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In front of a packed house at the Choctaw Casino’s Stage 271 in Grant, Ice Cube took command of the stage. Ice Cube performed hits you would recognize from his time with the rap group N.W.A (86-89) and hits from his solo career beginning in 1990.
As I spent my morning traveling and getting ready to cover this event, I really had no idea what to expect. This would be my first rap/hip hop concert. Would I be… “outta” place?
Not at all! When I arrived, it felt like Stage 271 rolled out the red carpet. They toured me around the venue, introduced me to security, and showed me where I would be working during the concert.
I walked around the venue talking to folks attending, many of which knew who Ice Cube was, and his history. There were many however, that did not. They would reply with “Yeah, he was in that movie with Kevin Hart” (Ride Along) or the movie franchise Friday.” Cube started his movie career in 1991 with Boyz N The Hood and then in 1995 with the comedy Friday. His popularity has grown with roles like Barbershop, Ride Along, 21/22 Jump Street and many more.
For those that don’t know, N.W.A were pioneers for the rap and hip-hop communities. As one of the most influential groups at that time, they used their platform to bring awareness to racism, excessive policing and police brutality, not only from their own experience, but from other situations like the Rodney King incident (91). Let me add that Ice Cube wrote the majority of the lyrics for N.W.A., reflecting on these hot-button issues.
He claimed that he was on tour to show that he still had “it.” And indeed he does. As the show went on, the crowd’s excitement grew. When he performed “Straight Outta Compton,” the crowd went crazy. While this show was not filled with laser lights, or glitz and glam, I felt like I was watching him back where it all started. From the heart. It was personal, real and raw. It was just Cube being real.
He finished up his show with his hit from 1992, “It was a Good Day,” and that it was! There was no doubt that this could be just the start of big names making their way to Grant for more of these more intimate concerts.
The combined efforts of the Choctaw Casino and Overdrive Entertainment seemed to be a huge win for all.
As I wind this review down, I look back to where I was when a lot of these songs came out. And whether I agree or disagree with the way they dealt with their experiences, there is no denying the impact he has had in culture, whether it be in music, or our day-to-day lives. Society in general has come a long way, but still has a long way to go.
Ice Cube gave an intimate concert that had a feel of when he first started touring.
The Choctaw Casino and Resorts Grant Theater hosted a weekend of concert events would have made the “Rock n Roll Gods” proud. Before the headliner Vince Neil took stage Friday night, former drummer from Guns n Roses, Steven Adler and his band (Adler’s Appetite) opened it up. They performed many of the “GnR” hits we all know so well.
Lead singer Ari Kamin nailed the vocals so well, you could close your eyes and remember the good ole days listening to the cassettes of Appetite for Destruction on the way home from school. Michael Thomas slayed the lead guitar while Alistar James and Todd Kerns performed flawlessly with rhythm and bass.
Now in my preparation, I was unaware it would be two bands that night. I just assumed (my fault) Adler was performing with Vince Neil of Motley Crue. Not the case!
Not only was this a bonus win, but a mega win!
When Vince Neil took stage, he was accompanied by Jeff Blando and Dana Strum of Slaughter as well as drummer extraordinaire Zoltan Chaney. So here we are not only getting a blast from the past with all the Crue hits, but with Slaughter playing it! They absolutely destroyed it. The crowd loved both performances.
Now look, if you are or were expecting Vince Neil performing as he was say 30 years ago, then you should have attended a show then. Fact is, to go through some of the things that he or any of us have gone through in recent times, and to perform at this level is incredible. Kudos to him and all the performers.
Now we move on to Saturday night. “Wage War” and “In This Moment” were the opening acts for what would be an epic concert event. Both of which were impressive sonically, but In This Moment put on one hell of a production as well. There is a “pun” in there.
When Saturday’s headliner Slipknot took the stage, there was an energy from a crowd I have not experienced in a very long time. If ever. People of all ages were in attendance and had to be the most diversified group of fans. It was like a cult following of metal heads waiting to get their ears blown. That they did.
As I watched the fans pack a sold-out venue, I didn’t spot a frown. As we photographers were escorted to the photo pit, everyone I encountered had smiles and were full of laughter. It wouldn’t be much longer, and the concert would begin.
Front man Corey Taylor entered the stage and took command of it. He also would keep control what many would think could be a rowdy audience.
Slipknot formed in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1995. Well known for their fast paced and energetic style of music. Also, they have an image that makes you think of a “Mad Max” presentation on steroids. By far, one of the best productions I have ever witnessed. For anyone in the remote vicinity of the “Knotfest Road Show”, GO!
From Red Lion, Pennsylvania , lead vocalist and guitarist Lzzy Hale, her brother, drummer and percussionist Arejay Hale, guitarist Joe Hottinger, and bassist Josh Smith rocked the Grand Theater all night!
When I heard that Halestorm were going to be performing New Years Night at Choctaw Casino and Resorts Grand Theater, I was excited. Sort of. Actually, I have never heard of them until now. Who was this metal band that would bring in the new year? I started listening and researching their band.
