Kenny Chesney Provides Shot in the Arm for Concert Business

MOLINE, IL: After taking a year off from touring, Kenny Chesney is back and it's about time.
Just when you think some concerts are hurting and the business bitten by the recession, along comes a shot in the arm - - Kenny Chesney 'Goin' Coastal Tour." He played the iWireless Center in Moline, Illinois recently to a packed house and even gave an additional encore that wasn't provided at other venues on this tour. However, a few rows in the upper deck looked as if they could have been open, so next time, even though you think it may be a confirmed sell-out, check first.
On this night, Cinco de Mayo, no less, Chesney and company, along with the Corona-sponsorship blowout, celebrated his return to full-time touring with a rousing, pitch-perfect blast.
Whether he was singing those familiar party songs to a ballad, Chesney's energy and voice fit the bill for nearly two hours. At the end he was joined on stage with Uncle Kracker and Billy Currington. Admittedly, those two could not match the energy of Chesney, but overall, it's glad to have him back giving us all the hits that made him a sensation. Sure, these included "I Go Back," "Back Where I Come From" and "Out Last Night." One cannot forget to add in the encore piece, "You Think My Tractor's Sexy." Also, he planted in many songs off his current album, and they fit in nicely. The critically-acclaimed "Hemingway's Whiskey" is a sweet blend of music that continues to show the range and depth of the country superstar.
The iWireless Center, located on the banks of the mighty Mississippi, in Moline, was the perfect backdrop for this concert on a fine spring evening. With sandbags filled and stacked all over, the river stayed in its bank on this night and the tailgate went on as planned and the concert-goers celebrated his return to the stage.
NOTEBOOK:
- Even though the concert was not over at 9:30 p.m., some of the beer vendors closed down, much to the dismay of many. Other vendors simply took up the slack and then ran out and closed down, too.
- Corona provided souvenir cups. No problem, as many venues do that, but after the show, one person (not a worker) could be seen combing the aisles stacking them up - - all for himself.
- The hot spots around the iWireless center were hopping with patrons, proving that concerts and such do surely help the local economy. The River's Edge is always a prime spot to partake in pre-concert festivities. Sherry and Kathy from Iowa City, traveled here to see the show, saw the crowd waiting at the River's Edge, and sighed. Then they perked up when we noted to go around to the back and get in. There we were greeted to a bartender serving ice cold beer from a tub. During the summer, they sponsor outdoor concerts as well. In fact, local act, the Funnies, are booked there in June.
- For those women who asked: He wore jeans, a cutoff red shirt, and of course, the signature hat.
- By the way, during his set, he played straight through - - no intermission.
- While other concerts may be hurting, Chesney's concerts pack them in. It is poised to be the biggest show of the year