Dec 13, 2006 - Room at the Inn Benefit - Nashville, TN

By: Ima Prinefan

Nashvillian John Prine is one of the nation’s most prolific songwriters. Prine opted to sing someone else’s song Wednesday night, as part of an annual fundraiser Christmas show for the Room At The Inn program for the homeless. The show, held at the downtown Christ Church Cathedral, has become one of the coolest and most diverse tickets in town.Emmylou Harris, the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble, John Cowan of Newgrass Revival and Kevin Whalum were among the performers. The show is put together by bass player extraordinaire Dave Pomeroy.

Sat Aug 19, 2006 - Tivoli Theatre, Chattanooga, TN - With Band Jason Wilber, Pat McLaughlin and Dave Jacques. support: Pat McLaughlin - Surprise Guest Billy Prine

By: Chat a New Gal Sue
SETLIST: .... 1. Spanish Pipedream .... 2. Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore .... 3. 6 o'Clock News .... 4. Souvenirs (for Steve Goodman) .... 5. Far From Me .... 6. Fish and Whistle .... 7. The Glory of True Love .... 8. Crazy as a Loon .... 9. Taking a Walk .... 10. Angel From Montgomery (for Bonnie Raitt) .... ....solo..... 11. Long Monday .... 12. Donald and Lydia .... 13. Dear Abby .... 14. That's The Way That The World Goes 'Round .... 15. One Red Rose .... 16. Oldest Baby in the World .... 17. Let's Talk Dirty in Hawaiian .... 18. Sam Stone .... ...band returns during end of Sam Stone ..... 19. Bear Creek Blues .... 20. She Is My Everything .... 21. Ain't Hurtin Nobody .... 22. Some Humans Ain't Human .... 23. Hello In There (for his mother) .... 24. Lake Marie .... ....encore.... 25. Sabu Visits The Twin Cities Alone .... 26. Illegal Smile .... 27. Daddy's Little Pumpkin (with song co-writer Pat McLaughlin) .... 28. Paradise (with band and surprise guest John's youngest brother Billy Prine)

By: Dave
  My wife and I saw John and the boys Saturday at the Tivoli theatre in Chattanooga. It was a fantastic show! A great venue, great seats, great vibe, great performance, great audience!
   Pat McLaughlin opened and stayed to play mandolin and guitar in John's band. I wasn't familier with Pat, but was thoroughly impressed. His songwriting is solid and interesting, his solo acoustic guitar playing very unique, and his voice professional and very similar to Van Morrison. I'm glad John introduced him to me. I will admit I was a little disappointed, at first, that Jason Wilber didn't open because I'd heard a couple of his songs and wanted to hear more. Jason played electric guitar and mandolin backing John, so I got to hear enough of him to want to hear more.
   If I remember correctly, John and the boys opened with Spanish Pipedream, Flag Decal and went on to play nearly three hours. After they tweaked the sound mix a little, John's voice sounded great, especially for someone who's been through throat cancer. It was heartening to be a part of an audience of people who cearly love John Prine as much as I do.
   The crowd laughed out loud often, sang along in many places, enthusiastically cheered every classic JP song, shouted out requests every chance, and probably, like me, got teary-eyed more than once. John seemed to be having a good time, too. At one point, after a volley of requests was hollered out, he said "I'm making a list" and later said "I know them all." And he played most of them.
   I had read that he had recently changed the line in Some Humans Ain't Human from "Some cowboy from Texas starts his own war in Iraq" to "Some a--hole from Texas..." but in Chattanooga he sang "That beady-eyed guy in the White House starts his own war in Iraq." You almost could feel the crowd anticipating it as he approached that line of the song, and they responded with a nice ovation and I didn't see anybody walk out.
   A few more tid-bits: during Dear Abby, he said before the "hair up in curlers and her pants to her knees" verse that that verse was based on a real life experience. During Illegal Smile, every time he played that intro base line he seemed to chuckle at himself as if remembering his comments years ago about that riff sounding like somebody took a bite out of it.
   The guys came out for a single encore of 5 or 6 songs, finishing up with Paradise, where he was joined by his little brother for their song "for daddy."
   Often during the show I felt like I was witnessing an American treasure live and in the flesh who not only has his pulse on history, but is just plain a loveable human being.
   In today's popular culture where the media image of personalities tends to paint a glossed-over picture of the real person, I feel confident that my gut feeling about John Prine the real human is correct. I'd love to sit around and have a few beers with this guy.
   Originally, I was planning to go to the Chastain show. I think Chastain is a lovely venue, but I decided against that show for a number of reasons. One was that you had to buy a strip of tickets to the series and I wasn't as interested in the other shows. Another was the reputation Chastain has for people talking too much and not paying attention to the show.
   IMHO, the best acts for Chastain are those that can make enough volume to make the talkers irrevelant. I was afraid that Chastain would be a nightmare for me, as a listener, and possibly for John and the band as performers. I will say that from what I've heard of Patty Griffin, I'd have enjoyed her opener.
   Was I wrong? I'd be interested in any comments from those of you who saw the Chastain show.

