Alt-country master Dwight Yoakam puts on a two-hour plus set at Caesars
Dwight Yoakam had the crowd at Caesar all riled up with his smokin' rockabilly.
Most times you know what to expect at a casino show. An opening act, followed by a half hour break, followed by an hour and fifteen minutes from the headliner.
Well Dwight Yoakam ignored the conventions of the “get them back to the tables” casino show. He walked out on the Circus Maximus stage at Caesars and proceeded to put on a two-hour plus show that by my count included over 35 songs. He never took a break, starting the next song before the applause died down from the previous one.
Yoakam started the evening by thanking his fans for buying tickets in these tough economic times, then said that he had never played Atlantic City in the dead of winter before. “I guess the sissies aren’t around and these are the real people.”
His show included all of his top hits plus songs from Dwight idols like Buck Owens, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley, and such unexpected sources as Gordon Lightfoot, Warren Zevon and the Bee Gees.
His Buck Owens tribute started off the show with “Act Naturally” and “Streets of Bakersfield.” Yoakam continued with several tracks from his last CD of new music, Blame The Vain (2005) including the title track. He’d go soft and plaintive, like the song “If There Was A Way,” then turn right around and crank up the rockabilly with “Turn It On, Turn It Up, Turn It Loose.”
In a night that never had any lulls, some of the numerous high points included his medley of “Suspicious Minds” and the Bee Gees’ “To Love Someone,” Cash's “Ring of Fire,” “This Time,” “Little Sister,” Little Ways,” “A Thousand Miles From Nowhere,” “It Only Hurts When I Cry” and “Fast As You.”
His sit down acoustic set was also fabulous with his take on Zevon’s “Carmelita,” the Danny O’Keefe song “Goodtime Charlie’s Got The Blues,” which he recorded on his album of cover songs, Under the Covers, and Lightfoot’s “Sundown.”
If you walked into the showroom with the winter blues, you walked out into the night revitalized.
Article:
Tourism District Master Plan Approved
Article:
Stockton College's New Art Gallery
Article:
Boxing Returns to Tropicana
Article:
Golden Nugget Announces Headliners for New Showroom
Article:
Southern New Jersey Celebrates Black History Month
Article:
Make Waves for the Atlantic City Boat Show!
Article:
Tony Bennett
Is Back
Article:
Resorts’ New Spell
1. ergatz said... on Jan 9, 2010 at 03:03PM
“I was there. I had never seen him in concert and didn't know what to expect. It was rocking and genuine and pure entertainment. He brought the crowd to life without fireworks, extravagant stage scenery, or light shows--just pure talent and a great band.”
2. Jersey Boy said... on Jan 10, 2010 at 03:43AM
“Dwight was pure entertainment the entire night. He played one great song after another without missing a beat. He did it all from rockers, to hillbilly, to popular country, to sad songs, and just when you thought he was done, he would come back with some sort of T-Rex style riff and totally rock the house again. He must have played 40 songs. He did it all without flash or bravado and though all of his music was "country", he played and sang the entire range with ease, almost as if to say "You see, I can do that. There's nothing to it." He is a truely dazzling performer. I hope to see him again someday. He was great.”
3. camster said... on Jan 10, 2010 at 07:35PM
“I've seen Dwight at many shows over 18 years, and he really is one of the "Living Legends" now as he enters his later years. In addition to his own material, what is admirable is that when he covers a song by another artist, he does it with respect.
He's true to country music. Entertains with his voice, not with lights, tricks and BS.
When my young son gets older to appreciate him, I'll be honored to tell him I saw Dwight the way I wish I could have seen other legends like Johnny, Elvis, Merle, Waylon and Willie in their prime.”
4. BarbO said... on Jan 10, 2010 at 07:50PM
“Now, that's the way to see a concert! Intimate and pure. It would be a dream to see Dwight in a honkytonk and be able to dance the night away to his music. I've seem him a number of times and he's always fantastic! What a voice...”
5. BBW said... on Jan 11, 2010 at 09:01PM
“I'm proud to say this was my 10th Dwight show in 3 years! I know I'm in the presence of Greatness when I go to see Dwight. He is a living Legend in country music, modern culture, film and is a super person as well. He invests 150% in everything he does and his work is always top quality, this show included. He gives you your money's worth and then some. As people said here, Dwight's an artist with integrity, authenticity and unique talent.”
6. Katryfrance said... on Jan 19, 2010 at 02:02PM
“I was there .... I was come specialy from France for see Dwight!!!!
My husband have offered a wonderful Birthday to me.... See Dwight in Live concert....
We have a Great moment... Dwight is so FANTASTIC... I love his voice, his music, I love all of him since 20 years..... He rocks my life !!!!”
7. John Femia said... on Jan 19, 2010 at 08:52PM
“This was my 8th Dwight show and it was the best by far, probably because he was fresh and not strung out by a long, grueling tour to promote an album. It was also the most diverse set of songs he has ever played.”
8. Goshen Cowgirl said... on Jan 20, 2010 at 08:10AM
“I have been waiting to see Dwight for years!! And luckily I could see him in AC just a few miles away. He jammed non stop , his ballads were the best. His voice is so pure and sounds even better than his studio recordings!!!
I love that he so understated, he lets his music do the talking!!!”
