Chris Stapleton, The Marcus King Band and Nikki Lane @ Darien Lake, Corfu, NY 7-11-24

A triple bill of various forms of styles of music came through Western New York on Thursday night. Chris Stapleton, The Marcus King Band and Nikki Lane provided different tastes of their own brands of music. Stapleton is more of country and southern rock, King is focused more on the blues while adding a splash of southern rock too and Lane is more of a Americana and Outlaw Country artist. No matter of the particular style, each brought something different to the table to the sold out crowd.

Opening the show was Nikki Lane. She has been on the circuit since 2010 and has 4 studio efforts under her belt. She made the most out of her 30 minute time slot which consisted of 7 songs. Dressed in all white, she delivered high quality tracks like “Seein’ Double” and “Denim and Diamonds.” She played both an acoustic guitar and sang acapella throughout her set. She closed her slot with what she is most well known for in her song “Jackpot.” I thought her style and delivery had the crowds attention. I’m looking forward to what she has to offer on her own sometime soon.

Next up was The Marcus King Band. I saw The Marcus King Band before and really dug their vibe so I was interested to see if they would deliver the goods the second time around. Well, they did that and then some. The band worked within the confines of a short space for their performance. The 45 minute set consisted of mostly originals with a cover thrown in. His unique vocals shined on songs like “Save Me” and “Delilah.” He did a bang up job on The Allman Brothers classic “Ramblin’ Man.” Again, the band didn’t disappoint. The same sentiment echoes for King as I’m already looking forward to the next time I can see him.

Headlining the show was the Chris Stapleton. Late last year, Stapleton released his 5th studio album called ‘Higher.’ Over the last several years, he has become one of the biggest names in country. He and his co singer/wife and producer Morgane Stapleton and the rest of the band took their spots at 8:55pm. One of the things that surprised me that Mickey Ralphael was playing harmonica. Ralpahel is known primarily playing with Willie Nelson. Currently, Nelson’s band is on a 3 week hiatus so Ralpahel was asked to play some dates with Stapleton’s Band. What an extra treat that turned out to be for all in attendance as Ralphael is one of the best in the business. Stapleton’s deep gruff vocals led the charge through a slew of various songs spanning his entire career. Opening up with the anthemic “White Horse” off his latest effort, you knew the show was going to be a good one. Stapleton tried out a newer track off of ‘Higher’ in “South Dakota.” I thought he and the band got a really good response on it. The band exited the stage and Stapleton went solo for both “Mountains” and “Whiskey & You.” I’m sure the cover of “The Joy of my life” was chosen by Chris Stapleton to dedicate to his wife. Morgane Stapleton provided key melody vocals when needed but acted more as muse for her husband Chris. The pair worked very well together while the band filled in the sound around them.

I been attending shows at the Darien Lake PAC for about 30 years (as a fan and journalist) and don’t ever remember seeing it that packed before. One of the true testaments to Stapleton’s talent and soaring popularity. What a terrific show put on by each performer!

Setlist:

White Horse

Nobody to Blame

Second One to Know

Millionaire (Kevin Welch cover)

Crosswind

Tryin’ to Untangle my Mind

South Dakota

Might As Well Get Stoned

What Am I Gonna Do

Think I’m in Love With You

Mountains (solo)