The setting was perfect for a great evening of music on The Great Lawn at Harrah’s in Biloxi, MS (05/09/2015). A continuous, cool gulf breeze, with a stunning sunset, really set the tempo for the show that was to follow.
Dozens of boats anchored just off shore awaiting the music and some 1500-2000 gathered near the stage area, searching for the perfect listening and viewing location. The pre-concert music was more of the traditional and edgy country music that you seldom hear at most of the present day “country” concerts that I’ve attended in the last few years. The selection ranged from Hank Sr. and Jr. to Kitty Wells and Johnny Cash. Then finally… showtime!
Kelly Pickler on the Great Lawn at Harrah’s, Biloxi, MS 05/09/2015
The glitz and glamor of American Idol and Dancing With The Stars aside… Kellie Pickler really is a “country artist”. What a pleasant surprise indeed! Once the show started, her at ease stage style immediately drew the crowd in, and from there, she did not disappoint. Her vocals and stage band were spot on. Kellie seemed to be wowed as well over her view of the gentle waves on the sound with the splashy sunset surrounding her. She of course played her radio hits from a just a few years back: “Best Days Of Your Life“, “Things That Never Cross A Man’s Mind”, “Ring For Sale“, “Someone Somewhere Tonight“, “Little Bit Gypsy“, “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful” (which prompted a proposal in the crowd… she said yes!), “Red High Heels” and several more.
The song I enjoyed the most was “Selma Drye“, a cut from her 2013 album “The Woman I Am”. The emotional story she told behind the driving force of the song itself, Pickler’s great grandmaw, displayed an incredible depth of honesty and sincerity.
Although the current country radio format continues to be male dominated, there appears to be a very slight crack in the door that female artists are finally beginning to squeeze through. Kellie Pickler is more than just another slightly successful American Idol contestant… more than a winner of Dancing With The Stars… more than just a pretty face… she is a true singer/songwriter/country artist! Here’s hoping she can get her pinkie toe in the door and ease it open a little bit.
