One of country music’s biggest stars took the stage at Casino Rama for the first of two sold out performances this past Thursday night. Alan Jackson played a show that proved why he has had some 25 years of staying power on the scene. His quiet and cool demeanor on stage showed how comfortable he is with the limelight and his interaction with his appreciative concert going fans continues to bolster their adoration for their idol.
As the show began, Jackson’s eight-piece band took the stage and started to play. The sillhouette of Jackson’s distinctive hat generated a healthy roar from the crowd as he appeared from back stage. He paused for a moment, waved out to the fans and grabbed his chocolate brown acoustic guitar. Taking center stage, Jackson started the set with “Good Time,” the title track from his 2008 album. It was a fitting first song as the crowd was in for an emotional, feel good 90 minute show. Throughout the show, Jackson must have thrown hundreds of guitar pics into the crowd. As the poor stage tech would be refilling Jackson’s micstand pic holder, Jackson would empty it again and again, tossing them to everyone. Souvenirs from the show are always welcome.
The stage was set up with three large video walls behind the band that spanned the width of the stage. Throughout the show, timely, song specific videos were shown that often gave a visual context to the song Jackson was playing. During “Drive,” home videos of Jackson and his three young daughters were showing the girls honoring the fact that Jackson’s father had taken him out driving on their land when he was their young age, and it was a lasting memory he wanted to offer to them, as they grew up and remembered their Dad.
Jackson writes songs from his own life and the lives of people around him and it’s easy to see why they strike a chord with the fans and the events in their lives. “Livin’ On Love” was a tribute to his parent’s strong relationship as he was growing up and clearly, there are many fans that can relate to those lyrics.
Jackson threw in a few cover tunes for the show. Standouts included “Summertime Blues”, “Who’s Cheatin’ Who” and the song Jackson sang with the Zac Brown Band, “As She’s Walking Away.” “So You Don’t Have To Love Me Anymore” was the only song from Jackson’s latest album “Thirty Miles West.” It’s a slow, classic and heartfelt country ballad to be sure. “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” and “Chattahoochee” kicked the show into high gear and kept the crowd dancing.
“Where I Come From” came with video footage showcasing local landmarks and people from the Orillia area. The town hall, restaurants, sports teams, firefighters and other local images were flashed across the screen to the cheers of the crowd. This was a wonderful way for Jackson to give his fans a personal connection to the show.
After a short break, Jackson and the band returned to the stage to finish off the set with an upbeat and country-fried version of “Mercury Blues.” As the band played an extended instrumental part, Jackson took the time to sign autographs for the fans pressed against the stage. From ticket stubs, cowboy hats and photos, to cowboy boots, ladies purses and trucker caps, Jackson took the time to sign most everything held up for him.
Jackson may be a superstar in the music business, but at his concerts he still shows he cares about giving the fans a great show and a lasting memory. That is why they keep coming back and filling the stands year after year.
Set List:
Good Time
I Don’t Even Know Your Name
Livin’ On Love
Summertime Blues (Eddie Cochran cover)
Small Town Southern Man
So You Don’t Have To Love Me Anymore
Who’s Cheatin’ Who (Charly McClain cover)
Little Bitty
Country Boy
Drive (For Daddy Gene)
Remember When
Don’t Rock The Jukebox
Here In The Real World
As She’s Walking Away
It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere
Chattahoochee
Where I Come From
Encore:
Mercury Blues
We would like to thank Darlene Bieber from Schmidt Relations and Jenna Hunter from the Orillia Casino for the credentials to cover the show.
