Anne Wilson performs to sold-out crowd at Appalachian Fair Concert

On Thursday night, Aug. 22, Anne Wilson took the stage at the Appalachian Fair in Gray, Tennessee. This was her first show in the area. The size of her audience brough a very large group of her ever-growing fanbase in the Northeast Tennessee area.

In two articles posted this past Spring, we told readers about the release of Anne’s album REBEL. (See articles here and here). To say she ‘did not disappoint’ would be an understatement. Sharing music from her REBEL album, as well as some of her other music, she had the crowd on their feet and singing along.

Like most fans, I had my favorite songs in mind, and was hoping I would hear those during the show. She opened with “God and Country”, one of my favorites. And of course, her set list included “Strong”, probably my very favorite. We heart “the Cross”, “Songs About Whiskey”, “Red Flag”, “Rain in the Rearview”, “Hey Girl” and others. She closed her night with “My Jesus”, an obvious favorite of the crowd.

Her song “Sunday Sermons” – was so appropriate, even for this Thursday evening. Her entire show is a sermon worthy of any day of the week. Her testimony is sad and inspiring. Those of us who already know a little about her were familiar with her story. The loss of her brother when she was just 15 years old, how his tragic death in an auto accident helped to bring her even closer to God. How she turned her questions and anger into a deeper Love for Jesus, and how Jesus helped bring the joy back into her life.

Anne pointed out that we all have choices to make in our lives. When she lost her brother, she told us, “I chose to worship God instead of being angry.” She told us she thinks about Jacob every day. And every time she steps on stage. We need to look at how God uses us. How he turns our tragedies into something special. He is always there to comfort us, and to help keep us strong.

Throughout her childhood, Anne had planned on becoming an astronaut. She mentioned her seventh grade astronomy teacher, who was at the show on Thursday night. Anne moved to Nashville after she graduated from high school. Since then, she has written more than 300 songs. She told us that “Strong” is one of the songs she wrote that means so much to her. When she sang that song last night, she dedicated it to an audience member who is battling cancer.

The band members who shared the stage with her were amazing. They worked so well together, and with Anne. She had Mark on bass, Andy on banjo, Avery on Drums, and Chris on Guitar. You will see photos of these great musicians in the group of photos below. You’ll also find a photo of our incredibly famous WXBQ Rabbit. and, remember – no matter where you live, you can listen to WXBQ Live by visiting wxbq.com. (All photos by: 96.9 WXBQ, and Brittany Johnson).

The fact that Anne loves people and God’s love shines through her is obvious. She keeps a very busy schedule with traveling, concerts, writing and recording, but still takes the time to meet fans before the show, pose for pictures, and do the little things that are so important to young fans. At this show, she saw a child the audience holding a sign which read, “This is my first concert”. Anne called the child onto the stage, talked to her, and autographed her sign.

Social Links for Anne Wilson: Website Facebook Twitter (X) YouTube Instagram (Be sure to check Anne’s website for more social media links).