Photos: Sugarland, Little Big Town and Randy Montana at Cruzan

As the final notes of music faded tonight, my melancholy grew. I had just seen the last country concert of the year at Cruzan Amphitheatre. From the music to the weather to the crowd, it rarely gets better than it did tonight.

When Sugarland took the stage just after 9:15 p.m. — it was also the final night of their Incredible Machine Tour — I was struggling to make sense of the set. I love it when it’s a challenge to understand what’s happening, and it’s even better when it actually has a purpose. Sugarland delivers a show that’s a bit like a Cirque de Soleil performance – without the acrobats, although Kristian Bush does his best.

Their set is a masterpiece of complicated graphic design and they used the set better than any performer has this year. A theme of keys and keyholes, hearts and clocks and watch parts served as a sort of a framework for the music. It’s a visual feast.

The curtain that hid the set mixed textiles and cutouts and reminded me of a huge apartment building, and the haunting strains of Wide Open, off Sugarland’s upcoming album, built the anticipation. You knew Jennifer Nettles was back there, but where?
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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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