Country Music |

Being a country music fan in New York City falls right above having an infectious disease in order of what people disclose about themselves. I have to hide my love of Tim McGraw, Phil Vassar and Rascal Flats like a skeleton in my closet. That,and the lack of actual country music shows in the tri-state area is why Adam and I often take advantage of when our favorite performers are in driving distance. A few weekends ago, we headed north towards Saratoga to their annual “Taste of Country” festival. The premise was great. Phil Vassar (our fav performer – seriously, watch that guy play the piano!), BBQ food, and friends. We were heading to the festival with two of our good friends, Andrea and Chris. Chris has been Adam’s friend since grade school, and Andrea is a friend of mine from the city – And, I make a pretty darn good matchmaker if you ask me (Patti Stanger, watch out!) if you ask me.

C + A at the BBQ Fest Aren't they cute?

We got to the festival around 3pm – and guess what? The BBQ was pretty much already gone, but we were able to sample some of the tasty (or not so tasty) food. The premise was that we bought tickets and were able to sample a couple bites from each contender, and vote. To be honest, I was a little disappointed in the tidbits of food. The meat was mostly dry, and we could not tell what was pork, beef or chicken – let alone rank each option. We made the group decision to grab dinner at a local restaurant and head back for the music!

BBQ Samples - What's what? Can you tell?

SOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED!

The concert did not disappoint. Adam and I went on one of first dates to a Phil Vassar concert (at the Berlin, CT county fair – in the rain!) and he always brings me to see him on Valentine’s Day so his shows always hold a special place in my heart. Phil, writes a lot of country music for artists like Martina McBride, and Tim McGraw, but most people never hear his versions of the songs – I think Phil (yes, we’re on a first name basis) does a much better job!