By: Bob C
Wow, what can I say? The Tivoli Theater in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee is a beautiful place. It's one of many theaters that are becoming the norm for a Tennessee John Prine show. Joel, my wife, and myself travelled south for what will be my final concert experience of the 2006 season (baby on the way!). We'd preordered tickets a long time ago and didn't know what to expect, but our seats were fantastic, a little left of stage two rows back!. the full review is here: http://www.geocities.com/Nashville/4351/tivoli.html

PREVIEW: John Prine pours his life out all over the Tivoli stage
Aug 16, 2006
By: Todd Willison
Full article here: August 16, 2006 ......
   The ability to write a song is a gift, as is the ability to sing. It doesn’t take long to guess which one John Prine has in spades. His songwriting skills led some in the past to declare him the “next Dylan.” His singing, however, most likely led his teachers to put him in the back left corner of the school choir. The man’s voice sounds like he just downed a half-pint of whiskey followed by a pint of gravel. But we love him for it.
   John Prine has that unique power, along with Bob Dylan and Townes van Zandt, to woo his listeners with such emotional gravitas and lyrical poignancy that they forget they are listening to the sound of a geriatric hound-dog with emphysema. But don’t let his hoarse vocals scare you away. He’s beyond brilliant. He truly is one of the best songwriters of the last forty years, and Chattanooga locals should be honored that he’s coming for a visit.
    For those who have never actually listened to a Prine album, there is still a good chance you may have unknowingly stumbled across his throaty cry, as his voice has complemented a variety of studio recordings by artists such as the Cowboy Junkies, Randy Scruggs, Bonnie Raitt, Nanci Griffith, Tanya Tucker and Johnny Cash. His own songs would never make one proclaim “Oh! I’ve heard that one before!” Nevertheless, his songs form a cumulative catalogue that rivals the offerings of songwriting legends like Dylan, Young and Springsteen.
   Prine spent the early part of his career playing his country-folk tunes in local bars throughout Chicago. He eventually became good friends with the late Steve Goodman, who wrote the classic “City of New Orleans.” Goodman was instrumental in getting Kris Kristofferson to come see Prine at the Chicago bar “the Earl of Old Town.” It was a providential musical meeting, like Bob Dylan meeting John Hammond, resulting in launching a career that would last several decades and produce a plethora of memorable albums.
   One thing that sets Prine apart from his peers is a unique sense of humor that often colors his lyrics. While Dylan often confuses his listeners, and Van Zandt makes them want to drink until they’re drunk, Prine often makes them laugh. But his humor isn’t frivolous. It has the tone of a man attempting to brighten up life’s hardest quandaries. When dealing with man’s broken relationship with his creator, he concludes that the two parties should “forgive each other” till they “both turn blue” and then “whistle and go fishing in heaven.” He describes the crooked hearts of present day politicians as being full of “frozen pizzas, some ice cubes with hair, a broken popsicle,” and he warns
   “You don’t want to go there!” He chuckles off most of life’s biggest worries, crying “That’s the way that the world goes round! It’s a half an inch of water and you think you’re going to drown.”
   Prine’s approach to life is to smile through it, even when others don’t want you to. One of his earliest songs, “Illegal Smile,” sums it up the best when he concludes emphatically that “I’m just trying to have me some fun: Well done, hot dog bun, my sisters a nun.” But don’t assume that Prine laughs off life while being a stranger to its hardships. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1997 and had to have a neck tumor removed and undergo six weeks of radiation treatment. In a 1998 letter to his fans, he wrote in true Prine form, “I’m looking forward to getting back on the road and singing my songs. Hopefully my neck is looking forward to its job of holding my head up above my shoulders.”
   After his battle with cancer, Prine went on to record one of his finest albums, Fair and Square, which beat Springsteen this year for the grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Songs from this album will assuredly highlight his set list when he plays here later this month, but he is sure to sprinkle several of his classics on top. If you are looking to be introduced to his other work, let me give you some advice. For classic ‘70s Prine, check out his self-titled debut. For what might be his most ingenious album from start to finish, check out 1978’s Bruised Orange. Also, make it a point to listen to his Grammy-winning The Missing Years, produced by the late Howie Epstein of Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers and featuring Petty and Springsteen. If you want to hear Prine sing duets with the likes of Emmylou Harris, Iris Dement, Lucinda Williams and Dolores Keane, check out In Spite of Ourselves. It is on this album that Dement sings of Prine, “He’s got more balls than a big brass monkey / He’s a whacked-out weirdo and a lovebug junkie / Sly as a fox and crazy as a loon / Payday comes and he’s howlin’ at the moon.” This description makes a lot of sense when you listen to Prine’s music. His style is definitely a little bit weird, sly, and crazy, and it has a healthy of dose of howl and a whole lot of balls. It’s a unique combination that is guaranteed to provide Chattanoogans their money’s worth and more on a late summer night in August.
John Prine ...... Saturday, August 19
The Tivoli Theater - 709 Broad Street
$35.50 to $58.50
(423) 642-TIXS www.onstagechattanooga.com

