Kennett native David Nail closes out SEMO District Fair

A large and enthusiastic crowd welcomed Kennett, Mo., native David Nail and his band to the stage Saturday evening at the SEMO District Fair.

"I've spent many a day and many a night here in Cape Girardeau," Nail told the crowd three songs into the performance. "And I've got to tell you that it means a lot to be able to come back home and play music in front of some of my best friends and my family. It's always a little emotional to come back home, so bear with me."

Nail then launched into his first record to get airplay, "I'm About to Come Alive."

Many of those in attendance, like Kassie Gentry of Senath, Mo., made the trip from Dunklin County to Cape Girardeau to see Nail. His 2010 top 20 hit "Turning Home" was the song for the class of 2010 at Senath-Hornersville High School. The song earned Nail a 2011 Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance.

Jeannie Reeves of Poplar Bluff, Mo., attended the show with sister Janet Hendrix of Clarkton, Mo.

"We love him. We think he's awesome," said Reeves, who added that Nail being "a hometown boy" got her started listening to his music. However, the music itself is what keeps her a fan. "I think he's an awesome performer."

Kari Lemings of Holcomb, Mo., came to the concert with husband Spencer and daughters Maleigh, 5, and Ella Jane, 3. It was Ella Jane's first concert experience. Maleigh's first concert was also a David Nail performance in Jonesboro, Ark., when he was touring with Lady Antebellum.

Lemings said watching an area performer's career progress has "been kind of neat to watch."

As Nail spoke about coming back to perform in Southeast Missouri, a light rain started to fall. The band began playing the opening instrumental bars of Nail's current single, "Let it Rain," which drew a loud ovation.

Some of the crowd in chairback seats scurried to find shelter from the rain, but most stood while Nail sang the song.

"Let it Rain" has risen to No. 20 on the country singles charts and is the first single from Nail's second album, to be released Nov. 15.

Many of the songs performed by Nail came from his first album, 2007's "I'm About to Come Alive," including the title track and "Red Light," which reached No. 7 on the charts.

An attendance estimate wasn't available from fair officials.

Before the show, a box office attendant said attendance might be 75 percent of capacity.

Pertinent address:

Arena Park, Cape Girardeau MO