St. Louis Concert - Kelly Clarkson & Eric Hutchinson

As my 2nd St. Louis concert came near, I was sicker than a dog. I'm not sure what got into me, but I decided to give myself a cold/flu bug for my birthday. My plan to stay and visit with family for the weekend turned into me staying at a hotel Sunday after the concert and driving back the next day.

This concert, Eric Hutchinson and Kelly Clarkson, was my true birthday present to myself. I sprung for tickets in the covered seats, so I wouldn't be in the sun. Yeah, that didn't work out quite as planned and wasn't nearly as close as I had hoped. Yet another lesson learned this summer.

Eric apparently doesn't know how to give himself enough credit. In my book, he is beyond better than good, but then again, it's probably best that he doesn't have a big head. I enjoyed is set as always, but wished I could have been in the pit singing right back at him.

He took the time after his set to meet the fans. I met him a couple years ago, but couldn't resist sharing my happy thoughts about his music with him. A random fact for you, he's a Baltimore Orioles fan. I love the fact that he's a baseball fan and makes music that brings a smile to my face.

Oh yeah, I just remembered some country singing gal named Abi Ann performed first. She had a nice voice, but her songs weren't my cup of tea. Below is the 3rd act, Pentatonix, which I saw on a televised a cappella singing competition a few years ago. I was looking forward to seeing them because I know they are talented, but not being familiar with their music or songs they chose to sing didn't allow me to get lost in their music.

Kelly Clarkson was the last to take the stage. She lived up to my expectations from the last time I saw here and blew them out of the water. I loved the interactions she had with the crowd and her band mates. Her willingness to let them all have their turn in the spotlight was refreshing. Her commentary about almost swallowing bugs while singing was hilarious. Her realness makes me smile.

I don't have many good pictures of Kelly and I wasn't lucky enough to get to have a meet and greet with her. I can still hear her beautiful voice playing through my head. Even being a sick, snotty mess, I stayed through to the very end. I was in no hurry to get going because I purchased an elite parking spot that made it easy to find my car and a quick exit. I look forward to more music from Kelly and seeing her in concert again.