By FRANK ROBERTS
CORRESPONDENT
Will there ever be a more exciting show than Thursday night's Kenny Chesney Sun City Carnival Tour? Probably -- when Chesney returns to the Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater.
The biggest moneymaker in the country music business has it all -- excellent material, a very good voice, a very good band, and a personality that exudes pure joy.
The most super of the country music superstars can best be described by thumbing through a dictionary of superlatives.
Typical of most shows in the genre, the fans sing along. In Chesney's case, they seem to do as much vocalizing as their idol, seemingly knowing every word of every song.
Thursday's show was called the Sun City Carnival. That sounds like a senior citizen boat trip, but most of the audience were in their 20s and 30s, an over-enthusiastic bunch who greeted the star with a thunderous, deafening ovation.
His excellent band was also cheered enthusiastically and, to Chesney's credit, he gives them plenty of space. The band includes two trumpets, a trombone and saxophone -- a swingin' group.
The performer's mood was totally upbeat as he offered songs that have become country classics, such as "When the Sun Goes Down," "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy," and "Back Where I Come From."
What kind of songs? Who knows? They are country, they are rock, and there was one of Chesney's f avorites, music with a Caribbean flavor.
The East Tennessee-born-and-raised performer listed his four favorite things -- and he sang about all of them -- "friends, girls, sports and church."
That thunderous greeting when Chesney first came on stage? It continued through the night.
Speaking for all the fans, Darbie Dunlow of Hertford, N.C., gave the show, "three thumbs up and two pinkies."
There was plenty of energy from the opening acts -- Lady Antebellum, and the wild and exciting Miranda Lambert, at her best with "Gunpowder and Lead" and "I Love Rock And Roll."
The fans loved it all.
froberts73@yahoo.com
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Let me say first that I just
Let me say first that I just love Kenny Chesney! I haven't missed a VA Beach concert in I don't know how many years. I have to admit I left Thursday night's show a little disappointed. I didn't like the opening or ending of the concert. There were no "throw back" songs or songs performed with anyone opening for him either. He just didn't seem himself. I hope it was just a fluke.
Kenny Chesney
I was at the show I never miss it!! It was awsome as always!! Lady A was great as was Miranda Lambert, but Kenny was the main reason I was there. He puts 110% in to every show, I've never left disappointed!! Can't wait to see him next year!!!! Love ya Kenny!!!!
I don't get it
I was there mainly to see Lady Antebellum who were allowed only five songs as the opening act. The crowd appeared clueless as each of the five songs were flawlessly performed. Miranda is not totally without talent but it was a dull set. Chesney was decent enough due mostly to his wonderful band. Give me some Sugarland and Keith Urban for really top notch entertainment. To me Chesney was boring.
The Best Entertainer
Wish I had been there. Saw him at two Texas concerts this year. He is the best! I loved it when he came through the crowd.