Main Street Recommends

You might know me as just the director of advertising for Main Street Magazine, but allow me to introduce myself further. I love music and singing, and perhaps what’s more important to note, is how much I love Shania Twain. I’m her number one fan! 

First concert: October 11, 2003 

Auditioning to meet the one and only Shania Twain at the Latham Circle Mall in Latham, NY, when I was about 13 years old is about as brave as I’ve ever been (and will be) to sing in public. Shania’s Up album hadn’t been released for that long, and just like her previous studio albums, I knew every word by heart. Out of over 100 people of all different ages, yours truly came in third place! Although I wasn’t first place or meeting my idol, I was thrilled to even place, win another copy of the Up album, AND score tickets to see her at the (then) Pepsi Arena on October 11, 2003 in Albany, NY. Let’s just say when I saw her tour bus, and her box of tissues through the tour bus window, I fangirled so hard! That’s normal for a thirteen year old girl, right? Shania performed on an oval stage in the middle of the arena – easy for all her fans to see. It was high energy and downright unforgettable!

Second concert: July 1, 2015 

My mom has always been my concert buddy, so naturally, when Shania Twain announced her “Rock This Country” tour, I was under the impression that this was it for the queen of country pop (due to her vocal cord issues after being diagnosed with Lyme disease), and snagged two tickets for the show as quickly as I could. 

On July 1, 2015, we made our way down to the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, NY, to see Shania perform for the second time. From start to finish, the show was incredible! At one point during the show, to get closer to the crowd, Shania Twain came down on this scooter type device, flanked by security guards. As soon as I realized what she was doing, I made a bee-line to the floor level seating (not far from my actual seat and where I left my Mom – sorry Mom!). Shania made her way around the crowd and TOUCHED MY HAND! OH MY GOD! I have not washed my right hand since! Just kidding, but did I mention Shania Twain touched my hand?! Another fangirl moment for sure. 

My mom and I stayed at the hotel literally across the parking lot where there were many security guards that night after the show. The buzz was Shania Twain was staying on the top floor. So, Shania Twain and I touched hands, and now we’re staying in the same hotel? Small world! 

Third concert: July 8, 2023

Just over two years ago, on July 8, 2023, Mom and I made the three hour drive to Syracuse, NY, to see Ms. Twain for the third time in concert at the St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater. I know you’re probably thinking, is she really worth seeing for a third time? The answer is YES! Like true fans, we had our Shania Twain shirts on, funneled through the security and check-in line, purchased some merch, and headed to our seats to watch the show! 

In true Shania fashion, I was starstruck again as she was wheeled out in a black cloth box, a mere five rows from where I was sitting, when she suddenly popped out and kicked off the show with her single, “Waking Up Dreaming.” The crowd was on their feet for the rest of the show. Shania never misses a beat, sings all of her hit songs, has fun show props (like her motorcycle at this particular concert), uses awesome graphics, and wears hip outfits! Like all of her previous shows that I’ve seen, she did a wardrobe change only to surprise the audience by wearing the same costume she wore in her iconic “Man! I Feel Like Woman” music video. Talk about a nostalgic, full-circle moment. 

Fourth concert: July 20, 2025

Of course, I follow Shania Twain on social media – what kind of fan would I be if I didn’t? Much to my surprise, I saw she had announced a small handful of tour dates she had scheduled after her Las Vegas residency. After a quick glance at the tour locations, I sent a text to my mom, which included a screenshot of Twain’s post, saying, “Hey, just so you know, I am ordering us tickets as soon as they go on sale!” Then, I made a phone call to my husband to seal the deal for concert number four. Now before you get the wrong idea, the call was not to ask his permission. It was to get his thoughts on taking our (almost) seven-year-old daughter to her first concert. He agreed, and to see her excitement on Christmas morning is something I’ll never forget!

I had never been to Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, NY, before, but I’m happy to report I’d gladly attend another concert there again. It was a pretty easy drive, the weather was perfect, and the staff was incredibly nice – guiding us to our seats and always making sure my daughter had ear protection before the music started. And yes, Ellie was prepared with a cute little Shania Twain shirt and ear protection. Andy Grammer was the opener and just as advertised, he came on stage at 7:30. I’m not too familiar with his music, but I was impressed! He sang until 8:15, and then there was about a half-hour intermission before Shania hit the stage. 

The crowd was roaring and on their feet! Boy, am I glad I purchased balcony seats. This ensured I wouldn’t have to hold Ellie the whole time and we could all enjoy the show comfortably – and with a good view too! As always, Shania performed her hits – both new and older songs – was high energy, and had on a cute outfit. The hour and half she’s on stage goes by in a blink. My mom and I always enjoy seeing Shania Twain live, and last night was no different. Aside from being a little tired from staying up past her bed time, Ellie seemed starstruck, but I was also happy to witness her enjoying herself, too. She was singing and dancing throughout the show, but especially when Shania performed “Waking Up Dreaming.” 

Will I attend a fifth Shania Twain concert? If I get the opportunity, I absolutely will and highly recommend everyone see her at least once!