An Intimate Evening with Lee Brice: Heartfelt Connections at the Coronado Theater

The anticipation was palpable as country music fans gathered at the historic Coronado Theater in Rockford, Illinois, for Lee Brice's You, Me, & My Guitar Tour. The venue, a beautifully preserved 2,400-seat theater, first opened its doors on October 9, 1927. Its rich history is evident, and its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 is a testament to its significance.

All Photos By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography

At its dedication ceremony, the theater was lauded as one of the premier venues of its kind in the nation, and for good reason. The Coronado is an architectural masterpiece that provides the perfect backdrop for an intimate and soulful concert experience.

The evening kicked off with a heartfelt performance by singer-songwriter David Tolliver, known for being one-half of the duo Halfway to Hazard. Tolliver, eager to perform in Rockford due to his familial ties to the area, warmed up the audience with his engaging storytelling and genuine charm. He began with Jesus And A Jukebox and I Might Have Met A Girl Last Night, captivating the crowd with his soulful melodies.

Click The Image Above For The Full David Tolliver Photo Gallery

Tolliver, who has written songs for notable artists like Tim McGraw and Chris Young, was a delightful surprise for many in the audience. He shared a special moment with Lee Brice during his set, introducing a song they wrote together, If I Could, which further endeared him to the Rockford crowd.

Next on stage was Edwin McCain, who, despite battling the flu, delivered a commendable three-song set. Around 1 PM in the afternoon, what Edwin thought was Food Poisoning hit him hard, Edwin had to cancel his next two shows, but he gave the Rockford crowd everything he had.

Click The Image Above For The Full Edwin McCain Photo Gallery

Known for his heartfelt lyrics and soulful voice, McCain kicked off with Gramercy Park Hotel, followed by Walk With You, a touching song from his Lee Brice-produced album Lucky, inspired by his daughter. He wrapped up with his classic hit Could Not Ask For More, apologizing to the audience for not being able to perform longer. The crowd's appreciation was evident, and they applauded McCain's dedication and effort despite his illness.

As the lights dimmed, the excitement in the Coronado Theater reached its peak as Lee Brice took the stage. With his whiskey glass in hand, Brice immediately connected with the sold-out audience, expressing his eagerness to perform despite having recently been ill himself, and canceling the night prior. The show commenced with You, Me And My Guitar, accompanied by a slide show that chronicled Brice's impressive career. This personal touch set the tone for the evening, making the concert feel like an intimate gathering among friends.

Brice's setlist was a masterful blend of his greatest hits, personal stories, and even some unexpected covers. He skillfully moved from electric to acoustic guitar, & Piano, showcasing his versatility as a musician. A standout moment was when he played the first guitar he ever owned, performing Picture Of Me from his 2010 Love Like Crazy album. The crowd was entranced as Brice transitioned to the piano for a moving rendition of How I Love Jesus, a hymn that he learned from his aunt at the age of seven.

The energy in the theater soared as Brice performed crowd favorites like Soul and his new release Cry, followed by covers of Johnny Paycheck's Old Violin and Travis Tritt's Somebody. He also included songs he wrote for other artists, like Garth Brooks' More Than A Memory and Eli Young Band's Crazy Girl, which had the audience dancing and singing along. A spirited rendition of Weezer's Beverly Hills further showcased Brice's playful side, while Parking Lot Party kept the crowd on their feet.

Brice then shared a touching story about meeting his wife, leading into a beautiful cover of Eric Clapton's Wonderful Tonight, a song that played a special role in their relationship. This heartfelt moment transitioned seamlessly into a song he wrote for their wedding I Don't Dance, which echoed through the theater, leaving many in the audience visibly moved. One of the night's most memorable highlights was Brice's emotional performance of Boy, a song that resonated deeply with the crowd. This was followed by a special moment with a song he wrote with his daughter, who joined him via video on background vocals, This Little Guitar followed.

In a surprise addition, Brice invited David Tolliver and Edwin McCain back on stage. Despite McCain's ongoing struggle with his illness, the trio delivered an unforgettable rendition of McCain's hit I'll Be. At one point towards the end of the song McCain belted out a high note, and followed that up with saying ‘That was the most dangerous thing I have ever done”. The camaraderie and mutual respect between the artists were evident, creating a powerful and uplifting moment for everyone in attendance.

Brice continued to captivate the audience with performances of Rumor, One Of Them Girls, and Hard To Love, demonstrating his ability to connect with fans through his music. He returned to the piano for a soulful gospel song he wrote with his wife, When The Kingdom Comes, a testament to his deep-rooted faith and love for his family. The concert concluded with the heartfelt You, Me, And My Guitar, bringing the evening full circle. As the final notes echoed through the theater, the audience was left with a profound sense of connection and gratitude for the evening's performances.

Click The Image Above For The Full Lee Brice Photo Gallery

In conclusion, the You, Me, & My Guitar Tour in Rockford, IL, was a remarkable showcase of Lee Brice's talent and passion for music. His ability to engage the audience with personal stories and heartfelt performances made for an unforgettable night at the historic Coronado Theater. Despite challenges faced by Edwin McCain, the artist's dedication and resilience were evident, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. This concert was not just about music; it was a celebration of life's moments, both big and small, shared through the universal language of song.

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Lee Brice Set-List:

Hotel California

Picture Of Me

Oh How I Love Jesus

Soul

Cry

Old Violin (Johnny Paycheck Cover)

Be Somebody (Travis Tritt Cover)

More Than A Memory

Crazy Girl

Drinking Class

Beverly Hills (Weezer Cover)

Parking Lot Party

Wonderful Tonight (Eric Clapton Cover)

I Don’t Dance

Boy

This Little Guitar

I’ll Be W/ Edwin McCain & David Tolliver

Rumor

One Of Them Girls

Hard To Love

When The Kingdom Comes

You, Me, and My Guitar