the Informer

Courtesy of WCCC.com

Hartford was treated to a special Easter Sunday event in the form of a special show by Shinedown. While most of the town celebrated the night with great food and candy, a lucky 400 were packed into the upper level of Up Or On The Rocks near Union Station. With very little publicity, the radio station WCCC decided to host the band in a very intimate acoustic show. After a long wait, the crowd was finally shuffled upstairs where the nightclub had been transformed into an intimate venue.

After introducing the band, the WCCC crew stepped aside, leaving the crowd and Shinedown alone for a very intimate 45 minute show. Over the past two years, the band has grown dramatically in size and today it is at the forefront of the hard rock/pop genre in the United States. Performing at Webster Theater about one year ago, this was the bands first trip back to Hartford since that sold out show.

Amidst playing the bands hit songs, lead singer Brent Smith told the crowd that they would be performing at Mohegan Sun Arena that summer, a previously un-announced detail of their future plans. Currently on tour with Nickelback, the group thought it fitting to pay tribute to a state that had helped immensely in their growth. “You guys might be one of the smallest crowds we have played for in a long time, but you certainly are the loudest,” said Smith before breaking into “Second Chance” the group’s smash 2009 single.

The show ended almost as soon as it started with the crowd both mesmerized and wanting more. Outside, people were blown away by the group and even I was impressed by the power the group oozes even in an acoustic setting. It was a special Easter treat for those in attendance and a sign that this huge band has not lost touch with their roots in the area.

To read more from Harris Decker, visit his blog, The Truth About Music!!