Loretta Lynn & Merle Haggard at Northern Lights Theater 7.14 & 7.15.09
Country Stars Central would like to kindly thank Ms. Redburn, Frank Mull, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn and crew for making it possible to attend and review the event. God Bless!
By Christian Scalise
“Coal Miner’s Daughter Dazzles Milwaukee”
Country Music Queen Loretta Lynn made a well received return to the Potawatomi Bingo Casino’s charming Northern Lights Theater July 14th and 15th, 2009. The intimate venues Native American décor complimented Loretta’s heritage while the candle lit booths and tables brought the special evening to a whole new level.
Performing first before pal Merle Haggard, Loretta brought her entire family and band to the
Loretta’s son Ernest Ray and twin daughters Patsy and Peggy (The Lynns) had the honor of warming up the audience before their beloved mother graced it. Ernest Ray performed a rowdy cover of Toby Keith’s “As Good As I Once Was,” while The Lynns belted out pleasing performances of original tune “All I’ve Got To Say” and a cover of the Don William’s country classic “Tulsa Time.” The
After a harmonious introduction of “Coal Miner’s Daughter” from Loretta’s sensational backup singers “The Coalettes,” Loretta graciously took the stage wearing a beautiful mint green ball gown. Adorned with glittery sparkles and mounds of intricate beading, the precocious little girl from Butcher Holler turned Country Music superstar reminded all of us what the true definition of elegance is.
Opening the show with “Hey Loretta.” and “You’re Lookin’ at Country,” Loretta immediately had the audience hooked on her commanding stage presence.
Always one to please her fans, Loretta showered them with all of the hits they expected to hear such as “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” “Blue Kentucky Girl,” “One’s On The Way,” “I’m A Honky Tonk Girl,” “I Wanna Be Free,” and “Fist City.”
Giving the listeners the chance to request their favorite tunes from the audience, Loretta lovingly asked them what songs she might perform next. One lovely woman up front politely asked Loretta to sing a cover of the late great Patsy Cline’s “She’s Got You.” Loretta jokingly told her, “Alright honey. If I mess up, then it’s your fault!!” The moving tribute of the chilling ballad found Loretta channeling her dear friend Patsy much to the tranquil state of the awestruck crowd.
Loretta took a moment to introduce her gorgeous granddaughter Tayla Lynn to the stage by letting Tayla perform one of her grandmothers many hits, “Rated X.” Tayla’s exuberant stage demeanor and youthful allure brought a glowing smile to Loretta’s face and plenty of excitement to the audience; many men in the crowd were heard cheering and shouting for Tayla as she moved about playfully.
Heartfelt ballads “When A Tingle Becomes A Chill” and “Here I Am Again” showed a more vulnerable side to Loretta while “The Pill” and “Don’t Come Home a-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind)” displayed her ever feisty attitude towards everyday life as a woman.
The Coalettes moved front and center to perform a rocking cover of The Eagles “How Long” before joining Loretta on a spiritually refreshing trio of Gospel favorites “Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven (But Nobody Wants To Die),” “Who Says God Is Dead,” and “Where No One Stands Alone.”
Ending the joyous evening on a high note, Loretta shared her signature mega-hit “Coal Miner’s Daughter” with the crowd before taking several bows and blowing kisses to her loyal fans. Having the chance to witness two music greats at their best is a rare opportunity, and one that wasn’t taken for granted!
Full Set List:
1. Hey Loretta
2. You’re Lookin’ At Country
3. When A Tingle Becomes A Chill
4. I Wanna Be Free
5. Here I Am Again
6. You Ain’t Woman Enough
7. Blue
8. She’s Got You (Cover)
9. One’s On The Way
10. The Pill
11. I’m A Honky Tonk Girl
12. Rated X (Tayla Lynn Solo)
14. Dear Uncle Sam
15. Don’t Come Home a-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind)
16. How Long (The Coalettes Solo)
17. Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven (But Nobody Wants To Die)
18. Where No One Stands Alone
19. Coal Miner’s Daughter
Enjoy pictures from the show below. All pictures are copyrighted to Christian Scalise. Please DO NOT take any images without prior consent. Thanks for understanding!
