Review: Rascal Flatts concert

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Story by Sarah Baker, Editor

Rascal Flatts knows how to throw a party! They impressed me because of how well their live performance mirrored their produced albums.

Opening the night, was one of my new favorite bands, Gloriana. They sang their hit from last year, “(Kiss you) Good Night.”

Rascal Flatts’ member Jay DeMarcus plays for the crowd on June 15 th at the Cricket Wireless Amphitheater in Bonner Springs. The concert featured Rascal Flatts, Sheryl Crow and Gloriana.Sarah Baker

Sheryl Crow then followed with her hits, a harmonica solo and a heart-touching tribute to her friend, the late Johnny Cash. She sang with Johnny Cash, via video, on the last song he recorded, “Redemption Day.”

My favorite part of the concert was when Rascal Flatts did a cover of “Happy” by Pharrell Williams.

One member of Rascal Flatts, Jay DeMarcus, commented after the “Happy” performance that he wished the Westboro Baptist Church group, which had protested the concert prior to its opening, was still around to hear how happy they were. The crowd responded with loud claps, hoots and hollers. DeMarcus responded saying, “I don’t know about y’all, but my God doesn’t hate anybody!”–which received even louder hoots and applause.

This is why I love country music. Any fan of country music, any country musician, is not afraid to stand up for their beliefs and they do not let others bring them down.

Rascal Flatts’ second to last song was Motley Crue’s “Kickstart my Heart,” where Joe Don Rooney did his famous guitar licks and DeMarcus played the drums. They fittingly finished the concert with their first-ever hit, “Me and My Gang.” Both encore songs were accompanied with lots of fireworks, smoke and strobe lights.

Rascal Flatts really shows the love they have for their fans and country music every time they sing. On almost every song, Gary LeVox (lead singer), would hold his mic out to the audience, who knew all of the songs by heart.

You can tell they love their fans. At one point a fan threw a phone on stage and Gary took it, recorded himself singing, then gave it back. Later, while LeVox was on stage singing, Rooney and DeMarcus ran into the aisles, taking selfies with random fans, which then appeared on the flat screens.

They are a must-see band that knows how to have a good time.