Tim McGraw Birthday Concert

I've been a Tim McGraw fan for 15 years. Each year on May 1st I would celebrate his birthday whether it was by singing happy birthday, baking a cake or just listening to his music.

You might be thinking...wow...she's a bit obsessive, but I'm not. Fine, maybe a little.

I'm extremely appreciative of Tim's music. Okay, the fact that's he's a good looking guy actually caught my attention at first, but his tunes and caring heart are what made me a longtime fan.

Through the years I always thought it would be cool, if I could actually sing happy birthday to him while he was in the same room.

I finally had that opportunity on May 1st, 2011 when Tim announced he'd be performing in Orlando. I had purchased the tickets months ahead of time.

Dave and I were extremely excited about the concert. We were good to go, nothing was stopping us now.

While anticipating the big day we saw countless commercials via Live Nation announcing the tour dates and that tickets were still available.

Hmmmm. It's Tim McGraw, tickets should be sold out, at least that's my opinion.

This was his first time back in Orlando since 2003. Could the economy be that sluggish that people just aren't spending money on concert tickets?

Well, this was most likely a once in a lifetime chance to celebrate Tim's 44th birthday with him. We arrived early enough to check out the crowds and the other fans. We didn't find much activity by the time we got there.

There were a few long lines of people, but one line caught my attention because they had passes dangling from their necks. So being the extrovert I am I approached a woman on the line. I asked her what the badges were for. She replied with "a private pre-show concert". I asked how she received one. She said "the radio station gave them away but there were no more." Hmmmm....GAVE them away? Wow. I know for a fact people have to win them or give the shirts off their back for one. I knew this couldn't be good. I was fine with not receiving a pass since my mission was to sing happy birthday and I knew it wouldn't happen there.

It was time to enter the arena. Our tickets were scanned. The attendant told us to proceed to the blue table because we had a surprise. I sprinted and almost knocked a guy over, but he survived. When we approached the table the nice gentleman notified us that we were being upgraded to the lower level. YAY! No nosebleed section for us! We grabbed our new tickets and went to find our first class seats.

We were thrilled that they were closer to the stage! Now again, being the extrovert I am I began conversing with the other fans seated around us. I found out that most of the lower bowl was relocated and the upper bowl was closed off due to low ticket sales.

The Amway Arena can hold 14,000 people for a concert. This concert had only sold 6,000 tickets. Hmmmmm. Made me wonder as to why?

WELL, the 6,000 fans had more space to dance and the time of their life! The Band Perry opened the show and entertained the crowd for 30 minutes. I use the word entertained lightly due to the fact that I didn't notice one person stand and applaud, just basically sit. I thought that maybe they were napping before Tim took the stage. It was a laid back performance but excellent nonetheless.

The next act up was Luke Bryan and OH MY the crowd exploded! I was a bit surprised. Yes, Luke has many top hits but I had no idea he was this popular. He had the crowd in an uproar. He was enjoying shaking his thang! Dave and I both agreed that Luke Bryan is ready for his own headlining tour!

Tim was next. He of course teased the fans before he made his appearance. Anticipation filled the air of the Amway Arena. We listened to the introduction music and clapped, hooted and hollered until Tim took the stage. It was an amazing moment for all. He performed many hits both old and new. Since I am a people watcher I would occasionally glance around the crowd as I shook my thang and got lost in the music. I noticed the younger generation were clueless with his older tunes and I asked a few of them if they knew the song and they said no. How sad for them that they missed out on an experience of appreciating Tim's older tunes along with his newer ones. Personally if I like a band I want to know ALL their music, not just the top hits. Regardless I relished the moment. Of course the football talk came into action. There were quite a few boo's about him being an LSU fan and there were plenty of hoots and hollers from the Gator fans. It was amusing watching Tim do the gator chomp while on stage.

Tim performed a duet with The Band Perry, it was mellow. He then performed his hit "I Miss Back When" with Luke Bryan....that performance was my highlight of the concert. Two good old country boys had the crowd erupting in applause and cheers! Immediately following the performance Luke appeared back on stage with a huge bouquet of balloons and all 6,000 fans sang Happy Birthday to Tim. It was a surreal moment. One we will always remember and I'm thankful for it. We were hoping Faith Hill would come out and sing the birthday greeting but she didn't and that's okay.

While performing Tim was signing autographs, giving high fives and even brought a toddler on stage (Last Dollar performance) he never broke his stride. Well except for a tiny mishap during a song which we think is because a fan might have attempted to touch something they shouldn't...haha...no surprise there, it happens often....it's just a good thing Faith wasn't there cause she would have kicked some country ass.

I commend Tim not only for his musical and acting talents but for his heart. Word on the street is he's an amazing husband and father. It's obvious how he takes care of the rookies of country music. When a disaster strikes Tim and Faith are there to lend a helping hand. Rumor is one day Tim will run for office, let's all hope he does. He's got my vote.

Tim expressed his mellow and rock 'n roll side during the concert. It was an amazing experience for both my husband and myself. Whether the critics think so or not is their opinion. I don't know whether the lack of attendance was due to the economy or Tim flip-flopping between his acting career and his singing career. This McGraw fanatic will always remember being able to sing Happy Birthday to Tim while he was in the same room. Mission accomplished for me and it was a darn good feeling! Seriously what were the chances of Tim performing in Orlando on his birthday! It was my lucky day!

To the 8,000 other potential ticket holders...you missed an outstanding concert. Thank you for the great seats!

To the females at country music concerts PLEASE check and double check yourself in the mirror before you leave the house. What you exhibit with your appearance never needs to be seen in public. We all thank you.

To President Obama...Thank you for interrupting Celebrity Apprentice and not my concert when you broke the official news of the "Gettin' rid of Osama Bin Laden". Much appreciated sir.