The Farr Side: Shania Twain, then and ‘Now’

Seldom does an artist shake up things the way Shania Twain did in the mid-1990s.

Twain rewrote the record book numerous times to become the most successful female country artist of all time, while also becoming a world-wide pop phenomenon.

Last fall, Shania Twain released her first full album of new material in almost 15 years. “Now” debuted at No. 1.

All year long she’s been selling out venues on her latest tour “2018 Now Tour.” On July 18, she takes on Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, again to treat fans to another of her great live sets.

I caught Shania twice, each time at Van Andel Arena. It was the “Up! Tour.” I’ll never forget the first time I saw her. I was there to review the show. I took my mom along, because it seemed like it would be an exciting night to enjoy some great music. Little did we know, we had front row seats. It was awesome. Twain was in top form. Her enthusiasm was contagious and the band was mesmerizing.

The show was like a “Greatest Hits” CD playing non-stop. The stage was in-the-round and she worked all sides of the arena. She’s quite the entertainer, one who feeds off the crowd’s adrenalin.

Mom and I had a ball. I was already a big fan, but she came away a huge fan, too. She talked about her for months afterward, a sure sign of a great concert experience.

About eight months later, Twain announced a second visit to Van Andel. Obviously, I was going. This time, I took my nephew, Candin.

At one point in the first show, Twain had performed in the audience. I thought about how people seated nearby must have felt. So I purchased a pair of tickets near that area for the second appearance. The night came and we took our seats. I can remember Candin saying, “Boy, I bet you and grandma loved being in the front row.” I chuckled and said something like that I attended enough concerts to know the front row is not always the best place.

The show began and he was excited, but nearly as excited as I was, because I knew exactly what she was going to do.

This concert was identical to the first, meaning she was likely to sit directly behind us for a couple of songs.

Sure enough, after intermission the lights dimmed and there was Shania seated behind us. It was so cool. Candin’s reaction was priceless. I think I heard “Oh My God” like a hundred times. She then sang, “You’re Still The One.”

Twain is such an awesome artist to see live. I can’t say that about all singers.

Twain’s legacy with three back-to-back diamond-selling albums “The Woman In Me,” “Come On Over” and “Up!” is impressive, but it’s hearing the incredible list of songs live that blows you away, such as “Any Man Of Mine,” “If You’re Not In It For Love (I’m Outta Here),” “Come On Over,” “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” “You’re Still The One” and “I’m Gonna Getcha Good,” among many others. They can make you feel good.
— David T. Farr can be reached at farrboy@hotmail.com.