Right after 9/11, I watched a fundraising television event for the victims and their families of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The event had a number of famous bands and musical artists. It was the first time I had ever heard The Dixie Chicks. They sang a beautiful song called, “I Believe in Love.” It was perfectly harmonized and meaningful for such a painful and important event. I was an immediate fan.

Since then, I’ve listened to every song they’ve released and with supportive love watched their fall from grace when lead singer, Natalie Maines, criticized then President George W. Bush at a concert. Last I heard, one can speak their mind even if others don’t agree with them. Maines hasn’t shied away from her opinions even after the Chicks got “cancelled” by many in America. Give me a great female band with strong voices and strong opinions and I’m sold!

I had been to two of their concerts pre-COVID and absolutely loved every minute of those concerts. The Chick’s songs are a mix of country and rock, the lyrics are memorable, and the crowd is always great fun. Throw in a little women’s empowerment and to me, it’s the perfect mix for live music.

This year, the Dixie Chicks changed their name to The Chicks, released a spicy new album, and set out on a summer tour. After two plus years of no live music, I was ready to go to a concert. The Chicks had booked all outdoor venues for a hopefully safer experience for those of us who are still a bit COVID cautious. My husband booked tickets for our daughter, me, and him on Long Island to see the Chicks. It was a glorious weather night, the crowd was happy and lively, and the Chicks did not disappoint, even as Maines’ voice seemed to not be at full strength. We later found out that she’d needed to cancel a few shows in order to rest her voice.

Chicks Groupie?

I’m not sure what it was, but my daughter and I kept saying that we really wanted to see the Chicks again, and soon. There is something about the three of them, their fans, and their music that is just so enticing. So I decided to treat my daughter (and me) to another Chicks concert. We met up in Boise, Idaho, got some hiking and good meals in, and then of course, went to the Chicks concert. It was even better than the one we saw on Long Island. It was a packed venue, filled with fans who knew every word of their songs, who were clearly politically and socially aligned, and brought the best energy to a really fun concert.

Singing songs with a crowd of thousands who know every word of those songs is so powerful, so connecting, and so hopeful in a world that seems ridiculously divided. #community #connection #joy #music Click To Tweet

Am I a Chick’s groupie? I’m not sure because I’m not sure if two concerts in one summer counts as groupie status. I will say this, I missed live music. I missed a crowd of people who all LOVE the performers who they came to see. Singing songs with crowds of thousands who know every word of those songs is so powerful, so connecting, and so hopeful in a world that seems ridiculously divided. Singing those songs with my daughter next to me and many mother/daughter teams at that concert was also incredibly special. We laughed, we cried, we sang, we yelled, and we had a blast.

If I could make it to another Chicks concert this fall, I’d do it in a heartbeat. I now know their set list so I can tell you which song is coming up next and which one might be okay to skip if you have to run to the restroom or buy another beer. I can point out the children of the Chicks and maybe even what the Chicks are likely to wear to the concert. A groupie? Maybe. The Chicks clearly believe in love and they also believe that Earl had to die. Only a true Chicks fan would get that meaning or maybe only a Chick’s groupie.

Love,

Lisa Kaplin Psy. D. PCC