Big & Rich closed out the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival Sunday afternoon with a set that encapsulated a party atmosphere, while still being mindful of current events.
“It seems like we just landed in the middle of God’s country today!” Big Kenny declared early in the set, and indeed, the weather, although typical of California June Gloom early in the day opened up to sunshine and highs in the upper ‘70s by the time the concert portion of the afternoon was fully underway.
“Freedom” is the theme of Big & Rich’s “Love, Peace, and Happy Hour” tour, with John Rich reminding the audience of our Constitutional right of assembly, and that gathering for a concert was an example of that, given to us by “the blood and the life of our veterans and active duty personnel.” He went on to thank them “for your sacrifice and may God bless you and every generation of your family,” before inviting a handful of gracious and humble veterans on stage for a shot of John’s own “Redneck Riviera” whiskey before the duo performed the always moving, “Eighth of November” and “God Bless America.”
Following that, they broke from their Setlist to perform a song they rarely sing, but decided to perform that day, in honor of Bailey Schweitzer, the youngest victim of the Route 91 massacre. “She was just like you, a Big & Rich fan,” the duo quietly noted, as they began to play “Live This Life.” As Bailey’s family walked on stage, dressed in teal, Bailey’s favorite color, and wearing teal wristbands with her name, the duo promised, “The music ain’t ever gonna stop.”
Their set culminated with an invitation for Cowboy Troy to perform a rousing version of “I Play Chicken with the Train,” followed by an extended version of “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy),” which naturally includes an appearance from SuperMan.
DJ Sinister got the crowd even more riled up with his signature mix after opening act Russell Dickerson’s always engaging performance.
1. Ballad of Big & Rich 2. Comin’ to Your City 3. Look at You 4. Lost in The Moment 5. 8th of November 6. God Bless America 7. Live This Life 8. Won’t Back Down (Tom Petty cover) 9. California 10. I Play Chicken with the Train (with Cowboy Troy) 11. Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)