By Frank Roberts, Correspondent

The Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater inaugurated its 2008 season with Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn.

It was a night of countrified rockin' and boogiein' with a few serious moments, and many moments of fun and excitement.

It was the first stop for the B&D tour, turning the Beach into - and this is the name of their act this year - Cowboy Town.

There was, of course, the usual - lots of fascinating video, lots of noise, lots of cheering. The guys were in good form, their voices still strong. A few extra voices were on stage, a trio of backup singers, young ladies who spent most of their time singing, "Oooo ooo."

That's what backup singers do.

What Brooks & Dunn do, and do so well, is working together handsomely and harmoniously. Witness their closing songs. "Brand New Man" and "Boot Scootin' Boogie" standards from their repertoire that still elicit the most applause.

You want applause? In this Navy town just bring out the flags, bring on the saluting troops and find a patriotic song such as "Only in America." It works every time. The cheers are deafening.

And here's a safe prediction: Just about every show coming to the amphitheater will offer something similar.

The Friday night show also featured religion, perhaps. "Red Dirt Road" has this line: " - where I drank my first beer, where I first found Jesus, where I wrecked my first car, I tore it all to pieces."

Heart-rending.

The "heart" part came when the duo each pulled up a stool and offered some oldies. It was the mellowest moment of the otherwise up-tempo night, and it offered them the best opportunity to display their singing skills.

Speaking of such, the opening acts featured two other strong-voiced men. James Otto, a relative newcomer with a booming cannon voice performed, among other things, the number one country song, "I Just Got Started Loving You."

He was followed by Rodney Atkins, who has been around for a while and should achieve star status. He has impressive vocal chords, a wonderful personality, and endeared himself as he spoke lovingly about his wife and children. Fuzzy puppy stuff.

The night began with a recording of that classic country song "We Will Rock You," and ended with some Brooks & Dunn stuff that did just that.

A final note: Madison Applegate, 4, of Hertford, N.C., was given the standard first concert recognition. When asked if she would like to see more such concerts, she said, "No. I want to see them again."

Frank Roberts, Froberts73@yahoo.com