Tracy Byrd brought traditional country music in full force to Newport Dunes Sunday night (September 29th), playing a selection of his own hits from the '90s (and a few from the 2000s), as well as tributes to Waylon Jennings, Johnny Lee, and Jerry Reed, as well as a pioneer of the California Country scene, Merle Haggard, and the Eagles.
The crowd took advantage of the considerable dance floor for up-tempo numbers like "Big Love" and "The First Step," then cuddled up for romantic numbers like "Keeper of the Stars" and "Love Lessons."
Before "Holdin' Heaven," T-Byrd noted that 26 years ago this week, it became his first #1 hit. He also shared that he'll have a "Live at Billy Bob's" album coming out in early November, which will include his version of "Lonesome, On'ry, and Mean."
Line dancers made their way back to the dance floor to wiggle and giggle to "Watermelon Crawl" (which was taught earlier in the afternoon) before the performance ended with an acoustic version of Merle Haggard's "Kern River" before bringing the entire band back on stage for "Mama Tried." Afterward, Tracy hung out to sign autographs and take pictures with attendees.
Opening acts included local artists Dylan Uribe, who, armed with only a guitar, proved his superstar potential, and the consistently solid Scotty Mac Band, who delivered impeccable performances of contemporary and '90s country covers and original music.
1. Don't Love Make a Diamond Shine
2. Lifestyles of the Not So Rich and Famous
3. Ten Rounds with Jose Cuervo
4. I'm from the Country
5. Hot Night in the Country
6. I Wanna Feel That Way Again
7. Big Love
8. Love Lessons
9. The First Step
10. Holdin' Heaven
11. Lonesome, On'ry, and Mean (Waylon Jennings cover)
12. Lookin' for Love (Johnny Lee cover)
13. Theme from the Dukes of Hazzard (Waylon Jennings cover)
14. East Bound and Down (Jerry Reed cover)
15. Keeper of the Stars
16. Just Let Me Be In Love
17. Lyin' Eyes (Eagles cover)
18. Before I Die
19. Drinkin' Bone
20. Don't Take Her (She's All I Got)
21. Watermelon Crawl
22. Kern River (Merle Haggard cover)
23. Mama Tried (Merle Haggard cover)