MUSIC: AT&T AUDIENCE NETWORK CONCERT SERIES

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AT&T AUDIENCE NETWORK CONCERT SERIES

I recently had the privilege of being included in some wonderful private concerts in Hollywood, which many of you will get to see on TV soon. And I’m happy to share the info with you all.

Andra Day, rocking the first stiletto nails that I've ever admired.

Andra Day, rocking the first stiletto nails that I’ve ever admired.

This is what this is: AT&T Audience Network is showing a series of exclusive concerts on their platforms, which include Direct TV and Uverse.  They were all shot in front of live audiences at Big Red Studio in Hollywood, the existence of which even I didn’t know about previously!  And I feel like I’ve worked at every studio in town!  I love learning something new in show business, so that was an interesting aspect above and beyond the concerts themselves.

Some of the diverse performers this go-round were Cheap Trick, Martina McBride, Melissa Etheridge, Blue Oyster Cult, and Richard Marx, none of which I made it out for.  But I had the extreme good fortune of seeing two wildly dis-similar artists, both of whom I’m more or less a fan of: Andra Day and Daughtry.

They were each wonderfully presented, although in very different ways. As I’m sure many of you did also, I just discovered the incredible Andra Day this Christmas, in a holiday commercial she did…with Stevie Wonder!  Mr. X and I were speeding through it, and heard her sing just one note, which stopped us in our tracks.  We went back to listen to the whole song, and were bowled-over by Andra’s voice.  After that, we noticed her singing her hit, the emotional Rise Up, on shows like the Grammys.  And now I’m a fan. (You will be, too, if you watch this concert of hers, on July 8.) As befitting her jazzy-bluesy music, her AT&T concert was styled as a 1940s era nightclub, complete with tablecloths and old-timey lamps on them.  She sang in front of an old radio mike, on a stool, and in an easy chair.  And she was styled beautifully.  I usually hate stiletto nails, but Andra’s red ones, complete with a ring on each finger, looked stunning.

How fun does this Daughtry concert look? Photo by Karen Salkin.

How fun does this Daughtry concert look? Photo by Karen Salkin.

Two nights later, I was back at the studio to see the rock band Daughtry.  (No worries–I’m aware that I have eclectic tastes.) This time, in the very same space as the time before, it was now a rock concert stage, with the audience standing in front, like at a festival. I love people who have the creative vision to change things up so much!

Also this time, we Media peeps were treated to a pre-concert cocktail party, first outside, and when it got chilly out, we moved inside to an area with a bar and arcade games. And, during the concert itself, we had the choice of standing either up front with the rest of the audience, or hanging back a bit with the other invited guests. We chose the latter, and were surprised to find ourselves right next to someone who looked familiar. It was Ricky Schroeder! I guess he and Chris Daughtry are pals. Who knew?!

So, now it’s your turn to see it all unfold. And from the comfort of your own homes!

For more info, and to find-out when and where the concerts air, click here: www.twitter.com/audiencemusic

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