Vienna, VA – While quite clear, the message was not delivered in a bottle, it was presented on the stage. The Sting My Songs Tour is going to be making waves all over the U.S. and much of the nation will be singing along.
The second stop on the U.S. leg of the tour was at Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA opened on September 1, 2023. It was the first of 3 sold out performances at the historic National Park venue.
Upon arrival it was obvious this performance was going to be like no other that I had experienced to date. People were lined up for what appeared to be a mile (and we were there about an hour before the gates opened). Fans were of all ages and having a wonderful time, snacking a bit, giving the line a family picnic type feel.
Once the gates opened, those at the front of the line hurried to get a good spot on the lawn. Unlike many lawn venues, Wolf Trap allows people to bring in food and drink and settle down to a nice picnic before the performance. It was fun to see so many take out there blankets, sandwiches (or other more elaborate menu item) and bottles of wine to settle in before the curtain opened.
Taking the stage first was none other than Sting’s son, Joe Sumner. He did an acoustic set which kicked off with “Looking For Me Looking For You“, ended with “Hope“, with a little “You You You” (about having to say you’re sorry) and “Jelly Bean” (a song for his children) in the middle.
After a quick break Sting emerged on stage and started the party. The sold out crowd (for this night and the next 2 nights at Wolf Trap) immediately rose and welcomed Sting (bass of course), Dominic and Rufus Miller (guitar), Josh Freese (drums), Kevon Webster (keys), Shane Sager (harmonica) and Melissa Musique and Gene Noble (backing vocals) to Vienna. Wasting no time the “Message in a Bottle” was heard loud and clear! The audience went wild (I can honestly say, while I did expect a lot of energy, I did not expect the heat to be turned up so high).
Following with “Englishman in New York” and “Everything She Does Is Magic“, we all joined in a memorable all night sing along. It was obvious that the band was quite close. There was a brief banter between Shane and Sting regarding experience and Shane’s harmonica prowess. Needless to say, Shane brought his A game, not only putting Sting in his place (in a teasing sort of way) but also delivering the musical goods throughout the night as well.
Throughout the night several Police and Sting songs were performed (which is why Sting calls it the My Songs Tour) to the thrill of the masses. Following a “Brand New Day” we were introduced to a “Heavy Cloud No Rain” which, as we found out, depicts the promise of a woman to a man about what would happen when it rained. I guess in a way the clouds brought the hope, the lack of rain dashed them. Melissa really kicked in on the vocals with this one.
Not to be outdone, Gene made his voice heard as he accompanied Sting on the next song, “Shape My Heart“. WOW!!!
The set may have been winding down but the audience was winding up. There was barely a seated soul in the place. We all “Mad About You” while we were “Walking on the Moon“. We got the message, it was “So Lonely” (with a little Bob Marley thrown in for a fun twist).
With “King of Pain” there was no little black spot but Sting was joined on stage with his son (and the nights supporting act), Joe Sumner. Finishing with “Every Breath You Take” we knew the last note would not be the last. The P.S. to the message was yet to come.
With a standing O Sting emerged to the stage and asked us what we wanted to hear for an encore. With a loud roar the audience shouted, “Roxanne” (I knew there was something missing). Finishing up with something a little more peaceful the night closed out with “Fragile“.
And with that the curtain closed. Not to sound cliché, but it is amazing how music can bring so many together from all walks of life. Sure, each of us heard a different message, which can never be kept in a bottle, but the fact remains, the message Sting delivered had meaning to the sold out Wolf Trap crowd and will be remembered for a very long time.
Sting Gallery
Sting Setlist
Message in a Bottle
Englishman in New York
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
If You Love Somebody Set Them Free
If I Ever Lose My Faith in You
Fields of Gold
Brand New Day
Heavy Cloud No Rain
Shape of My Heart
Why Should I Cry for You?
All This Time
Mad About You
Walking on the Moon
So Lonely
Desert Rose
King of Pain
Every Breath You Take
Encore:
Roxanne
Fragile
Show Date: September 1, 2023
