Recently, members of Masters Radio attended a concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD. We were guests on this hot and stormy evening of Will Turpin, bassist for Collective Soul.
The concert opening act was Edwin McClain, who showed the audience that he STILL has a fantastic voice. His music was enjoyed by everyone and his playing of one of his most famous songs “I’ll Be” earned him a well deserved standing ovation.
Next on the stage was the band Collective Soul, who served as our hosts for the evening. It just happened to be lead singer, Ed Rolland’s, birthday. He dressed for the occassion by wearing an Evel Kneivel jump suit and his energy throughout could have had him clear any amount of cars! Their music was a cavalcade of hits and a cover or two.
Our closing headliner was Hootie and the Blowfish. The first word that comes to mind for their performance is WOW! They sang all of the familiar songs and their stage show was out of this world. They weren’t shy in changing genres from pop, to country, to bluegrass, and then rock.
Following the concert, our members were invited to a Hootie After Party where we met and talked a little with Darius Rucker and Mark Bryan of Hootie and the Blowfish and Will Turpin of Collective Soul. While backstage events usually involve a line up and take individual pictures, this one was different in that the band members mixed with the crowd. We even had “selfies” taken with the members with them taking the pics themselves.
While ANY concert is a real thrill for any of us here at Masters Radio to attend, this one was extra special by sharing the experience with band member friends old and new. Watch for an upcoming interview planned with Darius in the near future.