Photos: Kenny Chesney @ Cruzan Amphitheatre

Perfect weather and two guys hungry for a fan fix made Thursday’s show at Cruzan Amphitheatre such a treasure that years from now I’ll still remember it.

Kenny Chesney kicked off his Going Coastal Tour 2011 in little ol’ West Palm Beach, but he confided he’s been here two days rehearsing and hanging out at the beach. He look tan and fit and handsome in a green T-shirt with cut-off sleeves and faded jeans.

Before the show even started, Mark Poyant turned around and pre-apologized. “I’m fired up! I’m probably going to be standing up all night. Feel free to ask me to move.”

The country convert said this was his first Kenny Chesney concert, and he was glowing in anticipation.

Well, Kenny Chesney did not disappoint Mark or anyone else in the audience. And Billy Currington, Chesney’s opening act, didn’t either.
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With the announcement of the seven show Country Mega Ticket today at Cruzan Amphitheatre, this year promises more country music locally than ever!

Following some incredibly satisfying entertainment at the South Florida Fair — I saw Luke Bryan, David Nail and Chris Young — we have a brand new festival at Cruzan and the South Florida Fairgrounds.

The first- even WIRK Rib Round-Up kicks off the season on March 6, promising sweet and spicy ribs and extra-tasty entertainment.

Billy Currington is the biggest name on the bill. His second Billboard No. 1, People Are Crazy, topped the chart last summer. Also performing: Vero Beach’s Jake Owen, Darryl Worley, American Idol’s Josh Gracin and newcomer Josh Thompson.
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Billy Currington isn’t crazy, but he is persistent.

Currington, whose No. 1 hit “People are Crazy” delivered him two Country Music Association Awards nominations this week, heard a demo tape of the song by chance, fell in love with it and started bugging a friend at Mercury Nashville about it.

“I called him up and said ‘Tell me about this song,’” Currington recalled. “He said ‘That song has already been recorded and 10 people are waiting in line who want to record it, so don’t even worry about it.’”

But Currington did worry about it. Three or four weeks later, when it came time to go into the studio, he couldn’t get the simple tune with the engaging story off his mind and decided to give it one last shot.

“I called him up again and asked for the status, and he let me know that the person who recorded it wasn’t going to put it on their album. The publishing company said if I wanted to record it, go ahead.”

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