The Ridge Review

Taylor Swift, Speak Now Tour

Sunday, October 02, 2011 By Daniella Hernandez

On September 27 th , fans flocked to the Pepsi Center for a memorable concert performed by none other than Taylor Swift. While fans waited outside the arena, radio stations searched amongst the crowd for the most creative “Take Me Backstage” t-shirt. Some fans had their day made and received a backstage pass. When it was time to go inside, Charlie Worsham welcomed fans with his opening act. After that, Need to Breathe amazed fans and livened up the crowd. When 8:30 rolled around, the curtains closed and the lights started to dim. The crowd went wild because they all knew the soon-to-be-named country entertainer of the year was about to make her appearance. The crowd applauded and shouted as the curtains opened and fog radiated from the sides of the stage. Over the speakers, Taylor’s voice spoke a motivational monologue encouraging her fans to never give up. Once the speech had ended, Taylor Swift rose from the ground. She opened up with Sparks Fly and amazed the crowd when halfway through the performance, fireworks lit up the arena. As the crowd shouted in anticipation for more, Taylor stood in amazement as she looked around and took everything in. The concert was less of a concert and more of a Broadway show; Swift not only performed her most famous songs, but she acted them out as well. Whether Taylor was “slapping” one of her back-up dancers or stealing away the groom at a wedding, Swift shocked many with her elaborate performance. “I really liked this one because I feel like she added more of a theatrical sense to her performance. Last year it was more of a connection with the audience, and this year, it was more theatrical. It was really cool,” expresses senior, Arianna Trinidad. During a cool-off session, Taylor sang Last Kiss and got a little emotional during it. The crowd could see tears building up in her eyes as she sang her heart out. Closing the show, Taylor stepped into a moving balcony and flew around the crowd giving those who didn’t have close seats a close up performance. “I started freaking out when she flew around,” exclaims Krista O’Bannon (12), “My mom and friends had to hold me back because I was freaking out so much.” The Speak Now tour is sure to be one concert that will be long remembered.