9. Shirleyann Crawford said... on Jan 21, 2010 at 07:57AM
“My family and I have been avid fans of Dwight since the time of his motor home and I can't count the shows we've seem. However, the show we saw at Caesar's was the best yet. We've followed this man since his beginning and the only thing we can say is that he just gets better. It's amazing the way his talent and performances just keep getting greater each year. We
love his courage to keep on doing new things.”
10. Anonymous said... on Jan 21, 2010 at 09:32PM
“Reading this makes me wish that I was there. I hope all that was there had a Dwightaluicous time!!
Jean”
11. Anonymous said... on Jan 22, 2010 at 09:35PM
“I wish I had been there. I am in LA and have seen Dwight 8 times over the past 6 years from the Greek Theatre to the House of Blues on Sunset Blvd. Every concert has proven that he is the most amazing entertainer giving his heart and passion into every song. I anxiously await for his return to LA and would not miss it for anything. You have got to experience this legendary performer live he i just amazing. Such a classic and true artist whi gives it his all.”
12. mama papa said... on Jan 24, 2010 at 03:17AM
“My husband is 51 and I, 45. Found each other late in life after much hardship and tragedy. We live a quite simple life but a happy one...probably very boring to most but we prefer it that way. A good time for us is staying up late on a Saturday nite, sitting at our kitchen table (minus one broken chair) and playing Dwight on our "boom box". We don't own a stereo but don't care to, so long as we can play our favorite music on our little box we are happy. We dance in our chairs and on occassion, across the kitchen floor together. My husband says Dwight's music is "pure Americana". I call it a good time with my husband! We drink wine and sing along....have ourselves a real good time! My husband also compares Dwight's band to Glen Miller, says they are very tight and I agree. Dwight and his band brings home the music to us, literally. Maybe someday we will see him in concert on a stage but for now, he plays live in our kitchen. Thank you, Dwight! You bring even more into our lives.”
13. cathy m. said... on Jan 24, 2010 at 08:57PM
“I've been a Dwight fan since the early 90's.Right from the get go. Saw him and his band whenever he came through Detroit.How lucky was I when Dwight came to play at Ceasars in Windsor Ont.(my hometown) on Jan 6th.The show was FANTASTIC!i was right at the front of the stage and didn't budge for the entire 2 hours.In 1997 my only son died(that magnificent boy)He was only 12 yrs. old and needless to say I was inconsolable.Listening to Dwight sing helped get me through the most horrible times imaginable.Thank you Dwight.I will love you forever!”
14. barb said... on Jan 29, 2010 at 01:00PM
“I saw Dwight only 2 times, once, Columbus, Ohio, his home town, and again in Wheeling W.Va. I could not get good seats either place. My goal is to get front row seats so I can really see how great he looks. I am going to Churchhill Downs in July. I am 71 years old and have loved him since his first recording. People say he gets better and better, but I love the sound of his early recordings, just as much as now. Dwight cares about his fans. Thank you Dwight, you are the greatest.”
15. Linda said... on Feb 10, 2010 at 03:09PM
“I am a 61 year old disabled female that wants to see Dwight so bad I can taste it. My situation is I would have to have my Service Animal--Solomon--to come with me. Along with an escort. Solomon is the sweetest 100 lb. Catahoula Leopard Dog any one would want to meet. AND he likes country music. Would he be allowed to come with me if Dwight ever makes it to Tulsa, Oklahoma? A reply would be great. Thanks, Linda”
16. GARY SOPER said... on Feb 26, 2010 at 08:00PM
“WHEN YOU COMMING BACK TO CHICAGO? SAW YOUR SHOW AT THE "PARK WEST" ABOUT 3-4 YEARS AGO. BEST EVER!! COME ON BACK DWIGHT. TAKE CARE BUDDY.”
17. Jayson said... on Apr 8, 2010 at 11:51PM
“Dwight has a magial way singing that makes everything seem ....... better. It may sound corny but it's true. He satisfies both young and old. I've been following him since the early 90's and recently saw him at the Ramona Bowl in Hemet,CA last August.He was beyond awesome ! I wish I had made it to that Ceasars gig !
Dwight Rocks !!!!!!!
”
18. JoAnne Winn, Chi, Il said... on Apr 15, 2010 at 01:06AM
“Saw Dwight twice at house of Blues, once at Park West in Chicago. Waiting for him to come again. Please Dwight come back.”
19. Marie Scott, Boston, England. said... on Apr 15, 2010 at 04:14PM
“Saw Dwight at Forum London in 2005. Best show I have ever
been to. Would love to see him again”
20. mikeforegon said... on Feb 16, 2011 at 06:04AM
“seen dwight many times valentines 2006 seaside oregon was the best he even spoke to me from the stage he asked what us fellas got our ladies for valentines i told him i brought my girl mom and grandma to see him for the six time what a humbling man dwight is hes one of us regular folks he answered back that it wasnt much of a gift to see him we all love him here in oregon and hope to see him more here we caught his last show sharing with merle haggard the were both awesome dwight is a legend in countrymusic and i hope he never stops touring dwights music helped me through a divorce and many a lonley night and many great times for all that hasent seen dwight hes the best show you will ever see”
21. Jo Anne said... on May 10, 2011 at 12:47PM
“I've seen Dwight in concert many times. Awesome performer. Great actor too. He appeals to a wide range of ages. I'll always remember the elderly gentleman escorting his wife (who was using a walker) to the front row at The Palace, Myrtle Beach, SC for a Dwight concert.”