Fans take to dancing at sold-out concert

BY Dawn Rankins

Canyon Lakers filled the Holiday Bay Room at the Canyon Lake Lodge for another sold-out Concerts at the Lodge concert and couldn’t keep their seats. As Frankie Ballard performed his hit songs, fans danced the night away Saturday.

First up was American Idol alumnus Tara Honda as she opened for Frankie. The warm up worked. Frankie took the stage and sang a set that included his hits Helluva Life, Young and Crazy and Sunshine and Whiskey.

“Frankie did a rare and up-front and personal acoustic show to an energetic audience where many of the concert goers were young,” Doug Schultz, producer of the series, said. “We tend to see a younger demographic at country shows. Not only did we see many younger ones in the audience, but lots of women were there to see Frankie.”

The lighting in the Holiday Bay Room gave concert goers the feeling of being at a high quality live concert venue.

“Our Canyon Lake POA staff that worked the show were once again excellent in their responsibilities,” Doug said. “My production engineers were great and the concert sounded and looked awesome. It was an incredible experience for the residents of Canyon Lake.”

Frankie took a moment out of the show to reach out to Doug. Calling him “Diamond Doug,” he commended him for his work.

“Frankie wanted a shot of tequila and asked if would allow the patrons to come up to the front of the stage,” Doug said. “I had to explain to Frankie that the Canyon Lake Fire Department made it clear we must maintain a five-foot distance between the stage and audience for fire codes. I was able to get him the tequila and that’s why he gave me the nickname. I was happily surprised.”

When the doors opened for the show, several ladies went up to the stage area to talk with Frankie.

“He spoke to them and took photos with them,” Doug said. “Frankie was very accommodating. Before Frankie left the building, he said, ‘man, that was the best intro I have ever had. As he walked away, he said, ‘thank you brother’.”

Frankie Ballard performs at the Concerts at the Lodge concert Saturday. Photo by Dawn Rankins.

Tara Honda opens for Frankie Ballard at the Concerts at the Lodge concert Saturday. Photo by Dawn Rankins.