PREVIEW: John Prine Performs Aug. 19 At The Tivoli
Date: Aug 19
By: posted March 3, 2006
  Grammy Awarding-winning singer/songwriter John Prine will perform at the Tivoli Theatre on Saturday, Aug. 19 at 8 p.m. 
  Officials said, "There are very few treasures that arrive with a battered acoustic guitar and open up the windows on basic lives with passion and grace. But when John Prine hits the road, the darkest corners and smallest joys get illuminated by the light of his gravelly, utterly American voice, his way with the plainest of language and the vintage Guild and Martin guitars he plays."
  Among the numerous awards Prine has won throughout his extensive musical career, he was named the Artist Of The Year at the 2005 Americana Music Awards, and most recently, he took home the Grammy Award in February for Best Contemporary Folk Album for his latest release, Fair & Square. 
  Among the classic Prine favorites fans expect: "Sam Stone," "Hello In There," "Angel From Montgomery," "Paradise," "The Speed of the Sound of Loneliness," some new songs from Fair & Square, like "Some Humans Ain't Human," "Other Side of Town" and "My Darlin’ Hometown," have been making friends everywhere they're played. 
  Tickets on sale: FRIDAY, MARCH 10 AT 10:00 AM 
  Ticket locations: MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM TICKET OFFICE 
  Purchase online: WWW.CHATTANOOGAONSTAGE.COM 
  Charge by phone: 423-642-8497 Ticket price: $58.50 / $45.50 / $35.50 + USUAL FEES (ALL SEATS RESERVED) 
http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_81390.asp

March 3, 2006 - Tennessee Theater, Knoxville, TN  - with band Jason Wilber, Dave Jacques and Pat McLaughlin - support: Minton Sparks

By: Mr Bill 
   Following is a listing of the songs from tonight's show. My count was 21...but ... I might have missed one... (MORE THAN ONE! - reviewed the show with my daughter and she pointed these omissions out ... updated count 24 !)
  They are roughly in order as I did this as an after thought and did not make a listing as the show progressed. As always, it was bittersweet ...hearing LIVE the songs that you love and .....longing for those that didn't make the show that night...but that's why I'll be back again !!!
  The venue was really up to the task as a result of it's recent renovation...the acoustics really added to the performance.

