I will be the first to admit, country music isn’t my top choice in music. Granted, mainstream country artists such as Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift, who can make country and top 40 radio stations happy with their huge hit singles, are more than entertaining and pleasant to listen to.  But before arriving at the Rascal Flatts concert Saturday at San Manuel Amphitheatre in San Bernadino, Calif., I didn’t know much about the group and what exactly to expect.

Fans claim their concerts are a party and they pack venues year after year. They have sold 20 million albums and another 25 million digital downloads.

After listening to the group’s one hour and 30 minute set, my views of country music and Rascal Flatts have changed… for the better.

Evident from the first three songs, Rascal Flatts isn’t your stereotypical country music. Lead singer Gary LeVox, proudly wearing all black, except for his pants that had a stripe of white all blinged out, started the party with huge hits “Me and My Gang” and “Summer Nights.” Despite being in the middle of September with school in session and cooler temperatures at the outdoor venue, Rascal Flatts made me feel like it was July all over again. Their massive video screen in the background featuring women in their bikinis and fireworks over the ocean was a great touch. 

The great part about Rascal Flatts, as I found out, was the fact that one minute you could be listening to a fast, rockin’ track and the next minute, enjoy a wholesome, heartfelt single such as “Bless the Broken Road.” Not many groups can make that transition and Rascal Flatts were able to do it many times during the show.

“Life is a Highway” and “I Won’t Let Go” were the highlights of the night. The video background, shown during “I Won’t Let Go,” featuring men and women of all ages and ethnic backgrounds was beautiful and inspiring.

My guest, a 17-year-old proudly wearing her pink cowboy hat, has seen Rascal Flatts three times since 2009. When asked which show she enjoyed the most, she declared Saturday’s show was the best without a doubt.

As the near-capacity crowd left the venue in their flannels and cowboy boots and hats, I finally understood the love for Rascal Flatts.

During the show, the band thanked fans for purchasing tickets to see them live during the difficult economy. Based on the show they put on Saturday night, without a doubt, I would return for a second helping.

Set List

“Why Wait”

“Me And My Gang”

“Summer Nights

“Bless The Broken Road”

“Stand”

“Unstoppable”

“My Wish”

“Taking It To The Streets” (Michael McDonald cover)

“If The House Is Rockin’” (Stevie Ray Vaughan cover)

“Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” (Stevie Wonder cover)

“Lonesome Road”

“Easy” with special appearance by opener Sara Evans

“Fast Cars And Freedom” / “Red Camaro”

“Take Me There”

“What Hurts The Most”

“Bob That Head’

ENCORE

“I Won’t Let Go”

“Dancing On The Ceiling” (Lionel Richie Cover)

Reach writer Mike Vulpo here