Jason Aldean performing at Assembly Hall.
Being the second largest arena in the state of Illinois, filling up a venue like the Assembly Hall to its capacity is no easy feat for any performer. However, Jason Aldean with special guests Luke Bryan and Lauren Alaina were more than up for the challenge.
On Saturday, Feb. 4, Jason Aldean’s My Kinda Party tour attracted more than 16,000 country fans to the jam-packed Assembly Hall.
After opening up the show with their own individual set lists, both American Idol alumna Lauren Alaina and country heartthrob Luke Bryan separately joined Aldean on stage later on in the show. The peppy young Lauren Alaina channeled her inner pop diva as she joined Aldean in a flawless rendition of his country crossover hit “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” which is normally shared with a different American Idol star, Kelly Clarkson.
As for Luke Bryan, he and Aldean joined forces on a small stage towards the back of the floor mid-way through Aldean’s set and played several numbers together for a personal, intimate moment with their thousands of fans. Included in their duets was John Mellencamp’s nostalgic classic “Pink Houses.”
One of the most important things I look for in a great concert is how the artist sounds live. All three performers undoubtedly set a high standard for vocal performance on a country tour. It was clear that they, Aldean in particular, are very highly talented performers, musicians and vocalists. Aldean hit every note effortlessly while being able to actively interact with the crowd and put on a high-energy performance. Highlights were his billboard hits “Big Green Tractor,” “The Truth” and “Dirt Road Anthem.”
The entire concert was spectacular and went on without a hitch despite the brief interruption of an intoxicated fan who tried to get a little too close to Bryan and Aldean on the small stage. The two megastars responded playfully, trying to help the man out until he was escorted away by security.
Jason Aldean’s My Kinda Party tour stop in Champaign oozed with Southern charm, energy and country hits. All three performers gave strong, exciting performances that kept the crowd singing and dancing all night long. If you were not able to catch Jason Aldean and company on their latest stop in town, be sure to put it at the top of your “To Do” list.
