Concert Review: Sierra Ferrell (Red Hat Amphitheater)

Sierra Ferrell BY MARK DOLEJS

Sierra Ferrell brought the country to the city with her Shoot For The Moon Tour, Wednesday night, at Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh.

Nikki Lane
Along for the ride was Nikki Lane, who opened the show with some technical issues on the stage. After a couple of minutes of troubleshooting the lack of sound, she decided to serenade the crowd up front in the pit with part of a song as she waited for the sound to come back.

Nikki Lane and guitarist Cotton Clifton
Lane started with her signature song, “Highway Queen.” A few songs later she and Cotton Clifton did ”California Stoned,” which was a big hit with the crowd.

Sierra Ferrell
By the time Ferrell hit the stage, the venue was packed, the rain had stopped and fans were delighted by her presence on the stage. I heard one fan say how great her voice sounded and remarked that she has come a long way.

I’ve not been listening to her music for very long, but I was impressed. Her stage presence is great, always with a smile on her face and always surprising her fans with a unique outfit.

Many fans dressed the part as well, paying tribute to the star they love and cherish. Not only do her fans love her, but apparently the critics do as well. Just this week, Ferrell was honored for the second year in a row as Americana Artist of the Year. And, she won four Grammy Awards earlier in the year including Best Americana Album for Trail of Flowers.

Sierra Ferrell
The night was filled with songs from that album, including “Money Train,” “I Could Drive You Crazy,” “Dollar Bill Bar,” and "Chittlin' Cookin' Time in Cheatham County."

Ferrell’s movement on stage is mostly subtle, but with her song “American Dreaming,” she had the crowd waving their hands from left to right in sync as they sang along.

Sierra Ferrell
My favorite song of the night was “Fox Hunt,” also a crowd favorite, and the last song before she left the stage and returned for an encore with “In Dreams.”

I completely understand the charisma and attraction to Sierra Ferrell, her music is fantastic and she just has a way of making you want more and more.

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MARK DOLEJS

Photography is an avenue that Mark Dolejs uses to learn about the people and places that cross his path. After more than 30 years as a photojournalist, Mark enjoys concert, macro, and roadside photography. Follow Mark on Instagram at @solidrockpix.

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