Concert Review – Sugarland and Little Big Town – Bristow, VA
15 years ago Liv Carter Comments Off on Concert Review – Sugarland and Little Big Town – Bristow, VA

As a member of Sugarland’s Fan Club I had the unique opportunity to be one of the few fans selected to attend their afternoon sound check in Bristow, VA before their performance that evening. About 12-15 of us were checked through security and led to our seats in the pavilion. No cameras were allowed so I’ll do my best to paint a verbal picture for you.
The band members were already warming up when Kristian Bush casually walked on stage wearing a white t-shirt, torn jeans, flip flops and a ball cap. He waved to us and proceeded to discuss songs with the band.
We were treated to instrumental renditions of “Little Miss,” Every Girl Like Me,” and “Tonight” – all brand new songs from Sugarland’s “Incredible Machine” album to be released October 19. They discussed measures and counts and at one point Kristian turned to us and said, “See, we really do work!”
With 15 minutes left in the sound check Jennifer Nettles arrived barefoot in a khaki colored jumper over a sports bra. She and Kristian adjusted their wireless mics and ran through the song “Settlin’.” Kristian played guitar and Jennifer walked through the steps on stage. They worked out a dance move and did a hamstring stretch to warm up. As they rehearsed “Incredible Machine” Jennifer walked over to Brandon Bush (Kristian’s brother) on the keyboard, picked up a pair of drumsticks and began playing to the beat.
The last song they rehearsed was “Sigh No More” – one of the encore performances they do with Little Big Town. Finally they bid us good bye and said “See you at the show!”

Having seen Sugarland perform the week before in Charlottesville, Virginia, I was truly looking forward to experiencing their concert again. Every time you go to this show you see something different and new. It is evident a lot of thought went into creating the set with its machine-type mechanisms and contrasting romantic, Victorian feel with lamps, lighting and visual effects.


Kristian Bush is a wonderful side kick for Jennifer. His face is always full of expression as he plays guitar or mandolin and sings. When he’s not mixing it up with Jennifer he’s frequently moving about the stage and interacting with the audience.
If the songs “Stand Up,” “Incredible Machine,” and “Stuck Like Glue,” performed in concert are any indication of the new album coming out in October, I think Sugarland has a huge hit on the horizon.


Thanks for the incredible time Sugarland!
Cheryl
UCB concert reviewer
Liv Carter
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.
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