SAWYER BROWN; Eagle Mountain Silver Lake Amphitheater; one night only
EAGLE MOUNTAIN — From babies to baby boomers, more than 6,000 fans filled the Silver Lake Amphitheater on June 2 to dance and sing along with the energetic country tunes of Nashville's Sawyer Brown.
Mark Owens and the Steve Wilber Band, winners of the Eagle Mountain Battle of the Bands, kicked off the night, followed by local talents Charley Jenkins and Station Hollow.
Mark Miller, lead vocal for Sawyer Brown, took the stage donning a black porkpie hat and quickly drew in the crowd with his vibrant personality.
"The year was 1983, and there was a brand new show called 'Star Search,"' said Miller. "I tell my kids we were the original American Idols!"
The excited audience rose to its feet as the country stars broke into their set, playing songs spanning their 26 years.
Miller's animated dancing drew roars of approval from the captivated crowd as the band struck up the beginning chords to "Step That Step," one of their first No. 1 hits. Sawyer Brown's infectious energy stirred up the audience, which responded with some moves of its own.
"It's good to be back!" Miller said, noting the band's history of performing in Utah. "We go all the way back to the Salt Palace," said Miller. "We are personal friends of Stockton and Malone!" Each Utah reference earned Sawyer Brown waves of applause, especially as it worked Utah into the lyrics of its most popular songs.
After recounting an invitation to sing at the Country Music Hall of Fame, Sawyer Brown rewarded the crowd of country fans with its rendition of Alabama's "Dixieland Delight." Miller said the band practiced long hours to be perfect for the induction ceremony.
"I was just thinking, since we worked so doggone hard, we just might share it with you tonight," said Miller.
From start to finish, Sawyer Brown showed the audience its star appeal, just as it did on a popular talent show years ago.
At one point, Miller asked for a show of hands of those attending their first Sawyer Brown concert. In a friendly rebuke, Miller said, "You need to get out more!"
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