State College, PA - Central Pennsylvania Links - Home of Penn State

PSU Ice Rink Rapid Transit Sports
News » Community & Entertainment

Country Stars Shine in Happy Valley

04/14/2008 11:03 am
By: J. Hicks (Email)
Comments: 1 (View)

Click for larger/more images.

Grammy Award winners Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood performed to a packed house at Penn State University ’s Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, April 12, 2008.

 

 

“Love, Pain & the whole crazy Carnival Ride Tour,” a name that combines the titles of each artist’s most recent album; Keith’s double platinum #1 debuting Love, Pain & the whole crazy thing and Carrie’s recent #1 debut second album Carnival Ride, wowed the energetic crowd.

 

Underwood was the first artist to take the stage for an evening of country music that featuring many undertones of classic rock and roll. Her tunes married violins with electric guitars and even Carrie herself played the guitar at several points in the show. She sang as clearly as she once did on American Idol and reminded the crowd of her remarkable journey to show business. She talked of her hometown in Oklahoma and extended heartfelt thanks to all her fans throughout the evening. 

 

Underwood awed many crowd members with her wardrobe changes. From hot pants and high-heeled boots, a long, blue ball gown later converted to a short cocktail dress, to the classic country girl’s favorite standby of jeans, she looked like a million bucks. But, local fans were happiest to see her emerge for her last two songs wearing a customized Penn State football jersey. 

 

The songs that seemed to really get the crowd on their feet included All American Girl, Before He Cheats, Jesus Take the Wheel, and a rendition of the Guns N Roses classic, Paradise City .  

 

 

 

 

 

 Urban was up next and the crowd was ready for the Aussie to take the stage. He made his grand entrance via a platform in a very rock star way. It seemed as if every time you looked at him you could see him smiling and just genuinely enjoying his time in State College .

 

 

 

 

Urban moved toward the center of the Bryce Jordan Center in a set up that was reminiscent of MTV’s Unplugged. Close to his band mates, he belted out slower songs where you could really hear the tones of his crooning voice. Not only can Urban sing, but he could play guitar with the best of them, showcasing classic rock and roll guitar riffs during his time on stage.

 

Urban was probably one of the most interactive artists that I’ve ever seen play at the Bryce Jordan Center . Not only did he bring back Underwood to share a duet during his time on stage, but he played off the local crowd in so many ways. One of the best moments of the night was when the Penn State Blue Band joined him on stage. He also dove deep into the audience, climbing the stairs of the Bryce Jordan Center to join his fans. One lucky audience member was the recipient of an autographed guitar that he used during the song.

 

Underwood and Urban: a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll added up to one great show in Happy Valley .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: StateCollege.com

Copyright © 2008 StateCollege.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Comments: (1)

You must be logged in to post comments. - Login | Register (free!)

By: llack22
On: 04/14/2008 3:51 pm

Loved It
» The concert was spectacular. Keith is a first class act. I have seen him many times and he just gets better and better. Carrie is also very talented. Loved your review.