plays it or not. Someone will almost always try to learn and there is always a friend or relative who will just sit down and play. I enjoy most music, live theater, and live comedy. Music brings back memories, soothes the soul, changes my mood and outlook. Sometimes all it takes is a favorite song to make the day beautiful! I now live in the Phoenix, AZ area where I am a not-so-boring accountant. I try to make time to travel, explore the area where I live, the music and arts in the southwest, and just, in general, learn who I really am and who I want to be.
