Last Friday, Rupp Arena played host to a mixed martial arts cage fighting event where local and national competitors sparred off against each other in a kick-boxing/wrestling type format. Mixed martial arts is a combination of various kick-boxing techniques as well as wrestling. It is definitely a violent and intense sport, but it much more than just thrown punches and swung legs. Lots of training is required to become proficient at the sport, as well as a large amount of physical endurance. Boxing is quite possibly the most physically exhausting sports. Combine that with wrestling and trying to pin someone to the floor, and you can quickly figure out why all the competitors were toned and muscular.

With cage fighting, people automatically think of Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. There is a certain barbaric association to that arena. It also may not help that the fighters themselves sometimes act barbaric and often don multicolored hair with Mohawks. All preconceived notions are cast aside though, when you see the professionalism of the fighters during their match, as well as the amazing sportsmanship after it is all over. You have to have an incredible amount of respect for someone who could match wits and fists with you for nearly 15 minutes.

There will be lots of shots from one of our house photographers, James Crisp, as well as a bunch of photos I took “from the stands” that should be available in the next few days. Until then, here is a taste of the photos to come. If you were able to make it, we would love to know what you thought as well as see any photos you took. If you weren’t able to attend then take a look at the photos, and perhaps you will consider coming next year.

There’s just something about a man in a cowboy hat; and there’s definitely still something about country legend George Strait. At 55 years old he still knows how to rock arenas and pull at your heartstrings. There wasn’t a woman in attendance who didn’t leave the show a little more in love with the crooning Texan, or a man who wasn’t proud to don his cowboy hat and sing right along.

With over 50 No. 1 hits since his debut album in 1981, it was easy to see why so many fans were on their feet, screams filling the air as each song’s opening riffs introduced another country classic. Of course, the “Pure Country” star couldn’t play every radio-hit but he did touch on a little of the old plus a little of the new.

“Check Yes or No,” “Amarillo By Morning,” “Give It Away,” “Run,” “I Hate Everything,” “Wrapped,” and “It Just Comes Natural” were some of
the night’s picks––although I have to say, I was disappointed I didn’t get to hear “All My Exes Lives in Texas,” “Clear Blue Sky,” or “Cross
My Heart”––but the concert was so good, I’m really not complaining!

I have to say something about his band as well, because they were flawless. And the set was really nice too; the free-floating stage allowed everyone an unobstructed view of George and his band, plus the guys did a really fine job of staying mobile and keeping the audience engaged.

When the lights finally faded and George left the stage, it didn’t take long for his screaming Kentucky fans to call him back out. And back he came. To play his usual ending song, “The Cowboy Rides Away…”

“Oh the last goodbye’s the hardest one to say, This is where the cowboy rides away.”

I love you, George. Feel free to ride back into town again soon.

The approval and appraisal of George Strait means a lot in the country music industry. When he decided to bring along hit group Little Big Town and green-shirt Sarah Johns, it was no accident. Both acts were full of energy, and the audience seemed to agree with George’s choices, showing their enthusiasm. Below are a few photos of the openers, as well as some information about each.

Sarah Johns

Playing for her home crowd, Sarah Johns really gave it her all on stage. Sarah went to West Jessamine High School and then attended University of Kentucky. Now she has a video nominated in the CMT Music Awards and is touring the country with some of the most well known country musicians out there. She seems humbled by her success, yet extremely excited to be doing what she is doing. I am sure this is not the last everyone will hear from her.

Little Big Town

Little Big Town is no stranger to the stage, or the top of the music charts. Although not quite as successful as George Strait (yet), they have had a lot of hit singles. All four members of the group are amazing vocalists, each having their own solo sections in certain songs. The truely breathtaking part is when they perfectly harmonize with each other to create a soothing and unique sound. With four highly skilled members, they were able to move around the stage (which was in-the-round, meaning that there is seating on all sides) and each command their own portion of the crowd, and then join up together for a nice line-up of vocal talent. For their finale, the lights went dark and the first words of their song was uttered, “I have no shame…” which caused everyone in the audience to roar with excitement and get off their feet.

Tomorrow there will be a full write up of just the George Strait portion of the concert. Early next week we will be posting up all of our photos from the event to our Flickr account. If you would like to be notified as soon as the posts go live, then be sure to follow us on Twitter.

To say that the Linkin Park concert tonight was amazing would be selling it short. Linkin Park is known for their excellent live performances, and this one proved no different. Partnered with solid groups such as Coheed & Cambria as well as the up-and-coming Chiodos, there was no question that everyone got their money’s worth. Below are some photos and notes about each band, with many more photos (full size) coming in the next few days.

Chiodos

The fairly unknown group, Chiodos, was the first band to take the stage. The singer definitely knows how to get a crowd pumped up. Although people may not have known their songs, they were screaming and ‘rocking’ to them regardless. It was a great way to start of the night and get the intensity up quick.

Coheed & Cambria

Coheed & Cambria were no stranger to the stage, or the audience. Although at first their first songs seems a bit weak, it all fell into place as the set list built up to a perfect climax of “Welcome Home,” the most intense yet, and the audience favorite. From great harmonizing vocals to amazing guitar riffs, Coheed & Cambria definitely had an amazing night.

Linkin Park

The opening bands were at their best, and really gave Linkin Park a challenge of toping them. Never to be outdown, Linkin Park lived up to their reputation as amazing live performers. The stage had many levels and colors that made it seem that much more overpowering. Above it all were five giant screens which displayed a variety of things, from light patterns, to blooming flowers, to video feeds of the performers on stage. From song to song, the screens would tilt and pulse up and down creating amazing effects and making it all seem larger than life. Of course, all good things must come to an end. After their initial farewell, they came back on stage for an expected and highly-anticipated encore of two songs. The arena lights faded up, some fans started to leave, but time stood still as they came back on stage for a second encore, with not only one, but two more songs. Although each song in their set list was good, their last were perhaps the most intense and involved a lot of energy and appreciation from the audience.

Were you able to make it to the concert? We would LOVE to know what you thought of it. Please comment with your thoughts (good and bad) and let us know about your experience. Be sure to tell your friends to do the same. Stay tuned for many more pictures from the concert in the next few days.

For the upcoming Linkin Park and Coheed & Cambria concert this Monday, many elements of the show are going “green.” Linkin Park has committed to make their tour as green as possible, and is encouraging and working with their venues so they can do the same. Together with Music for Relief, the aid charity their tour supports, they will be implementing the following green initiatives throughout all their venues:

- Using bio-diesel fuel in most trucks and buses.

- Running shore power for buses whenever possible and offsetting when not possible.

- Utilizing reusable kitchenware and utencils, have the tour caterer utilize locally grown organics and use recyclable materials and reusable serving products.

- Implementing a tree-planting initiative in which Linkin Park is donating $1 from every ticket sold to Music for Relief and fellow nonprofit American Forests to plant trees.

In an effort to support the band’s causes, Rupp Arena will be offering a variety of ways for patrons to do their part to make the concert green. The following initiatives will be in place:

- Backstage Recycling

- Music for Relief table will be set up at the concourse, and selling merchandise to raise funds. Rupp Arena has removed their merchant fees from this booth so that all money raised will be donated to support Music for Relief.

- Preferred parking offered to people who drive hybrid or electric vehicles, or are carpooling with 4 or more people in their car. There are 100 spots available on a first come, first served basis. (See map below and click for Google Map)

Together, with Linkin Park, Music for Relief, and American Forests, we hope to raise awareness of ways to save energy and be more eco-friendly. For more information about Music for Relief and American Forests, you can visit their websites at MusicforRelief.org and AmericanForests.org.