Making a little girl’s dream come true

I first saw Lady Antebellum in the summer of 2007 during CMA Fest in Nashville. There was a buzz about them even then. They were known as “the group to watch.” Lady Antebellum consists of two guys and a girl: singer Charles Kelley, brother to popular artist, Josh Kelley; singer/guitarist Dave Haywood; and singer Hillary Scott, daughter of country music artist Linda Davis.

Having enjoyed their performance I purchased their CD when it came out. Along with it came a free subscription to the Lady Antebellum Fan Club. When I heard they were coming to the Salem Civic Center in Salem with Jason Aldean Nov. 14 I decided to pay a visit to my friend, Kristen, who lives in Salem and both of us went to the concert.

My Fan Club membership gave me two passes to meet Lady Antebellum, one for me and one for my friend. I take photos for a radio station Web site and they obtained a couple of meet and greet passes for me as well. This provided an opportunity to share my bounty with others. How would I choose someone to take with me?

I scanned the crowd and noticed a mother and daughter near the back of the Civic Center lost in conversation. I approached them and asked who they were more excited to see, Jason Aldean or Lady Antebellum. “We like them both,” they replied.

I asked if they had seen Lady Antebellum win the CMA Award for New Artist of the Year on TV earlier in the week. “Oh yes! We were so excited for them” they exclaimed. “Would you like to meet them?” I asked. The little girl’s eyes got as big as saucers as the mother said, “Are you serious?”

“Come with me” I said as I lead them to the backstage area where a select few had gathered to meet Lady Antebellum. We chatted while we waited.

Lakyn is 10 years old and in the 5th grade. She and her mom, Leesa had driven two hours from their home in Rocky Gap to attend the concert. They didn’t have a camera to take a photo with Lady Antebellum but I offered mine when the time came.

We lined up for our turn to “meet and greet” the artists and out through the curtain came Dave Haywood, Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley. Kristen and I went first then I introduced Leesa and Lakyn to “Lady A” as they are affectionately known to their fans. They were very gracious and unhurried, signing autographs and welcoming her to the show. Lakyn was clearly star struck as she gazed up at them. Just before the photo was taken Lakyn tumbled back into the temporary backdrop but Hillary caught her and kept her from falling. Afterwards Lakyn said, “Hillary touched my jacket - I’m never going to wash it
again!!” Her excitement and enthusiasm was so endearing.

The concert was extremely entertaining. Lady Antebellum clearly deserves the recognition the group has gotten recently. With tight harmonies and a high energy performance, they take turns sharing the spotlight and having a rollicking good time on stage. You can’t help smiling and tapping to the beat.

When I got home I e-mailed Leesa and Lakyn their individual photo and received this in reply, “You don’t know how much your kindness touched us. You made a little girl’s night. Thank you so much and we wish you and your family a happy holiday season.”

You know, watching that little girl’s eyes light up and sharing in her joy blessed my heart beyond measure. It was the highlight of my evening so, actually thank you, Leesa and Lakyn, you made my night!

Cheryl Walker can be reached at .