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Chesney concert is full-throttle fun
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The muscular and incredibly popular country star Kenny Chesney performed for almost two hours Saturday night, the first of three nights at Philips Arena, and he began the concert with a bit of showmanship — popping up in the middle of the arena, then riding a trapeze over the crowd and onto the stage. Some of us down below were almost close enough to reach up and touch the soles of his boots.
From the stage he played more than 20 songs, hardly pausing between them. This worked to maintain momentum, and also to remind us that Chesney is now a veteran with plenty of material.
He played a stream of party anthems that didn’t really sound much like “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy,” which wrapped up the show as an encore.
Chesney has drifted away from traditional country music over the years. He’s now well-positioned at the heart of American culture.
By synthesizing elements of the earnest Alan Jackson, the rowdy Kid Rock and the beachy Jimmy Buffett, Chesney has found his niche.
The songs he sang Saturday created a pretty vivid composite sketch of the average American’s recreational ambitions — stuff like singing karaoke and partying in tropical climes.
Chesney once released an album called “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problems,” and that’s pretty much his guiding principal.
For the song “Living in Fast Forward,” he played a guitar emblazoned with a Jolly Roger.
For the show he wore boots, jeans, a big black hat and a gray tank-top with the faded word “Hawaii” across the chest.
Casual? Sure, but his shirt was sweat-soaked to the waist about a third of the way through the concert. The man worked hard, reaching down to slap fans’ hands and gliding across the stage.
Chesney’s biggest knack — his secret weapon, really — is an ability to turn the mundane into the romantic.
On Saturday he sang about wishing upon stars and eating burnt suppers and drinking wine from Dixie cups, and he made all of the above sound somehow charming. In a Kenny Chesney song, you don’t need a lot to have a good time.
After the show had gone on for a while, the cherubic Detroit musician Uncle Kracker joined Chesney onstage, bringing the evening an awkward frat boy flavor.
For the most part, though, Chesney stuck to his strengths. He sang big ol’ songs and soaked up adoration from the crowd.
His three-night stand at Philips concludes Monday night.
Permalink | Comments (6) | Categories: Pop Music
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By misty
August 21, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this
kenny did a wonderful concert on Saturday night. I was there and is was awesome. It was my first time ever seeing Kenny, but I will be back. He is so awesome and he is so good looking, the cascal way he dresses is so hot. We love you Kenny
By michelle
August 21, 2006 1:32 PM | Link to this
Saturday night was my first Kenny Chesney concert experience. It was awesome. I’ve been to tons of rock shows and even my husband agreed that the crowd was the loudest and most enthusiastic of any we’ve seen. A really great time.
By Dan
August 21, 2006 2:31 PM | Link to this
The man does put on a good show. And he is hot. He could have left Uncle Kracker up in Detroit, oh well , that gave me time to freshen up. Did I mention Kenny is hot. Good call on ladies using the men’s room. Nothing like co-ed facilities. Oh and Kenny is hot. MMMMMMMMMMM
By Tray
August 21, 2006 3:14 PM | Link to this
The show Sat night was amazing. I’ve seen him numerous times and even attended the show in Knoxville 3 years ago. the show this year was right up there as one of the best! Maybe because I finally got lucky and had amazing seats, but it was the BEST $$ spent on a concert this year.
By Laine
August 22, 2006 12:03 PM | Link to this
Kenny was awesome! He proved why he’s Entertainer of the Year, but can’t forget kudos to Dierks and Jake for an awesome show as well. All three gorgeous guys did a fabulous job of rockin’ Phillips. We didn’t sit down once! ATL loves ya’ll!!
By Ericka
August 23, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this
This was my 3rd time seeing Kenny..:) He never fails to put on a good show! God he’s so sexy!!! I think I might start a “kenny head” posse and travel to all of his shows..I love him that much!!! Heck I traveled all the was from Tampa,Fl to see him with my sister in ATL. KENNY ROCKS!!!