Concert Review: Luke Bryan "Kicks Up the Dust" in Bonner Springs, KS

The “Kick The Dust Up Tour “was one of the most anticipated concerts to come through Kansas City this year. The tickets sold out almost instantly, and left people scrambling to do anything they could to get their hands on them. With all the anticipation and expectations, the night had a lot to live up to, and it definitely didn’t disappoint.

Dustin Lynch started the night off performing “To the Sky,” a song off his 2014 album, “Where It’s At.” His crisp voice, relatable lyrics, and heartfelt fan interactions allowed the audience to warm up to him instantly. Dustin went on to flawlessly perform six additional songs, ending with his two best-known hits to date “Cowboys and Angels” and “Where It’s At.”

The variety of songs throughout his performance showed the audience that Dustin is far from just a pretty face, and his ability to mix traditional country styles with a fun upbeat edgy flare will keep him in the spotlight for years to come. Although he only performed seven songs, it was more than enough to thoroughly display his musical ability, and the endless potential he possesses.

Randy Houser was next to the stage, and had no problem keeping the mood lifted and the energy rising. He opened his set with one of his early hits “Boots On,” which quickly had audience members not only up and out of their seats, but singing right along. Mr. Houser who is known as one of the most powerful male vocalist in the industry today, took complete advantage of the opportunity to show his phenomenal, technically sound, vocal abilities. Randy’s attitude on stage showed his immense appreciation for his fans, and his genuine love for music.

Randy’s performance included several early hits, his most recent chart climber “Like A Cowboy” which he wrote himself, and his latest single “We Went.” He even threw in “Stay With Me” a Sam Smith Cover. Randy’s time on stage was nothing short of breathtaking and left audience

members throughout the amphitheater wanting more.

Dustin and Randy did exactly what was asked of them, as the energy level in the amphitheater now reached new heights when it came time for the man of the night, Luke Bryan, to claim the stage. Luke entered performing “Kick The Dust Up”, his new hit single, the tour was named after. From the moment Luke hit the stage it was apparent that he was giving everything he had to his performance, and was working to make sure no one would leave that amphitheater disappointed. His unmatched energy and awe inspiring charisma, left audience members feeling like what you see is exactly what you get, and that Luke Bryan is indeed one of the good guys.

Throughout each song Luke performed he focused on the fans surrounding him, making each one feel that they were special. Luke’s special infinity for the children in the audience often had him belting out lyrics all while signing a child’s cowboy hat or poster, and after each one his smile grew broader.

One of the night’s highlights came when Luke invited Dustin and Randy to join him on stage, and the three men performed some amazing harmonies amongst their carefree and silly banter. Luke even joked about turning Randy’s microphone off after Randy once again showed the pure power in his voice. It was clear that these three men were not only sharing a stage, but they were truly friends, and enjoyed performing together.

Mr. Bryan performed many of his upbeat singles giving him the chance to show off his ever-popular dance moves, and shake his hips, exactly the way he’s known for. All the while proudly displaying his wedding ring, and insuring that everyone knows that although his moves may at times suggest otherwise he really is a proud family man.

There was never a moment he didn’t give 100% to both his physical and vocal performance. After several up-tempo, light-hearted, party songs, he slowed the night down. Cell phone’s lit up the amphitheater, as he performed his highly emotional hit “Drink A Beer.” Looking across the sea of fans you could see several holding each other for comfort, many standing in silent admiration, and still others stood breathless as tears rolled down their cheeks. It was one of those moments you could feel the overwhelming collective emotions pour from the audience, as each of them connected to the song in their own way, through their own experiences.

Just as quickly as the night slowed down the energy level rebounded as Luke performed several

more songs, ending the set with a collaboration of "I Don’t Want This Night To End" and "Dynamite" (a Taio Cruz cover). He wasn’t gone for long, before returning to the stage for his encore with “That’s My Kind of Night” and another collaboration this one including Country Girl (Shake It For Me) and Talk Dirty (a Jason Derulo cover.) During the encore Luke made sure to pay special attention to the fans, and repeatedly thanked them for the continued support they have given him. The night ended with beers being tossed to Mr. Bryan as he opened them and sprayed them over the audience, there was one near tumble, but luckily he was able to regain his balance and keep himself from tumbling off the stage. Even after all of that Luke still turned to his fans signing the mementos they could get to him, throwing more guitar picks, and eventually leaving the stage only after placing his ball-cap on top of a little boy’s head, as his crew handed drumsticks to two little girls. To say that Luke Bryan appreciates his fans is undoubtedly an understatement, as his actions all night showed just how much he genuinely loves and cherishes each and every one of them.

It is rare that you can leave a concert without having at least one sour note, especially a concert with multiple performers, singing for several hours on a hot and humid summer day, but that’s exactly what this tour provides. All three of these men hit their marks and were impressive with both their shear musical talent, and their unmistakable compassion for both their fans and the art of music itself. There were no sour notes on this evening, simply positives, and an overall feeling of desire to one day experience something that magical again.

#LukeBryan #Review #DustinLynch #RandyHouser