Little Big Town Celebrates The Grand Opening of Capital One Hall
Date: October 2nd, 2021
Venue: Capital One Hall
Tysons Corner, VA
Few things are more exciting than two nights of Little Big Town. When you put those two nights in a brand new venue, it gets even better. That’s right, to kick off October we visited Capital One Hall for its Grand Opening weekend featuring country music supergroup Little Big Town.
Capital One Hall is the latest addition to the entertainment scene in Virginia, just a short drive or metro ride from Washington, DC. This beautiful new space is a spacious yet intimate venue with a capacity of 1,600 featuring the latest technology housed in a beautiful space accented with wood finishes that create a unique juxtaposition with the marble throughout the lobby. Its calendar of events is already filling up as they prepare to welcome Broadway plays, musicians, and more.
On this night in particular though, there was only one act to focus on and the seats filled across both evenings as the powerful harmonies of Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook, better known as Little Big Town arrived. With them you don’t get just a concert, you get an entire show. This was proven as the curtains on the stage illuminated with blue lights created a star effect before opening to reveal an empty stage filled with a light fog while a large white backdrop and arch across the front of the stage began to be illuminated. In addition, a transparent screen covered the entire stage as a projection of the moon appeared to the tune of Willie Nelson’s “Stardust.” The song played in its entirety as we were transported into this tranquil space as we watched the moon and stars twinkle before seeing silhouettes of the band appear on an elevated round in the center of the stage. Lights dimly illuminated them through the transparent screen as they began to sing the acoustic introduction to “Next To You,” the first song off their latest album Nightfall.
As the song continued to build, the sounds of drums began to appear before ramping up as they harmonized and lights flashed the screen then dropped as the crowd roared. They then seamlessly transitioned into the title track of their latest album and it was obvious from the beginning that this group of four love what they do and they do it so well as they bounced between each other giving each one the opportunity to sing before coming together to create those beautiful harmonies only they can create.
It was then time to really get the party going to celebrate this new venue as songs like “Pontoon” and “Rollin” got the crowd dancing and singing along. The band then took a moment to reflect on the wild year we’ve been through as they admitted quarantine was a bit difficult, especially when the people you’re with can start to get on your nerves over time which gives a good reason for some “Over Drinking.” Why stop the drinking there though? It was time for a little “Day Drinking” right after proving the versatility of their songwriting capabilities going from ballads to party tunes that stand the test of time. It was then time to slow it down as Jimi hit us with the heart-wrenching, feel-it-in-your-gut type song that is “When Someone Stops Loving You.”
I think one of the things that makes this group of four so strong is that not only do their voices blend beautifully together but they also allow each other the opportunity to be the lead singer across their songs. Such as Karen Fairchild singing soul-baring songs and anthems like “Sugar Coat” and “The Daughters,” or Kimberly Schlapman with a personal favorite of mine with “Throw Your Love Away,” even Phillip Sweet with “Bring It On Home” and Jimi Westbrook breaking out the grooves with “Wine, Beer, Whiskey.”
This show is so good it needed a two-night performance because it makes you want to go right back and experience it all over again the very next night. They truly know how to give the fans a night to remember as their two-hour set created so many memorable moments. Moments like when the band exited the stage only to return a few moments later as guitars and drums rocked the house with “Turn The Lights On.” Or when we all jammed out to “Front Porch Thing” and visited the “Boondocks,” all while being reminded of the power of a “Girl Crush.”
From your favorite Photographic Ginger, this was certainly a night of music that I won’t soon forget and it’s a show you don’t want to miss. Make sure to get your tickets to the Nightfall Tour running through the end of the year by clicking here.
If you happened to capture any shots of the night, feel free to tag us on social media at Shutter 16 Magazine and throw in #Shutter16 and #TwitFromThePit for the world to see.