Apparently, they have quite a following. I had the chance to speak to several folks before the show, and (I believe a brother and sister) told me that they traveled just over 6 hrs from Kansas to be there. Their 2020 tour was cancelled due to covid-19.
I must have been a recluse for the past 10-15 years with work and such that I have missed them. I have not really been listening to local radio, and my music collection still consists of older punk and metal. Halestorm was different, It almost felt like a combination of Evanescence, Lita Ford and Joan Jett with a heavy metal in your face attack. No doubt, Lzzy is a rocker, and their music will get you moving.
I think it is also important to note that Halestorm won at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance in 2013 for their song "Love bites (So do I)".
Halestorm performed Saturday evening at Choctaw Casino and Resorts Grand Theater. Lzzy Hale, (pictured above) is lead singer/guitarist for the band.
For the first time since the pandemic hit the United States, local country music icon and Texoma’s own Reba McEntire performed at the Choctaw Casino’s Grand Theater. In front of a sold-out venue, Reba rocked the house with songs of old and new.
Reba McEntire, born in McAlester, attended Kiowa High School, before finishing up at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 1976 with a major in elementary education and a minor in music.
Before the concert, there was much anticipation about a special announcement that was to take place. With the aid of Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton, they announced Reba’s Place.
Reba’s Place, in partnership with The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the City of Atoka, will be located at the old Masonic Temple in downtown Atoka with an opening scheduled in September 2022.
“We are so excited here in southeastern Oklahoma, here in the Choctaw Nation, to be bringing a partnership with Atoka, Oklahoma,” Batton said, while on stage with McEntire. “By the way, thank you Atoka. The City Council of Atoka is here, let’s give them a big round of applause. Mayor (Brian) Cathey, all of you, thank you so very much, but we are partnering with the greatest female country singer of all time to bring Reba’s restaurant to Atoka, Oklahoma.”
McEntire said, “We’re thrilled to pieces because it’s going to be right (in) downtown Atoka. We’re really tickled, we’re very excited about it. It’s going to have great food, family atmosphere, a bandstand in there where we can do a little picking and grinning and singing.”
In a social media post later that evening, Batton said the restaurant will offer great food and music that will provide a great experience for families.
“We are excited about the jobs it will bring to our area and spark future economic development,” Batton said. “Thank you to Reba, City Council of Atoka, our Tribal Council and my leadership team for making this a reality.”
Matt Swearengin contributed to this story.
At five minutes after 8 p.m. Friday, the lights dimmed, and Styx took the stage. Opening with “Fight of Our Lives” off their new album “Crash of The Crown” then blending into iconic hits “Blue Collar Man” from their 1978 album “Pieces of Eight” and then “Grand Illusion” from their seventh studio album “The Grand Illusion” released in 1977. It was electrifying! As I only had the first three songs to photograph, I had to focus (pardon the pun) on the task at hand. Three songs go by quickly when you’re working.
I spent my day charging my camera batteries, cleaning my lenses, and making sure that I had all the necessary tools to capture what was to be one of the most exciting concerts I have ever attended.
Now in full disclosure, I did not spend my youth listening to Styx. To be honest, I couldn’t have told you how many hits they had. I knew a few songs and enjoyed them. However, the extent of their catalogue, I had no clue. Until now.
When I arrived (early) at the Choctaw Casino and Resorts Grand Theater in Durant, Oklahoma, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. I was excited to see the number of people wearing the band’s tour T-shirts, old and new.
Another surprise was the diversity and the age group of fans. Generations of families were in line to see a band that has been around for four decades. “What have I been missing?” I kept asking myself.
I approached will call to get my media/photo pass and was escorted to the “Front of House” area and the sound booth. That’s where the magic began for me. I had the pleasure to meet Cookie - Sound Engineer extraordinaire. It was then I knew exactly what was in store. Too many times I have been to a concert and my ears wanted to explode due to the over-driving speakers, distortion, and just plain ear fatigue. Cookie ensured that was not going to be the case.
As I watched the fans pack a sold-out venue, I didn’t spot a frown. Everyone had smiles and were full of laughter. It wouldn’t be much longer, and the concert would begin.
Styx, comprised of members Tommy Shaw, James “J.Y.” Young, Todd Sucherman, Ricky Phillips, Lawrence Gowan and Will Evankovich, sounded as timeless as their albums. During each song, the crowd went crazy. Styx engaged the fans with sing-a-longs, and the fans were thrilled to sing with them. I was excited to observe fans singing along to classics like “Come Sail Away,” “Mr. Roboto” and “Renegade.” It is tough to find bands that sound as great live as they do on their album. Styx did not struggle in that arena. They performed beyond all my expectations.
I came to this concert as a photographer, I left as a Styx fan. I would absolutely recommend attending one of their shows.
I came to this concert as a photographer/ photojournalist, I left as a Styx fan. I would absolutely recommend attending one of their shows. Click the link below to find a show near you.
The last Discover Durant Fall Concert Series of the season was last Thursday at Lost Street Brewing Co. and Mike Ryan performed. The concerts are normally held at Market Square but this one was moved inside because of the high winds that evening.
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