By: Bruce Dixon
This was my second Prine show in a matter of months. I just saw him this past October in Nashville, TN at the Ryman Auditorium. That was actually the first time I ever attended a Prine concert. As they often say, "The first time is the best." However, he still put on a hell of a good show for the Knoxville fans. There were a few reasons that Friday night didn't live up to what I'd seen in Music City, but I don't want to point out the bad and ignore the good. So as for why it was still a great show..., well, first of all, I can't imagine not enjoying John Prine's music, humor, energy, and showmanship live and in person. He sounded great, made some funny remarks, told a few good stories, and was engaging as ever. The set list was solid from top to bottom. All in all, it was a great show. Now, for the less desirable aspects of the evening. Knoxville is my hometown, but I must say, the crowd in Nashville was far better behaved and respectful. I love to hear John's stories between his songs, and the crowd in K-Town was so loud and obnoxious that he could barely get a few words out before numerous folks were screaming their requests and/or just random profanity for no apparent reason. Of course, this isn't Prine's fault. It just is what it is. Secondly, there did seem to be some problem with either the acoustics of the theatre, or maybe the band just wasn't as sharp as it could have been. Not being a musical expert, I'm not sure which was the case, but the sound just wasn't as tight as it was at the Ryman. (And an audience that didn't know when to applaud and when to shut the heck up didn't help.) And lastly, I honestly have no problems with John Prine's political expressions in his music and in his performances. It's his outspokeness and the fact that his music is about more than standard radio fluff that drew me to his music in the first place. I don't always agree with what he sings or says, but that's certainly no reason to deny myself the pleasure of being a Prine fan. Besides, I do agree with the overwhelming majority of his lyrics and commentary. Which leads us to the hot button issue of his line, "...some asshole from Texas". In Nashville he said, "...some beady-eyed guy from Crawford", and, of course, on the album it's "some cowboy from Texas." At the end of the day, I suppose most people would consider any of these descriptions of Dubya just as bad as the other. Personally, however, I do wish that Prine would stick to the two latter lines, because there's no reason to play to lowest common denominator of the fanbase by using language like that. I may sound like a real prude here, but it is important to keep in mind that people of all ages love Prine's music. My grandmother is in her early 80s and she listens to Prine with my 60 year-old father, me (I'm 30), and my son, who is only 3 1/2. Sure, I didn't take my son or my grandma to the show, but if my son had been a few years older I would like to. And the same goes for my grandma if she had only been a few years younger, back when she got around much more easily. My point is, I don't care if people can't handle potentially disagreeing with something a perrfomer says on the merits of their political beliefs. Too bad, so sad. But if the performer has such a wide fanbase as John Prine, I would appreciate it if they kept the older listeners and kids in mind, and didn't use profanity. Enough about that, though. I am a huge fan of John Prine, and he once again gave us more than our money's worth. I would defintely pay to see him again (in Nashville or Knoxville), and he truly does put on one of the better shows you'll ever see. I just hope that when my son is old enough to tag along with me that I can be as comfortable with him there by my side as I know I'll be able to at a Willie Nelson show.

By: W Jackson

Full Review from: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/24009/outstanding_john_prine_concert_in_knoxville.html

  I was just one among many die-hard fans who watched as Grammy Winner John Prine took the stage at the Tennessee Theatere on March 3, 2006, in Knoxville, Tennessee. This was not my first John Prine concert, yet it was by far the best one to date. Prine once again captured his audience with his heartfelt tunes of life that everyday men and women can relate to.

  To understand the music of John Prine, you have to get beyond the actual words of the tales he weaves and listen with your heart. Each of his songs are genuine and truthful, and on the surface they may seem simple. However, John Prine’s music is anything but simple. It is genius. Prine’s clever phrasing and rhythmical storytelling evokes feelings in listeners who have an ear and a heart to hear. Prine has said on different occasions that the songs he writes are simply a means to express an emotion he is feeling at the time. To understand John Prine’s music is to have an inside glimpse into this word master’s deep well of thought. --- I was curious if John Prine’s recent battle with cancer had diminished his spirit, voice or stamina. I was pleased to see that it had not. If anything, I saw a spark and liveliness inside him that spoke volumes of his gratefulness for being given a second chance at life. I also saw the usual humbleness that is attributed to Prine when he is surrounded by people who appreciate and “get” his music.

