By Photojournalist Dave Moto
The Mid Florida Amphitheatre, Tampa’s largest concert venue, welcomed back live music in style Friday night. The Brad Paisley 2021 tour rolled into town. If the nearly sold-out crowd is any indication of the current state of music, I would say we are ready to go!
Kameron Marlowe, former contestant on TV’s The Voice, opened the show with incredible energy! Cruising through his hits “Tequila Talking” and “Giving You Up”, Kameron had the entire crowd singing along and on their feet. He cracked opened his signature Coors Light and everyone shared in a toast celebrating the return of live music and freedom!
Jimmy Allen hit the stage next. If Country music was a fashion, Jimmy won hands down as everything he wore, from boot to jeans to hat was covered in gold and glitter! Jimmy also started on reality TV as a former contestant on American Idol. He made it all the way to the Hollywood rounds, and since, hasn’t looked back once. Jimmy won the crowd with his hits “Best Shot” and “Make Me Want To”.
Finally Brad Paisley took the stage by storm. Tampa was Brads fourth stop on a busy 30 city tour. Brad has partnered with Vanderbilt University for this tour to promote a National PSA. The tour slogan “Be a fan..Take the shot” encourages fans to get the Covid-19 vaccination. Already a busy summer, Brad just finished an episode of the Ellen show, filmed Shark Country and appeared in a spot welcoming the return of Nascar to Nashville. CMA’s 2010 Entertainer of the Year and a full 11 albums and countless hits to work with, Brad had the entire crowd on its feet from the first song until the last. Obviously, a seasoned veteran, Brad’s show was nothing short of spectacular! Both openers joined Brad on stage to sing along with some of his biggest hits. You could definitely tell that not only Brad, but all the performers were more than excited to be playing live again!