Fan Review – Keith Urban – Des Moines, IA

14 years ago Liv Carter 1

I was so excited to get out of work early Friday, Aug. 13 and head to Des Moines, Iowa to see Keith Urban at the Iowa State Fair-and meet up with several Monkey friends. I met my friend June in Clear Lake, IA – about halfway between the Twin Cities and Des Moines. We arrived at our hotel in Des Moines about 3 PM. There we met up with several of our fellow Monkeys-Suzanne, Kim, Tresa, Lindsay, Gerianne, Be, Nancy and Shelly. After we freshened up it was time to head out to the fair. After we got in and walked by the grandstand, we could hear the sweet strains of “Stupid Boy” and “Kiss a Girl” during sound check. We tried to see if we could see anything but no luck. After not seeing Keith in almost a year, hearing that sweet, soulful voice got me pumped up for the concert. After meeting up with our friends again (as well as Nichole and Mike G.), it was time to head in to the grandstand for the show. The night was already steamy but it was going to get a lot steamier with Keith and the boys on tap. I was also looking forward to seeing Kris Allen-I loved him on Idol. Once we got into the grandstand, I saw a few more friends-JoAnn, Heather, Dawn. I’ve met so many great people through Keith’s fan club and I love being able to see them at shows.

Kris Allen is cute and talented (and really short!). I’m not familiar with too many of his songs but I thought he did a good job of getting us ready for Keith. He sang for about 40 minutes. His set included “The Truth”, “Man in the Mirror”-which everyone knew, and “Live Like We’re Dying”. He did some interacting with the crowd. He signed a few autographs and took a picture with a little girl-cute. I haven’t seen Kris perform before but I will probably see him again.

By the time Keith came out, the sun was setting and the air had cooled a little – but it was about to get HOT again with Keith and the guys onstage. Keith opened with “Kiss a Girl” and had the audience on their feet right from the beginning! I love the energy and enthusiasm that all the guys have from the moment they step onstage. It’s infectious. Next – “Days Go By”. Brian looked especially cute with his hair in a ponytail. I love when we can see his face. The ponytail soon disappeared and the band slowed it down for “Stupid Boy”. There were some fireworks (literally) during “Sweet Thing” – although I don’t think they were supposed to go off then. Keith and the guys all look like they’re having so much fun when they perform-I love watching all of them! Keith even had us singing along to the alphabet. I loved his laugh and his smile after the audience repeated it. Keith was mobbed when he went out into the audience for “Shirt”-and he went WAY up into the grandstand. For those who haven’t seen this before – it’s a fun surprise. He was mobbed again as he went back to the stage. I was a little worried about him getting back in one piece. Keith sang “You’ll Think of Me” with lots of passion-especially at the end. I love when you can see and feel the emotion during this song. Keith had Kris come out and join him for The Eagles’ “Boys of Summer”. They did a nice job and Kris held his own with Keith and Brian. For the encore we were treated to Bob Marley’s “Is This Love” and one of my favorite Keith songs “Somebody Like You”. I like the interaction between Keith, Brian, and Jerry. They sound great together and they each have great voices individually. And Chris is a terrific drummer. Something that I’ve observed: I see more and more men at each Keith concert – and not just because their significant other dragged them there. A lot of them are there because they appreciate Keith’s guitar-playing. Awesome!

This was my only Keith concert this year and it was a great one-great friends, great atmosphere, great music! From my seat I could see the lights from the fair’s midway (especially the ferris wheel) – a perfect backdrop – especially for “Til summer comes Around”. Anyone who likes Keith Urban and has not seen him perform live should try and get to at least one concert. You will come away loving him! Seeing Keith perform live got me addicted – and I don’t want to find a cure.

– Colleen

Liv Carter

Liv Carter

Liv is a career coach for creatives, and the people who work with them.
She holds several certificates from Berklee College of Music, and a certificate in Positive Psychology from UC Berkeley.
Her main influences are coffee, cats, and Alexander Hamilton.
Liv Carter