Six Feet of Separation From Tommy Shaw - STYX at Smith Mountain Lake VA!

Thirty years disappeared at the lake last night- suddenly I was sixteen again! STYX performed at Mariner's Landing, the second act in their Summer Concert Series. We arrived early in the afternoon and decided to get a bite to eat at The Pointe Restaurant. The band was just unloading the bus and we actually said hi to one of the band members on the way in. (I was still an adult at this point).

The organizers hold a Pre-Concert Party starting at 4pm. For $15, there are appetizers, cash bar, live music, free fold up chairs and a shuttle back and forth to the concert. We got our pass, listened to the music, ate a little food and watched the boats on beautiful Smith Mountain Lake. Not a bad way to spend a summer afternoon in Virginia.

At six pm, a shuttle arrived to start taking people over to the concert location. Once we got to the location (the field across from the entrance to Mariners Landing) we knew we had made a wise choice; the general admission line was long. We were taken right up to the stage and were able to get DEAD CENTER, FRONT ROW SEATS!!!! I couldn't believe our good fortune. We were six feet from the stage. PAY THE $15.

The opening band is local TK421 out of the Roanoke, Virginia area. They had quite a following and they were excellent. They played for almost an hour and after a short break, STYX came onstage!

Oh My Gosh.... Tommy Shaw was right there! RIGHT THERE!!!!

After two hours of screaming like a teenager, I was hoarse but did manage to yell "throw me a pick!" ( I got one) "throw me a photo!" ( I got one). I was smilin' all night!

All good things must come to an end and after the performance we took the little train back up to the shuttle and back to Mariner's Landing. There's still time to take in an awesome concert under the stars:

Lonestar August 16 (okay, you missed this one)

Grand Funk Railroad August 22

Blake Shelton August 23

TobyMac August 28

Diamond Rio August 29

All concerts start at 7pm, and include special guests. Ticket prices range from $25-35 if purchased in advance. For tickets and information, go to: www.smlconcerts.com, www.tickets.com or call (888) 397-3100

Directions from Lynchburg: Turn onto 811 South (also called New London Road) at 1.5 miles when 811 turns left, continue straight on 709 go 3.5 miles to "T"

Turn right onto 24 West go 4.5 miles

Turn left onto 707 go 1 mile to "T"

Turn left onto Route 43 South go 1.8 miles

Turn right on 626 go 10.4 miles – Mariners Landing is on the left

Mariner's Landing Resort and Conference Center is a beautiful facility located in Huddleston, Virginia, approximately one hour from Lynchburg. If you are interested in the Smith Mountain Lake area and would like more information, feel free to email or give me a call.

Debbie Malone, Realtor (R)

RE/MAX 1st Olympic

(434) 546-0369

malone1981@aol.com

www.debmalone.com