Good music comes natural for Strait in Hub City concert

by Brant Thurmond, sports editor

For more than 25 years, country songwriter George Strait has been selling out  venues from coast to coast. 

On March 7, Lubbock welcomed muti-platinum MCA recording artist George Strait to the United Spirit Arena. The concert was sold out, with more than 15,000 people in attendance.

Along with Strait, Sarah Johns and Little Big Town were also in town to help celebrate Lubbock's centennial anniversary.

The crowd went wild as Jeff, Kelly, and Mudflap from KLL-FM welcomed Strait to the stage. Strait walked out to "Deep in the Heart of Texas" and joined his 11-person Ace in the Hole Band.

As the crowd continued to go wild, Strait moved from corner to corner, using a microphone as thousands of screaming fans reached out to touch him and give him gifts.

Strait began the performance by playing "Ocean Front Property," a number-one song from 1986. He also performed other number-one songs from early in his career, including "The Fireman," "Check Yes or No," "Amarillo by Morning," and "Still Make Cheyenne."

About halfway through the show, Strait mixed in some songs from the most recent album, "It Just Comes Natural," which went platinum in October 2006. The album includes hit songs such as "Give it Away," "It Just Comes Natural," "Wrapped," and "How 'Bout them Cowgirls."

Born and raised in Texas, Strait paid tribute to the Lone Star State with several historic Texas images flashing on the screens, including the State Capitol, the Fort Worth Stock Yards, an Austin city limits sign and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The crowd went wild as the final images came up on the screen were of the Texas Tech symbol and the "Guns Up" sign.

 Strait has sold more than 65 million records, including 32 different platinum and muti-platinum albums. During the course of his career, he has received more than 60 major entertainment industry awards and countless nominations. He has been a CMA Entertainer of the Year nominee 16 times.

Another performer at the March 7 concert was Kentucky native Sarah Johns. Johns currently has a hit song with "The One in the Middle." She also featured a new single trying to climb its way to the top called "He Hates Me."

Also featured earlier in the concert was hit vocal group, Little Big Town, which took the stage following Johns. Little Big Town played their new hit song "I'm With the Band." The group known for their rich harmony played other hit songs such as "Give Me a Little More You," and "Bring it on Home," along with another great song that most people in West Texas can relate to titled "Boondocks." "Boondocks" was the last song of the set and received a standing ovation.

Overall, the concert was a fantastic experience.