By Donna Stroup
“The Hag Shines at Northern Lights Theater”
Legendary music icon Merle Haggard appeared at the Potawatomi Bingo Casino’s Northern Lights Theater for a two night stint on July 14th and 15th 2009. The show began at 9:30pm with an opening set by up and coming duo the Malpass Brothers. The two brothers Chris and Taylor encompass the traditional country music style. Their two song performance delighted the audience as they anxiously awaited Merle.
Taking the stage at 9:45pm Merle greeted his audience while the houselights illuminated around him. Wearing a brown suede jacket adorned with fringe complete with purple sunglasses and a black hat, Merle mesmerized the attentive audience with his slick demeanor.
Before the concert even began, Merle received a standing ovation from his loyal and loving fans. He was accompanied by a nine piece band which consisted of a sax player, keyboards, drums, steel guitar, fiddle, and electric guitars.
Merle kicked off the show with “Workin’ Man Blues,” “Going Where The Lonely Go,” and “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink.” He then addressed the audience by saying, “Thank you very much. It’s great to be here this evening. Did you enjoy Loretta?” The audience replied to his statement with rich applause.
The entire show was filled with nonstop humor and clever quips directed towards the audience. For instance, the introduction found Merle asking the audience, “Can you drink here or do you have to slip it in?” The offhanded question created a stir and much laughter.
Being a veteran performer, Merle shared all of his well loved classics such as “That’s The Way Love Goes,” “Today I Started Loving You Again,” “Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Star,” “Okie From Muskogee,” “Big City,” “Mama Tried,” and “Are The Good Times Really Over” while the star struck listeners devoured each moment.
One of the many special treats for the audience was the appearance of Merle’s youngest son Benny who plays on the Fender electric guitar for his father. At just 16 years old, Benny wowed the audience with his skills as an accomplished guitarist. It is very touching to see father and son perform together onstage sharing a musical bond between each other. Merle could be heard proudly exclaiming, “Play it son.”
As the evening progressed Merle emerged from his glasses and hat. For the rest of the concert, the audience was allowed to witness his beautiful blue eyes and thick silver hair. At 72 years young, with numerous trials and tribulations behind him Merle still has the chops and the looks.
Another highlight of the evening was when Merle surprised the audience by picking up a bright red fiddle. He shared with the audience, “I don’t know what this is going to sound like but we’re going to try it anyway.” His fiddle solo proved to be a show stopping, hand clapping good time. (YEE-HAW!!)
As the show came to its finale, Merle relayed to the audience, “This next song is going to be for all the folks that fight all over the world, so we can be here tonight.” Patriotism was felt and heard as loud whistles and cheers resonated. The song that Merle dedicated to the men and women, “Fightin’ Side Of Me” was greatly received.
The almost 2 hour concert was a rare opportunity to see this one of a kind outlaw up close and personal in the beautifully intimate candlelit theater. Before leaving the stage, Merle graciously took several bows, waved to the crowd, and found the audience wishing for more. The concert ended at 11:10pm.
Full Set List:
1. Workin’ Man Blues
2. Going Where The Lonely Go
3. I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink
4. A Working Man Can’t Get Nowhere Today
5. White Line Fever
6. Mama Tried
7. That’s The Way Love Goes
8. Folsom Prison Blues
9. Today I Started Loving You Again
10. If I Could Only Fly
11. Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Star
12. The Bottle Let Me Down
13. I Guess My Heart Just Settled Back To Earth
14. If We Make It Through December
15. Big City
16. Are The Good Times Really Over
17. The Farmer’s Daughter
18. Footlights
19. Take Me Back To
20. Okie From
21. The Fightin’ Side Of Me
22. Sing Me Back Home
Enjoy pictures from the show below. All pictures are copyrighted to Christian Scalise. Please DO NOT take any images without prior consent. Thanks for understanding!
Check out our interview with Merle here: http://www.countrystarscentral.com/merlehaggardchat.htm and Loretta Lynn here: http://www.countrystarscentral.com/lorettalynninterview.htm
