Under the Stars at CMAC — The Chicks, August 11, 2023

It was the night The Chicks rolled into Canandaigua on their 2023 World Tour, with soulful support from Ben Harper opening.

My sister Lisa had several extra tickets for the Chicks so, my friends Jo and Bonnie, my neighbor daughter Theresa and her daughter, and I all piled into the car and headed to CMAC for what turned out to be a magical night. CMAC is an outdoor amphitheater perched on the grounds of Finger Lakes Community College — is a great summer concert venue: about 5,000 covered seats under roof, plus lawn seating for up to 10,000 fans on the grassy hillside. We live nearby so we never have to deal with traffic or parking issues; really convenient.

Ready to go see The Chicks

We had lawn tickets — which meant blankets, folding chairs (many folks bring them), and the easy-going vibe of being outdoors under the stars. Even lawn seats at CMAC offer a decent view, with video monitors helping folks further back still catch the show.

As for the music … The Chicks brought their trademark blend of country, folk, and Americana — tight harmonies, energetic fiddle/guitar interplay, and high-impact performances that hit if you’ve followed them since their Dixie Chicks days or you’re a brand-new fan.

Standing Room on the Lawn

We had a great group, but I’ll admit — part of the night is memorable because a couple of us had overdone it on drinks. Let’s just say there were those of us who needed some serious help getting down the steep lawn hill. And while not the highlight, it’s absolutely part of the memory.

Still — between the music, the setting, the company, and the ease of getting to CMAC — it was one of those summer nights you don’t forget.