Country Mike Blog

Kenny Chesney show

Mike Sudhalter  |  June 9, 2008

Kenny Chesney came to San Francisco for the first time on Sunday, as part of his Poets & Pirates Tour. In many ways, the symbolism of the show was close to that of Garth Brooks' 1997 concert in Central Park.

Of course, the attendance didn't compare. Although, San Francisco's AT&T Park, rarely used for concerts, appeared to be ill-equipped for the largest country music show in the history of Northern California.

The similiarities to the Brooks' show, however, were obvious. The two biggest country entertainers of their respective decades visiting large, sophisticated cities where country music, at least by perception, is unpopular.

Both artists are a far cry from the traditional country fare, embracing rock influences in their music. And both welcomed local rockers to the show. For Brooks, it was New Yorkers Billy Joel and Don MacLean. For Chesney, Californians Sammy Hagar and Steve Miller.

The show had a party atmosphere, and there were beach balls all over the place on the floor seating. I was standing up on a chair when a beach ball hit me. I wonder if Chesney's tour is liable if someone falls off a chair getting hit by a beach ball. Luckily, I didn't fall off.