Rascal Flatts get Live and Loud in Phoenix
I don’t think there is any better way to end a fantastic summer than with some good ole country music. Luckily, Rascal Flatts, The Band Perry, and Cassadee Pope were scheduled to play in Arizona at Ak-Chin Pavilion on a warm Thursday night. As the sun set, Cassadee Pope took to the stage to the cheers and screams of the crowd.
Making sure to interact with all the fans up close and wave hello to the ones in the farthest corner on the lawn, she sang songs off her upcoming album including hit single “Wasting All These Tears.” Of course, she thanked those who voted for her on The Voice and made sure to pay homage to her time on the show by singing a fantastic cover of Miranda Lambert’s “Over You.”
Next up was a personal favorite, The Band Perry. Being that this was the fourth time I would get to see them live, I had an idea of what I was in for. As usual, however, this performance was even better than the last. With anthemic music playing in the back, a curtain dropped to reveal the trio and their band center stage rocking out with bright lights behind them. Starting the set with “You Lie” and progressing into “Done,” the energy was as electric as the stage lights. With the entire amphitheater on their feet singing along, the three siblings spent the next 45 minutes bringing a smile to everyone’s faces. Not only were their songs fantastic, a cover of “Fat Bottomed Girls” and fun.’s “Some Nights” threw the crowd for a loop and kept them on their toes. As the set neared a close, the opening notes of “If I Die Young” were met with the entire crowd singing the first verse to the band. It was one of those moments that makes a concert so special.
While the crew worked hard to change over the stage, the Dance Y’all crew took to the stage to keep everyone on their feet dancing. It was a nice change and made the time pass faster than usual.
With a full house in the audience, it was time for Rascal Flatts to take to the stage ready to sing with a rock inspired intro track, crazy lighting, and plenty of cheers. Leading into “Life Is A Highway,” everyone was up on their feet and dancing around from the pit to the back corner. Each band member took their time running around the wide open stage saying hellos to all the fans crowded around the pit. Smiles and jokes kept things fun and interesting, and the music just got better and better. Leading into “What Hurts The Most” was a fabulous and country inspired rendition of Bruno Mars’s “When I Was Your Man.” Lights dimmed out and Jay came out on a piano to start out “I’m Movin’ On” which led into “Easy” and “I Won’t Let Go.” Then for the latter two, Cassadee Pope returned to the stage to sing along. Joking with the band, she kept them on their toes and fit in perfectly. The back end of the set was filled with more great music and, following the recent trend, confetti cannons blasted the crowd marking the end of yet another great concert.
If ever you have the opportunity to see any of these artists, I’d highly recommend it. Each bring their own uniqueness to their performance, but all keep the energy going and are sure to deliver a great show.