  Prine put on a performance that many artists are unable to do. He held the attention of everyone in the house from the moment he walked on stage until he exited after giving the crowd an unforgettable encore. In all, his show lasted an incredible 150 minutes and he seemed as enchanted with his audience as we were with him. Before the night was over he and his band had performed nearly 30 songs. People were still calling out songs they wanted to hear as the house lights went up.

  John Prine kicked off the show with Spanish Pipedream, followed on the heels by Flag Decal. Prine said that Flag Decal had been retired, but the Iraq War prompted him to resurrect her. This statement was met by thunderous applause. While no one can say that Prine beats around the bush, I do not regard him as a “protest” artist. Prine simply has a way of getting to the point about issues without making anyone feel they have been insulted.

  He sang the oldies that everyone loves including Dear Abby, Angel from Montgomery, Paradise, Donald and Lydia, Sam Stone, Ain’t Hurtin’ Nobody, Lake Marie, Christmas in Prison, Storm Windows and more. He also showcased songs off his new album, Fair and Square. My favorites were Some Humans Ain’t Human, She’s My Everything, and Taking a Walk.

  After going so long without fresh John Prine music, I can say that he is back and better than ever before. It seems that the old songs have taken on a fresh sound and the new songs may even surpass the popularity of the old ones. If you do not have John Prine’s music in your collection, you are encouraged to go out and get it. John Prine is America’s poet and like a fine wine, he is only getting better with age. If Prine is coming to a town near you, you should treat yourself and and go. He truly is a legend in his own time. ----

By: pougles 
Just wanted to leave a note to say that the sold-out performance by John at the newly renovated Tennessee Theater was great, as I expected it to be. Hope you all are able to attend one of the shows on this tour.

By: Lorilei Wicke
I haven't seen Prine in years and was anticipating a great concert. This concert was more than great, it was THE BEST!! I particularly liked the new guitar player - Pat (?)- you could tell that he loved playing the songs, as well as Prine and the other guys. That Jason is cute and I thought his talents shined through - he certainly didn't seem to be restrained from where I sat - what a talent!, they are all so talented, a pure joy to watch and listen. Highlights for me were his new songs that I don't have memorised yet, but listening and watching them done live just sent chills down my spine. Take a walk down to Knoxville any time and play for us Mr Prine, and bring all 3 of the guys with you! Ive been replaying the show in my head for the last few days - wish we could do it again or that I could buy a DVD of it! Thank you

By: dukimmerly
I love the Prine attitude that bolts through his music like a laser. I have seen dozens of Prine concerts all over the country, but this one was musically different. Jason Wilbur is one of country's best guitar players, yet he was restrained by new arrangements that made several of the songs musically lacking. Hey John, more is better when it comes to Jason and Dave!!! I think I prefer the trio over the quartet though John is wonderful at any venue!

By: donny miller
John Prine gives his heart to his fans in his songs and stories he sings and tells. No act - no show - no front - just a man that tells it like it is and sings what we all feel. The truth, pretty or not. This show was one I'm glad no one has to tell me "You should have been there" I was and loved every bit of it. Thank you John,  and keep up the good work- It was well loved by all of us there ~ your fans,  Don & Sharon miller

By: Tyler
Doyle, John Prine is the best damn performer that there has been in a long time. You apparently lack the appreciation of good music. Even if there were sound problems, how can you, as a (hopefully) thinking American not agree with John's feeling about the ruiner of our country? I'd like to point out that although Bill Clinton was a flawed man, when he was in office people were talking of a budget surplus, not deficit. There was no dirty little war over oil. America was a respected country among all countries of the world. These other countries may not have agreed with us, but we were able to coexist in the world. I for one am worried about the future of this country if we go through much more time with George "Dumbass" Bush as president.

By: doyle brown
saw the concert tonight and thought the accompanist drowned out the words to the songs and prine sang like he had a mouth full of mush or grits or oatmeal. music was way too loud to even be comfortable ! doubt seriously that either myself or family will ever attend another prine concert. he probably is a fairly good entertainer but could not hear the words to any of the songs he performed tonight. i don't know what he got a grammy for but it certainly was not for the quality of the accompanist. oh yes his stupid ignorant comment about the " little asshole from Texas" was totally uncalled for....prine sucks when he brings his polotical convictions into his performance.