Niagara Gazette — The young and oh so talented 10th season American Idol winner from Garner, N.C., Scotty McCreery sung his heart out to a jam-packed audience at The Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls on Friday night.
Love was in the air the night after Valentine’s Day as Scotty smiled and serenaded the crowd as many a girl’s and lady’s heart went pitter patter over this gifted starlight on the second night of his current tour.
At 5:20 p.m. there were already 97 excited concertgoers in line freezing. Doors were not due to open until 6:30 p.m. The crowds extended from the main theater doors down Main Street around the bend on South Street for quite a long stretch.
I was surprised at how many males and older adults were there, as I thought it would be mostly young screaming girls and teens. People came from all over. A couple in line from Almont, Mich., were there “just to see Scotty.” Ginger and Dan from Stykersville got their tickets the first day the concert was announced, while Roger and Dorothy from Johnson City were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with their VIP passes to meet the singing sensation after the show.
Even a lady from Fredonia was in attendance because her “grandson looks just like Scotty.” It’s true, I saw the pictures of her grandson; he could be Scotty’s twin!
“Rock This Night” got the crowd going wild as the very talented and energetic 19-year-old dazzled in the spotlight. In his country twang he said, “How we all doin’ tonight everybody?” With his arms wide open, his signature American Idol song “I Love You This Big” was performed. He wildly strummed his guitar for an unexpected addition to the show where he showcased songs by some of his favorites including the King of Rock-n-Roll himself, Elvis and Johnny Cash.
The lively show featured phenomenal graphics with a wowing colorful light display. Two huge screens were on the sides of the stage. He dedicated his Clayton Idol song choice, “Seen It In Color” to the soldiers. Being a professed Christian, “God’s Golden Shore” was beautifully done. A fun new song “Sun Tan” featured five gigantic beach balls being tossed throughout the crowd. Scotty’s popular tunes “Dirty Dishes,” “The Trouble with Girls” and “Your Love is Better Than That” encouraged audience participation as they sang along.
Screaming girls in the front row went wild as Scotty leaped off the stage and began writing on their hands during “Write My Number on Your Hand.” His band included a keyboardist, a bango guy, three jamming guitar players and a drummer.
“See You Tonight,” a possibility for his new album definitely needs to make the cut! Stating that Garth Brooks is one of the nicest guys in the industry, Sarah Darling joined McCreery for a lovely duet of the most meaningful of Garth’s songs, “The Dance.” After chants of Scotty, Scotty, Scotty he appeared and performed “Gone” to end the night. In case you are wondering, McCreery and his family did get to see the amazing Falls earlier in the day.
During the concert, I didn’t notice any mischief, but at 11 p.m. I noticed something. After attempting to go up to the balcony where McCreery was signing autographs for those with VIP passes, one daring fan got escorted out the door of The Rapids Theatre after not listening to two requests to go back down the stairs. Blame it on the loud music or Scotty fever, not sure which; maybe she really didn’t hear the requests after the loud concert.
Newcomer Sarah Darling graced the stage as she opened for McCreery. Her hits included “How Dare You,” “Hey Monday,” “This Old T-shirt” and a catchy “She’s a Soldier’s Girl.” A World Vision table was represented to explain child sponsorship which Scotty and his parents participate in.
Have a review of a local concert? Send it to nightandday@gnnewspaper.com
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
