Event Luke Bryan playing for a crowed of over 1,200 people. Chairs everywhere with 4 bleacher set ups. Over to the left and over to the right then one more up next to the stage big screens for those in the back to see what those in the front can see.

The lights go dim...then all you hear is “Ladies and gentleman please welcome the talented and chart topping country artist, Mr. Luke Bryan”. All you hear is the crowd cheering and clapping.

This was my first time covering a concert event at the Casino.  I will have to say, it was one of the best shows I have seen.

All of the staff at the Casino were friendly and very helpful with assisting with directions and locations of were things were such as the bathrooms and the food and drink.

The set up of the concert was amazing. Seating available all over the venue. Rows and rows of chairs and also the set up of some bleachers for people to be comfortably seated.

A camera man to record the show and have it able to be viewed by those who didn't have the front row seats. The sound was amazing and very clear for everyone to hear.

I have never seen so much energy from a smaller crowd. The crowd sang along and danced in the ailes. Everyone was singing along with the songs and learning the ones they haven't heard yet. The cover songs were great with performance as well.

Prior to the show a couple handfuls of people were able to meet Luke before the show. I was one of them. He was great to talk to a few minutes before the show. He was very pleasant with meeting his fans and taking picture after picture. He was signing anything from pictures and shirts to bows used for hunting. He had a carefree attitude when doing this for his fans.

The show was fabulous and a great first time experience for those whom have never been to the casino for a show. I was one of the lucky people who attended who was able to meet some of his band members and also make it to spend one on one time with Luke after the show before he left for Great Falls, MT. I was able to laugh and joke around with them as if we were friends for years. We talked about things such as him telling me he went to college for business and yet he became a singer and songwriter. One of his band members I had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with had told me that him and Luke pretty much grew up together and have been playing together for as long as he can remember.

Their stage manager Sarge was one of the coolest guys I met there aside from the band. He was very funny and straight forward. He was a busy busy guy but that is what he does to make sure the show goes smoothly. Some of the other band members were unable for me to really meet because they all went back into the casino to gamble. Perks to a show at a casino I presume.

Some of them didn't go such as Luke and Micheal for the confession that they wouldn't be able to enjoy themselves. I can relate to that in a small way from when I was an athlete in school and also a top showman in 4-H. They did admit tho that the down time on the bus was nice due to the events that took place prior to this show. They had a fun night before coming to the casino.

After the time spent on the tour bus building a life long friendship with a really cool down to earth guy I had left the casino to prepare for the 2 hour road trip to Lewiston, Id. Where the next Idaho show was going to be down at Boomer's Garden. That show was an outdoor show and was a pretty neat experience, different from the casino but it fit the performance given by Luke Bryan and his band.

Country music is portrayed as a bunch of people in Wrangler jeans, cowboy boots and cowboy hats drinking beer, but in reality we are just the same type of people who listen to all other types of music. Our style granted is a little different but we all just go to the country shows to have a good time and do what we do best and that is getting down with our honky tonk sides and having a good time with friends and family.

Country music tells stories whether it be fun rodeo stories to the first kiss in the back of a truck or in a barn, even to the story of missing or losing someone who is serving for our country in the military. Anyone and everyone has the opportunity to listen to a country song and in the back of their mind say to themselves, “ I have been there and that totally fits me and what I have gone through”. Luke Bryan tells his story very well and makes sure that everyone is able to understand where he is from and what he loves to do.

By Stephanie Lynott