On August 22, the beloved country band Alabama traveled over a thousand miles from Colorado to perform at the Crawford County fair. The band is touring in the celebration of their 50th anniversary and sharing their thanks by playing some of their most well known songs. Alabama consists of Randy Owen and his cousins — Jeff Cook and Teddy Gentry; the three of them have been creating music since 1968.

 

The band remains relevant, pulling in crowds of fans of all ages, despite being often considered more appealing to elder country fans. The Band is known for certain songs like “Angels Among Us,” “Dixieland Delight,” “Mountain Music,” and “If your Gonna Play in Texas.” Their seven multi-platinum albums and 27 No. 1 hits have speak to their modern legacy.

 

For long-time fans there was no surprise as the aging group walked onto the stage, opting for lowkey stylistic choices. They donned New balance sneakers and jeans over expected cowboy boots and hats.

 

The band warmed up the crowd with their opener, “High Cotton,” as they introduced themselves and shared some of their recent traveling experiences. Taking in their audience of devoted fans including one lady who had been too 160 Alabama concerts. It was the band's second time playing at the Crawford County Fair, but the first time they had seen the stage since it’s remodel in 2003.

 

The concert featured many touching moments. One particularly special moment Teddy Gentry (lead bass) singing, “You Are So Beautiful,” in honor of his newest granddaughter. Another great moment was a Randy Owens’ heartwarming tribute to the kids of Saint Jude’s in, “Angels Among Us.”

 

For those who doubt the relevancy of country music, an Alabama concert is a good antidote. And watching fans sing and dance along to every song illustrate the genre’s roots. Almost every song included a singalong that entertained the whole audience, and several people on the floor level got up to dance, while those in the bleachers swayed and stomped along.

 

The aging band is obviously doing what they love. Randy Owens periodically ran across the stage sticking out his microphone to the audience and waving to its members, and dancing along intermittently. While age has limited his smooth moves to an excited hip sway, it only took one performance to see the band interacting and joking together to tell they were where they belonged, on stage, and surrounded by fans.