One of the few promising concerts in the New York State Fair lineup this year ricocheted between dynamic and off-target Wednesday evening at Chevy Court when country trio Chapel Hart played to a disappointing crowd that failed fill the benches.
The Mississippi trio started strong with original country material that showed off their lush harmony, hinting that this show would live up to its promise. But later they lost their way, covering several hits released by other performers, unfortunately including rock songs from Fleetwood Mac and Journey.
Lead singer Devynn Hart is charismatic and witty, but she doesn’t know when to stop talking and get back to music. Her mildly amusing monologues went way too long, particularly when she gushed about service members and veterans, leading into the ladies singing one of the hokiest, sappiest songs to ever hit the country charts, hypocritical lounge singer Lee Greenwood’s gratuitous “God Bless the USA.”
Devynn Hart invoked legendary women Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton in her talks and Chapel Hart should follow their lead. Overall these ladies showed that they have genuine talent that deserves better presentation.
Another point that was clear on Wednesday is that the Fair has some work to do in terms of training security staff at Chevy Court. Some staff–not all–exhibit a rude and overzealous attitude that was in full force, even though the small audience could have allowed for a less rigid approach. They rarely ask politely, instead arrogantly acting as if any minor issue is a major security risk and treating customers with hostility. They also more subtlety interfere with fan enjoyment by carelessly blocking sight lines when there’s no reason to do so. Rude conduct is rampant at Chevy Court and State Fair employees shouldn’t add to it.
Leave a Reply