FloraBama Songwriters Festival Brings Dallas Moore To The Stage

FloraBama was lit on a Thursday evening when the songwriters festival took over at one of Florida and Alabama's premier entertainment venues.

It was a clear night, about 75 degrees and in the distance as I approached the FloraBama entertainment complex you could hear the sound of live music emanating from the huge building that contains the main stages where bands were either prepping, or performing. As I exited my vehicle and headed up to the main entrance, I could clearly see a line waiting to get in. All were waiting to pay their cover with looks of anticipation for what would be a quality night of entertainment.

After identifying myself and receiving my press pass for the evening my wife and I made our way through the maze that is the FloraBama complex. I had to ask for directions as there were multiple stages with either bands or single acts performing. After getting our bearings and direction from one of the staff, we walked through a curtain separating one stage area from another, went down some stairs, through a hallway, and then it opened up into a room with bras hanging all over. Bras here, bras there...bras EVERYWHERE! As I looked around I thought "Now this is my kind of place"!

I walked toward the stage with my folder in hand and some calendars and stickers for those interested. I laid eyes on Dallas Moore right away and he welcomed me up to the V.I.P. booth next to the stage and began to introduce my wife Denise and I to the crew, his brother and several other musicians waiting for Dallas to go on.

I felt at ease and at home instantly! Dallas possess a degree of friendliness and charm unmatched by most musicians I've encountered. He's about as humble as the day is long and it shows in his down home country demeanor. I appreciated the fact that though Dallas had his share of success in his musical life, he was totally likeable, no ego at all. "These days I don't have time for big heads and egos" Dallas told me in a brief phone conversation prior to the show. "We're all just people, looking for a good time and nice night out" and I agreed with that statement.

I was particularly impressed with the sound crew at the FloraBama as Dallas went through his soundcheck. Although he plays an electric acoustic guitar, the sound produced reminded me of a full band. High Black Water kicked off as his first offering to the audience, who obviously came to see one of the hardest working country artists around and they loved it! As Dallas went into his second number, Halo too tight, is was obviously apparent that this man has spent a lifetime honing his skills in an industry that isn't always kind to us musicians.

As the night progressed, Dallas played several well known hits from his numerous albums including a new favorite of yours truly, Smokin' Belladonna Drinking Gasoline.

The energy was high that night as Dallas continued his musical musings. More and more people filed in as the night progressed, all who either passed by or came to sit a spell appeared to thoroughly enjoy each, and every note he played.

I spoke with a few of the patrons attending the show about Dallas, his music, history and future. Some simply commented that they really enjoyed his music, others told short stories of past performances and how the songwriters festival was going that week. One thing I took from the experience was the fact that Dallas Moore works all year long, traveling from city to city doing what is obviously his pure passion and calling in life, bringing musical joy to anyone who wishes to listen.