Travis Tritt presents acoustic concert at Clayton Center
On Feb. 2, country music newcomer Lyndsey Highlander took center stage with guitarist Brian Smith
to open for Grammy-winning artist Travis Tritt. The concert took place in the Clayton Center for the Art’s
Ronald and Lynda Nutt Theatre.
When Tritt appeared, he was greeted by cheering audience before he sat down with guitar in hand.
Beginning with “It’s All About the Money” from his 2004 album “My Honky Tonk History,” Tritt played
through several seasoned favorites.
Three songs into his set, Tritt told a packed crowd of 1,200 that they would be hearing “a lot of
music” within the evening. Tritt played everything from his collection of hits, new instrumental pieces,
classic country and a song dedicated to his late father during the 3-hour show.
“It’s good to be back in Maryville,” Tritt said. “I love repeat business. Hopefully, it means we did
something right.”
During the concert, he pointed to his guitar and said, “This is my band tonight.”
“I don’t get a chance to do these types of shows, so please enjoy,” Tritt said.
After conversing with the audience, Tritt started with a cover of Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock
of the Bay,” followed by one of his own hits, “Country Club.” The audience clapped and sang along when
Tritt reached the chorus and began to dance.
Freshmen Megan Mihaliak and Colby Ross were first-time attendees to Tritt’s concert, but they both
said thought that it was a success.
“Being with my grandparents, I grew up listening to Travis Tritt,” Ross said. “A lot of the songs at the
concert were really familiar to me.”
Mihaliak said that although she was new to Tritt’s music, she enjoyed the concert.
“‘It’s a Great Day to be Alive’ was one of my favorites,” Mihaliak said. “I really loved the crowd’s
energetic reaction to the song.”
Tritt played “The Whiskey Aint’ Workin’ No More,” using a detailed finger-pick style during verses,
“Country Aint’ Country No More,” which contained unrecorded lyrics, and then gave a surprise
performance of The Soggy Bottom Boys’ “Man of Constant Sorrow,” from the 2009 comedy-film “O
Brother, Where Art Thou?”
When Tritt changed guitars for the next set, he began by sharing a story about his father who had
died in 2009 at the age of 68. He said that he spent his days in the summer helping his father with the
crops in his garden.
“I always said when I had the chance I would get away, but now I wish that I could be home with
my father,” Tritt said. “It seems that whatever you try to run away from, you will always find yourself
running right back to.”
He dedicated his next song, “Longing for the Fields of Home,” to his father.
Tritt’s ability to sing a tender ballad was evident with the song dedication. Tritt then proceeded to
show his love of the blues with “She’s Going Home With Me,” and a cover of Johnny Cash’s “Walk the
Line.”
Tritt further demonstrated his devotion to fans, playing hits for much longer then his usual 90-
minute concert. Tritt gave much more than any of his fans and the concert attendees could have asked
for.