Sugarland’s performance was carefree and delightful as they ran their set list, which included “Stuck on You,” “Rest of Our Lives” and “Already Gone.”

Review and photos by Danielle Boise

A surprisingly vast array of musical talent was displayed on August 23 at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre as Mercury Nashville recording artist, Canaan Smith along with Dave Smith (formerly of the ’80s sensation, Eurythmics) opened for Sugarland on the Atlanta stop of the “In Your Hands Tour.”

Canaan Smith started the night off right with his easy going, poppy country music that included performing his first released single, “We Got This.” Smith had a laid back air about him as he coasted across the stage with a smile on his face as he played his guitar. For more information on the rising country star Canaan Smith, visit www.canaansmith.com.

Dave Stewart appeared on stage next, backed by a predominately female band, including the incredibly talented Orianthi, to promote his latest album, The Ringmaster General, which is set to release Tuesday September 4.

Stewart performed a mix of songs from his days in the Eurythmics to his solo material for his set, included performing with gusto, “Here Comes the Rain Again,” “Heavy” and rounded the night out with a glorious rendition of “Sweet Dreams.” But what brought the house down was when he brought out his twelve year old daughter, Kaya, to perform the Eurythmics classic “Missionary Man.” Kaya was beyond unbelievable with the amount of talent that little girl has in her. It’s hard to describe the awe that Stewart’s daughter inspired; her voice was like gilded gold.

For more information on Dave Stewart or see where he will be performing next, visit www.davestewart.com.

With the “In Your Hands Tour,” Sugarland wanted to make its show as interactive and fun for fans as possible, allowing fans to request some of the musical selections to be sung that night as a thank you for all their dedication to the band over the years. In fact, Nettles brought two friends up onto the stage, one from Tampa and the other from Chicago, for their request of “Means Girls.” “That’s what I love about live music, it’s live!” declared Jennifer Nettles with a chuckle, as she forgot a line in the middle of the song “Mean Girls.”

With hair flowing and a dynamic voice Sugarland’s, very pregnant, Jennifer Nettles rocked the night away with her country booming twang-filled voice as Kristian Bush played guitar – the chemistry between the two of them is undeniable. The duo really enjoyed performing together and you got that sense watching them up on stage that magic was happening.

“Do you like to be surprised, because Sugarland loves surprises.” Nettles said as both Bush and Nettles signed a guitar and then Bush went out into the crowd to find a lucky fan to give it to.  Sugarland’s performance was carefree and delightful as they ran their set list, which included “Stuck on You,” “Rest of Our Lives” and “Already Gone.”

Nettles explained about the song selection, “It’s hard to understand the light without the dark. We’re going to experience them both tonight Atlanta,” as Sugarland went into a heart-wrenching rendition of “Blood and Snow.” They also performed, “Fall into Me,” and “Baby Girl,” which happens to be one of my personal favorites. Next, Sugarland had a surprise for the fans as they brought Nettles’ NBC’s “Duets” partner and Georgia native, John Glosson to perform “Life is a Highway” and “Stay.” Sugarland wrapped up the night with “All I Want To Do,” throwing in a little of Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby” in the middle of the song just to funk it up a bit.

Sugarland puts on a fun, carefree show that is a must see. To find out more information on Sugarland or to see where they are performing next, visit www.sugarlandmusic.com.

Sugarland

David Stewart