Jonny Lang Amazes Council Bluffs, Iowa Crowd

Jonny Lang is a truly amazing performer. He brings to stage with him crafty guitar playing, showmanship, and a soulful voice. He brought all of that to Harrah's Casino in Council Bluffs, IA as he dazzled fans with a ninety minute set.

Jonny's musical identity has evolved throughout the years. He began as a teenage blues protégé, then transitioned into a certified rocker, and now is winning Grammy awards for his gospel music. He put all of his musical faces on display, with his talent and passion being the glue that held them together.

Backed by a six-piece band, he began his set with three songs from his 2006 release 'Turn Around.' Jonny, a devout Christian, let his spiritual side show right out of the gate. 'We can change the world, one person at a time,' he belted out on the opening number, 'One Person at a Time.' He followed that up with 'Bump in the Road' and 'Turn Around.' At the end of 'Turn Around,' Jonny let out one of his many amazing guitar solos.

Lang would then satisfy the blues lovers in attendance with songs like 'Wander This World' and 'A Quitter Never Wins.' The crowd was most appreciative when Lang went off on big guitar solos. There aren't many active performers who can play the guitar as well as Jonny Lang. John Mayer comes to mind, but watching Jonny Lang perform could make a person ask 'who's John Mayer?'

Another highlight was Jonny's performance of 'Red Light,' a song from his third album, 'Long Time Coming.' It's a song written by R&B star Anthony Hamilton. Lang did the Hamilton number justice by pouring his soul into the song.

Throughout the concert, Lang's band mates were given time to shine. Mainly Barry Alexander on the drums and former Prince keyboardist, Tommy Barbarella. The band really got to let loose on the main set's last song 'I Am.' Each band member was given a solo as the song turned into a ten minute jam.

Lang returned and gave an encore consisting of his most recognizable songs 'Breakin' Me' and 'Lie To Me.' Then, Jonny Lang and the band took their bows to a standing ovation. This is the third consecutive summer that Jonny has performed at Harrah's Casino in Council Bluffs and those in attendance last night hope it is a tradition that's here to stay.

Up and comer John McLaughlin opened up the show with an energetic thirty-minute set. He warmed up the crowd with his frantic piano playing. He played songs from his debut album, 'Indiana.' The most well received songs were 'Human' and 'Beautiful Disaster.'

Jonny Lang's Set List: One Person At A Time/ Bump In the Road/ Turn Around/ Give Me Up Again/ Wander This World/ A Quitter Never Wins/ Don't Stop (For Anything)/ Red Light/ Livin' For the City/ Thankful/ I Am Encore: Breakin' Me/ Lie To Me.