Back Home Again for Flynnville Train
The highlight of Toby Keith’s Big Dog Daddy tour came this week for us when we got to play back in our home state. We’ve played at several amphitheaters this summer and after a while they all start to look the same. I stepped out onto the stage at Verizon Wireless in Noblesville, Ind., setting up just like every other day, when it hit me. I’ve seen several concerts here and have always dreamed of playing this stage. We finally made it. I haven’t felt a rush like that in a long time. To look out into the crowd and see the faces of our family and friends was the greatest feeling. Our hometown crowd gave us a warm welcome and partied with us like it was their last good time.
After the concert we headed into Indianapolis where we were scheduled to play an acoustic show at the 8 Seconds Saloon. The house was packed and ready to party but our show was delayed. We were waiting on a special guest to arrive. That’s right, Toby showed up to check out the show. We started our set around 12:30a.m. and had played for about 30 minutes when Toby decided to get up and jam with us. What a joy that was for us, and our families and friends were just elated. We jammed on some of Toby’s classics and played his new single, “Love Me If You Can,” which happens to be my favorite Toby song. We played a couple of our songs and Toby sang harmonies with the boys. Then the real fun started when we jammed on some classic cover tunes. The fun lasted until about 3 a.m. It was one of those moments that I can imagine telling me grandchildren about some day.
This week’s behind-the-scenes person is Megan Smith. Megan works for TKO, our management company. She was the one that made the phone call to us when Toby wanted to hear us for the first time. We call her our little firecracker. She takes care of all the little details of the many things that we need every day. She sets up our meet-and-greets, radio interviews, traveling arrangements and much more. She is always on the go and is very pleasant to work with. She truly is a blessing to us and we couldn’t make it without her.
This week we head back out East where we are guaranteed to have a good time. Should have a lot to share next week. Until then, Tommy Bales
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Wendy Jo says:
I’m thrilled that I got to experience the shows in front of your hometown crowd! The Verizon show was amazing! The crowd was really having a good time!
The 8 Seconds show was indescribable… it’s a night I’ll never forget.
snoopdog6373 says:
Great reading your account of your hometown homecoming.
Working with Toby must be a blessing. Hope to see you on the tour next year. Who knows, maybe we’ll meet someday.
You guys deserve a fireball helping you and keeping everything running smoothly. Raise your hands above your head…
Bonny says:
The 8 Seconds Saloon show will definitely go down as one of the best times of my life. I loved that Toby joined you guys - you can see how proud he is of you and what a blast it was to watch you guys just having a good time. We were all sad to see it end.
Thanks for sharing your experience playing before your hometown crowd - it was definitely fun to watch.
Dena says:
I was fortunate enough (thank you Mark) to be at the Indy concert and at 8 Seconds too! You guys rocked the house and were on fire! Both performances were awesome! 8 Seconds was a special treat! You guys really seemed to be relaxed and enjoying yourselves! I agree with WendyJo ~ I will never forget that night! It goes into my top 10 best times! I was surrounded by friends and good music! Thank you guys!
Ladybird says:
It was truly a night to remember!! The Verizon show was awesome but the 8 second saloon show was the icing on the cake!! And Megan she is a sweetie!! Thanks guys!!
barbara says:
I know this must have been the HIGHLIGHT of all concerts, in front of all your families and friends. What a HOOT!!!!!!!!!!!! I know you guys love your Trainiacs and love the support they give you, but I also know that some of those there that night, you go way back with.
So sorry I missed the PARTY!!!!!
Hope to see you down the road SOON!
Angie says:
That was awesome seeing Toby get on stage for a jam session. That was a dream come true and totally amazing!! Thanks for such a good time.
Laura Bryan says:
I am so glad you guys got to play for your hometown crown. Had to be an amazing moment and to have Toby play with you… I have loved all of your shows that I seen this summer. I am now listening to your new cd. I love it… God Bless all of you !!
Kimmie says:
8 Seconds Saloon was definitely awesome. One those things that will be really hard to top. You guys looked like you were having so much fun up there jamming on the stage. It was great you could share that with all your friend’s and family.
It was also great to see you guys play in front of your Home State Crowd at Noblesville. Great show.
Karen says:
You guys are amazing - I had such a great time in Noblesville and Chicago - definately a weekend of fun and great music. 8 Seconds Saloon was the highlight. Seeing FVT and Toby playing in a smaller setting and just kicking back and having fun was great to watch. Thank you.
Jacque says:
I am sure with being so busy you may not remember my husband Mike Lindsay he worked with you at Performance. He said you would make it someday and he loves to hear how great things are going for you. If you hadn’t heard the Indiana Performance is gone. So we decided to semi retire in Tennessee. I looked at your schedule because I thought about surprising Mike with tickets if you were somewhere close like Knoxville. I didn’t see anything so maybe next year. He will just have to be happy with your CD right now. Congrats!
anabel50 says:
i love toby kieth!