Paisley pleases his party-loving fans
DARIEN — Country music fans at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center were lucky enough to bear witness to a wonderfully fun show Friday night as Brad Paisley brought his “Paisley Party” tour to Western New York.
Paisley, who is loved by the country music industry for his smart lyrics as well as his genuine twang, began his set with “Mud on the Tires.” He showcased his band’s talents as well as his superstar status. As he appeared onstage dressed in a black T-shirt and cowboy hat, playing on a cerulean-colored guitar, he wowed the crowd with his talent and charisma.
Moving into “Better Than This,” Paisley’s brightly lit backdrop displayed deer head and fish mounted on a wall, conveying his country spirit to the audience. I’ve always associated Paisley with his clever lyrics and comical songs, but he really showed off his fantastic skill as a guitarist during his set.
Welcoming the crowd, he said: “Being an election year, it doesn’t matter what side of the fence you’re on, we’re all a part of the Paisley Party.” His fans went wild in reaction to his infectious personality.
As he performed “The World,” a fun and upbeat love song, he was so comfortable running from end to end of the stage and displayed such charm when interacting with the crowd that it was hard to not be star struck.
On “She’s Everything,” Paisley performed on a guitar with the West Virginia University emblem on it, further proving that despite his success and fame, he hasn’t forgotten that he comes from Glen Dale, W. Va. Displaying an energy that is rare in live performers, it was clear that his fans don’t just love him, they absolutely adore him. It was five songs before Paisley finally performed one of his more satirical numbers.
Singing “Celebrity,” the song mocking America’s obsession with pop culture and reality shows, his set displayed the words “Guitar Zero: Press Any Button to Twang,” and went on to feature a mock version of the popular video game Guitar Hero.
It is Paisley’s sheer talent, both in writing and performing, mixed with his ability to laugh at himself and the world, that make him such an appealing performer. As fans were on their feet throughout his set, they couldn’t have had a better time.
Opening for Paisley were Julianne Hough (former “Dancing with the Stars” two-time champion), Chuck Wicks and Jewel. The crowd was lucky enough to see a show with opening acts that all proved to be entertaining.
Hough’s fans from “Dancing with the Stars” have obviously followed her into her music career, and she was just adorable as a singer as she was on the celebrity dance show. Similarly, Chuck Wicks was a pleasing surprise; showcasing his singer/ songwriter talents, he really performed a good set.
Had Paisley not been such a superior performer, Jewel would have hands-down stolen the show. Though it’s been more than 10 years since Jewel released “Pieces of You,” the album that really catapulted her to musical greatness, her talent is still unbelievable.
As she performed “Who Will Save Your Soul,” which she introduced as the first song she wrote, she showcased her always perfect, never out of tune vocals.
Even if you think Jewel has only produced one great album during her career, you couldn’t deny the talent she shared with the crowd.
Concert Review
Brad Paisley
With Jewel, Chuck Wicks and Julianne Hough on Friday night in Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.
