Poco are playing a free gig in Haddon Heights where my store used to be and where I used to live. It's only about 15 minutes from where we live now in Cherry Hill. Do I go? Nobody wants to go, so I might drag my wife. I'm also going to see plenty of former customers that I really don't feel like talking to. And, I believe the gig is acoustic-not full band which is disappointing.
But I love this band, so I should go right? I haven't been feeling so well lately (nerve pain, not my shoulder-that's still a bit sore but about 80% better), so that plays a role too-but I've been dealing with that for years so it's nothing new.
Anyway, any thoughts?

I'd hate to say "yes" and then you have a miserable time, but I think you should go. You said you love Poco. I don't know a lot about that band but I know they've been around a long time. Who knows when they might decide to call it a day? Regarding your nerve pain, while I'm not so nieve to think that music heals everything, I do think it makes things better. As for seeing your former customers, only you can decide if that is something you want to deal with at this time. Damn, I'm starting to sound like Dr. Phil here!

I love 'Crazy Love' and 'Call It Love'. What are other essential Poco tracks?

"First Love", "Rose of Cimarron".

Invisible Pedestrian, you must go. And wait around after the show for autographs. Don't be an idiot like I was and go home without getting the autographs.

This is a no-brainer.A free concert by a band you say you love.

I don't know the history but it looks like seeing the former customers is the main thing that is putting you off by feeling embarrassment, rather than the longstanding pain.Are you really that embarrassed enough to stay away from a concert just because of them ??? in that case it could escalate to dodging people everywhere.
I wouldn't worry, just go and enjoy.

I once missed a free Betty Lavette concert !!

I think you would regret not going more than going. So there.

If Poco was playing for free here, I'd go!

Poco for free? I'ts A good Feelin' To Know!

OK:
The bonus was we went to my Mom and Dad's for dinner and drove 3 minutes from there to the show. The nerve pain wasn't so bad today (the cool temps helped). It was not a nice night-about 62, overcast and damp.
Poco came on early about 7:45 and played until 8:30 when it started raining (not hard but bad enough since they weren't covered).
At least 250-300 people were there which was great considering how small Haddon Heights is and how crappy the weather was ("Bad Weather" anyone?), It was acoustic with Rusty Paul and Jack. Their harmonies were incredible and the guitar playing oh so tasteful (Paul actually played electric and Jack played electric bass so this was not really acoustic-just drummerless!).
Here's what I remember they played:

Call It Love
Rose of Cimarron
Indian Summer
Shake It
Barbados
Spellbound
Me And You
Crazy Love

I was so glad they played "Crazy Love". Paul said they wanted to get it in before it started raining too much. Everything was excellent especially "Spellbound" and "Rose Of Cimarron" which had a great solo by Paul.
I wish it was the whole band and I wish it ended up more than 45 minutes, but I'm glad we went and the wife enjoyed it. So there ya go!

How did your city get Poco to play a free show for 250 people?????????

It's not my town anymore, but Haddon Heights probably only has 10,000 or so residents. Camden County which it is a part of (as well as where I live in Cherry Hill) is very large and the county puts these shows on.
I'd imagine Poco were well compensated. Marshall Tucker Band and Foghat are on the 4th of July (I'll pass) for free and Pure Prairie League are coming too (I have no idea if it's the real band). Again, I'll pass.
I've seen some great shows on the 4th over the years the county put on like Foreigner, Cheap Trick and Blue Oyster Cult. I really wonder how much they pay-then again it's probably with our taxes I'm sure!!!!

Glad you took our advice and enjoyed the show IP!

Some of my favourite concerts were free shows. My absolute fave, Neil Finn at Harbourfront in Toronto (circa 1996 or so) was magical.

Only free shows I remember was the Guess Who live at The Paramount that the album was made from, & when i was a teenager 21 free parks shows from Jesse Colin Young & Ralph Towner. I also got into many shows free when i was a dj in college.

Actually, way back I worked as security up front at a Highwaymen concert at the Halifax MetroCentre. That was a cool gig. 'Ring of Fire' was awesome.