Show George Strait and His One-of-a- One Kind Smile Were Back Again By Matt Baldwin Contributing Writer George Strait made his annual return return return re re- re- re turn to the Delta Center Oct 21 to promote his recently released boxed set Strait Out of the Box Although performers come and go throughout the year Straits Strait's visits visits visits vis vis- vis- vis its have become an awaited event for his adoring faithful followers This years year's concert proved true to form If there is one thing Strait has learned from over twenty years in Country Music its it's stick with stick with what works In other words If it aint broke dont don't fix it Despite much criticism Strait has done just that Since the beginning of his career Strait has maintained a clean cut image and a heartfelt traditional style of Country Music With the rapidly changing of Country Music today this is a fact to tobe tobe tobe be admired As evidence by those in attendance Saturday night it is also appreciated From the moment Strait took the stage and flashed his trademark smile he held the crowd in the palm of his hand for the entire 24 song set All night long Strait showcased his ability to establish a rapport with the audience through his professional stage demeanor Strait walked fans smoothly through every number and the audience audience audience audi audi- ence assisted him by singing every word along the way Strait gave fans his typical dose of pure Country Music with very little little little lit lit- tle lighting and frills and nobody seemed to mind at all Straits Strait's fans know exactly what to expect and they get precisely what they pay for Fans can rest assured that Straits Strait's career shows no signs of letting up not just yet This was evidenced by audience reaction which was at a frenzy for the entire evening Reaction was equally strong for his older numbers such as Amarillo By Morning and The Chair as aswell aswell aswell well for his newest release Check Yes or No The Delta Center sight lines provided the perfect concert setting setting setting set set- ting which was done in the round This allowed everyone an excellent view of the stage All eyes followed followed followed fol fol- fol- fol lowed his every move as Strait moved to perform for every corner of the arena A constant parade of adoring fans made their way to the stage offering countless gifts flowers signs and letters for their singing cowboy hero Even the poor acoustics of the Delta Center were somewhat remedied by Straits Strait's expressive baritone voice as he performed tender ballads and Texas- Texas swing numbers equally well After an encore which featured his signature song The Fireman and The Cowboy Rides Away Strait left the stage as gallantly as ashe ashe ashe he arrived just a short 95 minutes before As he exited Strait made the rounds shaking hands and saying saying saying say say- ing farewell to the capacity crowd |