Thread: Tampa Reviews
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Old 07-10-2004, 03:51 PM
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Knight1 Knight1 is offline
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Then there is an excellent fan review of the show by twainexpress in the Forums. Some interesting insights into the Shania Appeal!

http://www.shaniaforums.com/showthread.php?t=31849

Tampa Review

Shania's Tampa Concert Review

Being that Tampa Florida was the second to last concert on the UP! Tour, I am sure we all are familiar with the general over view of Shania's concerts. However there were some personal touches in the concert I thought worth noting.

First off, I am breaking my own rule for the first time in running a fan site. In four years I have never added any of my own personal comments or critiques about Shania's career. There is one more first. This is the first time I have ever gone to a Shania Twain concert. In fact its the first time in my life I have gone to any concert.

While there have been some comments that the energy of the tour is fading along with Shania's voice. I cannot agree with this. The Tampa concert showed an explosive amount of energy and enthusiasm from both Shaina, the band and from the crowd. Simple put, it ROCKED! The energy could only be matched by the fire works and graffiti that eventually enveloped the stadium.

A little back story for those who do not follow Hockey, or do not know the out come of this years Stanley Cup Championship. Well, my home town Tampa, Lightning won! Being that Shania and Cory Churko are from Canada, this little bit of information got great use in the concert.

Right before Shania would appear on stage Cory Churko dressed up in Calgary Flames uniform and paraded the stage playfully taunting the crowd! This got an enormous reaction from the home crowd and he was playfully booed off stage with a roar of noise. Not once but twice! No make that three times... Cory was playing and the crowd was playing along. No one was insulted or mad, it was hilarious and a "riot" and it set the positive energy that would follow for the rest of the night! In all fairness Cory congratulated Tampa for its Stanley Cup victory. If that didn't draw enough of a reaction, one of the biggest applause came when Shania came on stage late in her performance dressed with a Tampa Bay Lightning jersey. Holding up a balloon shaped Stanley Cup she also congratulated Tampa on winning the championship. How gracious is that from our Canadian friend?! Rightfully observed by Shania, Tampa had both American and Canadians on their team. It was a victory both countries could be proud of.

What struck me about the concert was that everyone gets into the act, from Shaina, the band members, and the fans in the crowd. This wasn't Shania's concert, it was EVERYONE'S concert.

Several times during the show some families were invited on the stage. I admit I couldn't fully understand what the event was for. No fault of Shania's, the audio system was maxed out and it was hard to hear her speaking voice. What ever the reason, Shania, talked to her fans on stage, signed, souvenirs, hats, shirts, just about anything. She gave them all a very big hug and took pictures with them. There was a collective loud "AWWWWHHH!!!!" from the crowd every time Shania hugged someone. No question Shaina was loved by the 20 or so thousand in the seats. No question 20 or so thousand fans would have loved to been hugged by Shania. But in the end, with every hug Shania gave, I think the crowd knew she was hugging ALL her fans. It was very sweet.

In one unexpected instance a little girl wandered onto the stage while Shania was interacting with other fans. To my knowledge this was not planned. But Shania couldn't have been more gracious and sweet with the little girl that snuck her way into the spot light. Shania rushed no one, and gave every delightful fan her time and attention. When she was finished, she kneeled down and talked to the little girl. Shania signed her clothing before escorting her back into the stands. It was a precious, unplanned moment handled with sweetness and grace.

As many of you know, Shania interacts very closely with the front row crowds. She was constantly, and I mean constantly belting out her turns, signing autographs (by the hundreds?) and taking flowers all at the same time. Talk about multi tasking! This in many ways is the secret to the energy of her show. It almost never stops. How incredible was this? Well one time a father was holding up her daughter who desperately wanted to hand Shania some flowers and a Teddy bear. They rushed up to the front but Shaina had already passed, when she turned about, Shania missed the girl again as she sang and moved further away. I wondered if Shaina would be able to take the girls gift or if she was too committed to the song to go back once again. Sure enough Shaina double tracked and picked up the girls gift from her hand. No broken hearts tonight. That little girl and her father could not have been happier. I was moved by the moment.

There are some things she did which I believe she does for every town. She brought two young girls on stage to sing "a song along" with her. The girls were in tears that they were on stage with Shania. They sang, Shania sang and the whole crowd sang. The girls were shaking with excitement and Shania shook with them. Shania had local band members, drummers belt out the tune to (If Your Not In It For Love) Im Outta Of Here.

Shania caught a child warring a little yellow top very similar to the one she has been warring on the UP! Tour. She talked to the little girl and brought her up on stage too. In fact Shania seemed very aware of the audience. When she could, commenting on the many signs, and gifts presented to her from the crowd.

There wasn't as much sexy stuff, not that there needs to be (or that there's anything wrong with sexy stuff). Its just an observation. This was a family concert for a family crowd. But emotions were high, fans were delighted and I cant imagine anyone not being totally entertained, and moved by the concert.

When Shania brought up the fact that this was her second to last concert, and that there would be a VERY long hiatus before she tours again. The crowd belted out yet another collective "AWWWWHHH!!!!!" Others moaned in discontent. But it was playfully done. I guess you cant please everyone! After a grueling year on tour, Shania needs her space and its well earned.

The Tampa concert was a family event. Not just family in the literal sense, but it was an emotional concert of celebrations and good-byes. It was a party for all. In my opinion a SMASH HIT with fans and definitely with me.

(Disclaimer: This is my own personal review as a fan. I tried my best to make accurate comments, but I am not a news reporter! I did not take down notes at the show and I am not a writer.)
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