An interesting feature of the show occurred during the intermissions where fans were encouraged to text messages from their phones which were then displayed on the big screen monitors for all to read. It made the break between performers seem a lot shorter with something to keep us all entertained. There were comments on everything, from what songs people wanted to hear, to declarations of love for partners and sports teams.
Shortly before 9:00 pm the lights went down and the moment finally arrived. As the first chords of "Red Dirt Road" began several screens appeared near the bottom of the stage which made it look as though you were moving along a red dirt road. The screens rose towards the roof to reveal Kix and Ronnie on stage with the band, all smiles and ready to perform.
The follow up to "Red Dirt Road" was the rocking tune "You Can't Take the Honkytonk Out of the Girl" which is one of my favourites. Their current single "Building Bridges" was next, which was lacking the back up vocals of Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow, but still sounded great nonetheless. One of the female background singers was brought towards the front of the stage as she did and admirable job on the harmonies that Sheryl Crow would have done on the album cut.
Kix addressed the crowd after the first three songs asking how we were and if we'd been drinking. He smiled and chanted, "I'm from Louisiana. We drink hard and pray hard everyday."
Anyone who has seen Brooks and Dunn in concert before knows that when Ronnie grabs the cow bell, the drumsticks will start flying! Kix took over lead vocals and sang "Mama Don't Get Dressed Up For Nothing" while Ronnie tossed drumsticks to the crowd. Someone from back stage would toss a drumstick through the air which Ronnie would catch. After a few beats on the cow bell he would toss it out into the audience causing mini riots all over the place as everyone scrambled to grab the stick.
My favourite part of the night was next as the boys really toned it down for the sorrowful ballad "Neon Moon." "Neon Moon" is my favourite Brooks and Dunn song and they certainly did not disappoint. Ronnie had the crowd sing the last chorus once, and then a second time but told us to hold the last note as long as we could. The audience gave it a heartfelt attempt, but left Ronnie cracking up on stage when we fell a little short. Ronnie taught us how it was done as he showed off his incredible voice singing the last line a cappella. "watch your broken dreams dance in and out of the beams...of a Neon Moon."
The cowbell and drumsticks came back out again for "Rock My World (Little Country Girl)," and the crowd got all riled up once again. Kix took his turn with a ballad next, but before he sang "You're Gonna Miss Me" he joked with the audience for a bit. He thanked Jack Ingram and Sugarland for opening the show and also poked a little fun at Jennifer Nettles saying "I'm always curious if Jennifer shaved under her arms," referring to how she always has her arms up in the air while dancing around the stage. Kix laughed and said "she's gonna kill me for that."
The second half of the set was jam packed with music which included 6 of their No. 1 singles such as the oldies "Brand New Man" and "My Maria" and the more recent chart toppers "Play Somethin' Country" and "It's Getting Better all the Time."
Kix made one little girl's night when he brought her up on stage and danced with her while Ronnie sang "Boot Scootin' Boogie." He picked her up off her feet and they spun around and around in circles. I was quite impressed that both Kix and the young girl were able to stay on their feet after all that twirling!
The last song of the regular set was "My Maria," during which an explosion of streamers flew into the crowd. Kix and Ronnie shook fans hands and waved as they made their way off stage.
Like any typical concert there was an encore to follow. Kix and Ronnie returned to the stage to sing their most recent smash hit, the touching ballad from Hillbilly Deluxe called "Believe." Once again Ronnie showed off his incredible talent filling the song with emotion and singing it to perfection.
The Duo's patriotism showed through when they closed the night with "Only in America," and brought three Marines on stage in full uniform. The crowd was on their feet, showing the utmost respect for the heroes in front of them. It was quite the moment, hearing Kix and Ronnie singing, feeling confetti falling in your hair, and seeing the marines frozen in place saluting the crowd. It was the perfect ending to yet another incredible show by the incomparable duo.
