CLEARFIELD – The Band Perry delighted country music fans and together they “Walked Down the Middle” Friday night at the grandstand stage at the Clearfield County Fair.
The song lyrics encourage new couples to display their affection at the county fair. It roused the crowd from their track seats, as they were singing, clapping and dancing to the band’s energetic songs about both sweet and bitter love.
Additionally, the Perry’s showcased the clean harmonies of their debut album with “All Your Life,” “Postcards from Paris” and “If I Die Young.” The band was applauded after trying out “It Burns for You” from their upcoming sophomore album.
Sticking with their longtime touring tradition, they performed covers, such as “Free Fallin,” “American Pie,” and “Fat Bottomed Girls.” During the latter performance, big sister Kimberly stepped down from her “boss” role and allowed little brother, Neil to lead vocally.
At the end, Kimberly handed the vocal reins over to country music fans during bits and pieces of “If I Die Young,” a highlight of the concert for the Perry’s as well as the audience.
“They were just awesome. I got to see The Band Perry at CMA Fest this year. I came back and said, ‘we have to get them for the fair,’” said Heather Woodel-Olson of Curwensville, who is a local country music artist.
“As a singer, they put on a show. They’re entertainers . . . and so energetic. They’re totally fan-based and fan-friendly. I don’t know of any other artist who has stayed afterward like this for autographs (for all fans).”
Olson’s daughter, Madison concurred.
“I loved it. I seriously loved it. I danced the whole time,” she said. “And, did you see that line for autographs?”
The Band Perry stayed afterward for an autograph session. The line appeared endless as it twisted around the curve of the track. Many fans went looking for its end; others gathered and debated. The Perry’s remained on the track until approximately 11:30 p.m. signing autographs.
About The Band Perry
The Band Perry has a “modern throwback” style, which has a cross-pollination of classic country music with an electric infusion of rock, gospel and soul. As both song writers and musicians, their tunes blend with perfect three-part harmonies.
The sibling trio’s self-titled debut album was released in October 2010, and one year later, it was certified platinum. However, siblings Kimberly, Neil and Reid Perry have been performing since they were just children. They sweated out their summers playing in dusty roadhouses and churches.
Big sister Kimberly strapped on her first Gibson and formed her first band in high school. She was 15 years old and employed little brothers Reid, then 10 years old, and Neil, then 8 years old, as her “roadies.” But changing guitar strings and polishing symbols for their big sister lost its charm. So brothers Neil and Reid formed their own band and opened for Kimberly’s band.
“Daddy rocked us to sleep with the Rolling Stones; Mama woke us up with Loretta Lynn. So we get it honest,” said Kimberly at the beginning of the show.
Knowing they’d perform together one day, their moment came in July 2005 when The Band Perry was officially formed. The sibling trio then spent the fall and winter of 2008 writing in Nashville and collecting songs for their first-ever country recording session. And their recordings caught the ears of Republic Nashville; The Band Perry signed with the new label in the summer of 2009.
Since celebrating a two-week chart topper with their Gold-certified single, “All Your Life” and the Platinum debut album, the Band Perry’s most popular tune, “If I Die Young” hit Quadruple Platinum for sales exceeding 4 million. The break-out hit is the only single from the debut album in the last 18 months to achieve this status and has sold more copies than any other country artist in the same timeframe.
The band’s single “You Lie” has also been certified gold and their latest single “Postcard from Paris” is in the Top 10 on country radio charts. “Since ‘Hip to My Heart’ hit the radio, we’ve had 630 tour dates these last two years,” said Kimberly during a break between songs.
“We’ve been to the Midwest, and they were loud. But we all agreed that Pennsylvania would be the loudest. We have 3,000 of you to thank here tonight.”
