Jason Aldean Throws ‘My Kinda Party’ in Tampa, FL
Jason Aldean’s “My Kinda Party” tour rolled through Tampa, FL this past Friday, July 15. Fans poured in to the 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre in masses to see the country rocker with special guests Thompson Square and Chris Young. I’ve been to the venue many times in the past and I can’t recall seeing it as full as it was on Friday. Aldean is now among an elite group of artists, a group that includes Kenny Chesney, who have sold out the 20,000 seat venue in advance. Just to put that feat into perspective, country superstars Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley, and Brooks & Dunn have filled the venue, but have relied on day of ticket sales in order to do so (according to the St. Petersburg Times). Aldean is quickly becoming one of country music’s hottest stars and this is just another testament to his superstar status.
Thompson Square kicked off the evening with a brief set that included “Let’s Fight” and their current single, “I Got You,” from their self-titled debut album. Fans welcomed the husband and wife duo with open arms and erupted when they closed their set with the No.1 smash “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not.” I always love watching Thompson Square on stage. They obviously have great chemistry and share the spotlight so well.
After spending the week promoting his brand new album Neon, an energetic Chris Young took the stage for a set that included his three chart-topping hits, “Gettin’ You Home,” “The Man I Want To Be,” and “Voices.” Chris also gave fans a taste of four tracks from Neon. “Save Water Drink Beer,” “You,” I Can Take It From There,” and his latest hit single “Tomorrow” were well received by the crowd. In fact, many fans were singing along to the new songs, a sign that Young could be looking at some great first-week sales.
Believe it or not, this was actually my first time seeing Chris backed by a full band. I was pleasantly surprised to see how great of an entertainer he is. His set had the perfect mix of up-tempo songs and ballads, and it was obvious that he was genuinely excited and thankful to be there. Don’t be surprised to see him headlining in the near future. His career is only getting started.
Fans roared when Jason Aldean hit the stage singing “Tattoos On This Town” from his Platinum-selling album My Kinda Party. Donning a vintage John Cougar Mellencamp shirt, Aldean went on to sing hit after hit including “Big Green Tractor,” “Amarillo Sky,” “Johnny Cash,” and “Laughed Until We Cried.”
“My Kinda Party” is truly a fitting name for the tour as his show really is just that, a party. Virtually everyone in the crowd was standing, dancing, and singing along when Aldean sang such songs as “Crazy Town,” “Dirt Road Anthem,” and “My Kinda Party.” He may not have said very much or addressed the crowd too often, but there was no need to. Fans came for the music and that’s what he gave them.
I was anxious to see how Aldean would pull off his mega hit “Don’t You Wanna Stay” without duet-partner Kelly Clarkson by his side. He had a few tricks up his sleeve to make it work and fans exploded with applause at the first sight of Clarkson on the giant screen behind him. Her pre-recorded segment mixed with his killer live vocals was definitely one of the highlights of the night. Clarkson has such an amazing, powerful voice, but Aldean was able to hold his own alongside her. I don’t think Jason gets enough credit for his voice – he’s one hell of a vocalist!
As he wrapped up his set, Aldean explained that he had recently put a new twist on an old favorite and went on to sing “Hicktown.” This proved to be another crowd favorite that the fans couldn’t get enough of.
Aldean is clearly at the top of his game when it comes to entertaining an audience. There’s something about his energy and stage presence that pulls you in from the moment he takes the stage and doesn’t let go until the last note of his “She’s Country” encore. The only drawback to the show was that it was only 75 minutes long, where most headlining acts are on stage for at least 90 minutes. However, it was an energy packed 75 minutes and most spectators didn’t seem to mind that the set was a bit short.
If you haven’t already, I highly recommend that you add the “My Kinda Party” tour to your summer concert plans. Thompson Square, Chris Young and Jason Aldean do not disappoint.
