Concert Review: Chris Young Brings A Little Country to South Florida
On a typical hot-steamy summer night in South Florida, Chris Young brought the Raised on Country tour for a stop in West Palm Beach that packed the Coral Sky Amphitheater on Saturday.
Country music duo LoCash, who performed with an infectious passion on their final night on the tour, got the crowd off their feet and moving early with a five-song set that kicked things into high-gear on a shirt-soaking steamy night. Road warriors Chris Lucas and Preston Brust didn’t play like an opening band; clearly this duo were here to deliver a memorable night for their most loyal fans who have come to expect an entertaining, high-energy show. Those who came early got a chance to see LoCash perform their highest-charting single to date, “I Know Somebody,” during their set.
Next up was Missouri native singer-songwriter Chris Janson with a gritty performance that takes you back to a time when country music was simple and had a distinctive, traditional sound. Janson brings an edgy style that is not often seen in today’s country artists. Clearly, Janson and Co. were having fun, smiling and feeling giddy as Janson darted across nearly every inch of the stage, often giving you the impression of a local, blue-collar band that you might see performing at a local bar with whom you can connect of a personal level. Highly entertaining, the crowd got into it quickly and sang and danced along to nearly every song in his seven-song set that included hits “Redneck Life,” “Everybody,” “Fix a Drink,” and his current single “Good Vibes.”
Janson declares, “I make money, I make music, I got swagger, and I use it.” He is a great storyteller who can’t stand still and expresses his life’s experiences through his music and has a unique way of connecting with his fans. It was refreshing to see an artist who is not following the current trends and is delivering great music through a fun and engaging performance. His final song of the night and tour was fan-favorite “Buy Me a Boat.” Whether you are a country fan or not, Janson makes for a fun show that shouldn’t be missed.
By now the boisterous crowd was at least three beers in and ready for headliner Chris Young to take the stage. The stage hidden behind a black curtain, created a high level of anticipation until the curtain dropped. As the band took their positions on stage, the heat rose steadily until it boiled over when Young came out. Standing at the top of the steel runway that led downward to his spot, the singer came walking down while strumming his guitar to his opening song. The crowd jumped to their feet and welcomed Young with cheers of approval. It was clear that the night was going to be special; it’s what his fans came for. Starting things off with fan-favorite “Hangin’ On,” Young stood back and looked at the crowd in amazement, thanking them and appreciating the fact that this was his show and that the crowd came to see him. Never without a smile, Young connected with his audience especially during another fan-favorite, “Lonely Eyes,” from his 2013 album A.M. His audience shouted with approval and wanted more; what they got was a concert that didn’t need any fancy lighting, explosions or antics to fool the crowd, they got a solid performance from an artist who has worked hard to gain their trust.
Young and his band ripped through a 19-song set that was a hit parade, including some of his most popular songs, including “Save Water, Drink Beer,” “Drinkin’ Me Lonely,” “You’re Gonna Love Me,” “Voices,” “Gettin’ You Home,” “Who I Am with You”, and “Lonely Eyes,” with the crowd singing along to word for word. As the Murfreesboro, Tennesseean wrapped up the show, Young delivered his final song “Aw Naw.” Being an artist on tour is certainly a business, but in Young’s case, it’s clear that he’s having a blast performing to a faithful audience with raw talent and personality that turned the Coral Sky Amphitheater into a backyard barn party. Simply put, it was a fun show.
CHRIS YOUNG Raised On Country
Sept. 26 – Erie, Pa. @ Erie Insurance Arena **
Sept. 27 – Amherst, Mass. @ Mullins Center **
Sept. 28 – Westbrook, Maine @ Maine Savings Pavilion **
Oct. 3 – Grand Forks, N.D. @ Alerus Center **
Oct. 4 – Sioux City, Iowa @ Tyson Events Center **
Oct. 5 – Peoria, Ill. @ Peoria Civic Center **
Oct. 17 – Columbia, Mo. @ Mizzou Arena **
Oct. 18 – La Cross, Wisc. @ La Crosse Center Arena **
Oct. 19 – Duluth, Minn. @ AMSOIL Arena **
Oct. 24 – Huntsville, Ala. @ Von Braun Center **
Oct. 25 – Augusta, Ga. @ James Brown Arena **
Nov. 7 – Cedar Park, Texas @ H-E-B Center at Cedar Park **
Nov. 8 – Oklahoma City, Okla. @ Chesapeake Energy Arena **
Nov. 9 – Springfield, Ma. @ Royal JQH Arena **
Nov. 15 – Baltimore, Md. @ Royal Farms Arena **
Nov. 16 – Huntington, W.V. @ Big Sandy Superstore Arena **
Nov. 21 – Ft. Wayne, Ind. @ Allen County Warm Memorial Coliseum **
Nov. 22 – Saginaw, Mich. @ Dow Event Center **
Nov. 23 – Lexington, Ky. @ Rupp Arena **
** with special guests Eli Young Band and Matt Stell
CHRIS YOUNG
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