Lady Antebellum / Darius Rucker – Treasure Island Resort & Casino – Welch MN – August 31st 2018

Darius Rucker and Lady Antebellum-treasure Island Casino, Welsh, Minnesota 8/31/18

Wow, just wow! This is what music is all about to me. Going to see a concert where I don’t know much about any of the bands on the bill. And I walk away thinking that was one of the best shows I’ve seen this year. It doesn’t happen very often but when it does it’s a special treat.

To me the venue is always important because it adds to the experience. I’ve said this before and will say it again, for any of you that love music, you must go to Treasure Island Casino in Welsh Minnesota for their outdoor concert series. The site lines are incredible, the staff is always very kind and helpful. Plus, the stage is fantastic. From the lighting all the way to the video screens and everything else in between.

The evening started out with the newer artist Russell Dickerson. He was a perfect fit for this tour and had the crowd standing on their feet. There were a lot of people there specifically to see him. He was what I would consider to be the newer country. In the respect that he’s younger, looks a little hip-hop and brings in a younger audience.

I’ve always liked Hootie & the Blowfish, but it never got the chance to see Darius Rucker. So is very much looking forward to this part of the concert because I was familiar with several of his songs. I have an incredible amount of respect for him. He was able to do something a lot of artists can never do. He was able to reinvent himself. It’s not by accident, the man has ridiculous talent not only as a songwriter but also as a singer. I find his country songs to be very catchy and unforgettable. His band was absolutely stellar, and I can’t wait to see him again. He did some of his biggest hits from Hootie & the Blowfish like “I Only Want To Be With You” and “Hold My Hand”. And yes, he did do “Wagon Wheel” along with several other of his country hits. He’s an artist that should be on your bucket list and I highly recommend you do not miss him.

Headliners were Lady Antebellum on their Summer Plays On Tour 2018. I couldn’t tell you one single song that this band performed walking into the venue last night. But they were absolutely amazing! I found myself getting completely lost in their songs. Like Darius Rucker’s band, their band was right on par. Unbelievable musicianship through the entire set. There were several songs that I recognized as the show went on. Being an old-school rock fan one of the highlights for me was there amazing version of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide”. I would argue that they might have actually done it better than Fleetwood Mac. They played all of their hits and the crowd loved every minute of it. I had no idea going in, how great this would truly be.

I’m not sure how much longer this tour is going but if you’re reading this and can go, it’s worth the drive, even if it’s out of town. I find myself becoming more and more of a country fan as I attend the shows. But like rock ‘n roll some bands stand much higher than others. In country music Lady Antebellum as well is Darius Rucker both stand tall above their contemporaries.

Review and Photos by Tommy Sommers