Concert Review
Charley Pride
Seneca Allegany Events Center
Salamanca, NY
Saturday September 22, 2018
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto
Country Legend Charley Pride made an ultra rare area appearance at the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino Saturday evening. If you happen to have been among the sold-out crowd you could not help to be reminded of earlier simple times as the nostalgic and timeless music of Pride resonated throughout the venue. Even at 84-years old the country crooner was able to wow the crowd with a near two hour performance. Pride belted out many of his 40 #1 country hits and sounded really strong in doing so.
To be able to see Pride even at this late stage of his career was a treat. Hearing him sing such gold as “Crystal Chandeliers”, “Wings of A Dove” and “Someone Loves You Honey” were worth the price of admission alone.
Despite having bone spurs in his feet and the two times he had to excuse himself from the stage (nature called), Pride did not let it deter him from finishing his show as he promised to the crowd early on. The show must go on and it did.
The biggest highlight for me was the tropical paradise inspired “You’re My Jamaica”. Pride sounded his best during this tune even played a little faster than the original. His band are also a collection of seasoned vets. Some of his band members have been with him over twenty years including one who has been with him over forty.
Other highlights included his big smash “Kiss An Angel Good Morning” and the Hank Williams classic “Kaw-Liga.
With many artists retiring from the road such as Paul Simon, Elton John and Neil Diamond, it is a testament to Pride that he continues to play on stage. Other than the seemingly immortal Tony Bennett at 92, Pride may the last of his kind to still be performing today. Saturday the fans were the winners as they got to see one of the most respected singers in all of music perform at an above average level.
Set List
The Snakes Crawl at Night (Band Only)
The Happiness of Having You
Whole Lotta Things to Sing About
Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone?
Just Between You and Me
Crystal Chandeliers
Does My Ring Hurt Your Finger
Me and Bobby McGee
Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)
Wonder Could I Live There Anymore
Mississippi Cotton Pickin’ Delta
Wings of a Dove
Someone Loves You Honey
You’re My Jamaica
I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You)
Lovesick Blues
Roll On Mississippi
Mountain of Love
He’ll Have To Go
The Race Is On
Gospel Medley: God’s Coloring Book/I’ll Fly Away/I Saw The Light
You’re Still in These Crazy Arms of Mine
Standin’ In My Way
Except For You
America the Great
Band Intro
Kiss an Angel Good Morning
Kaw-Liga
Cotton Fields
for more on Charley check out his website www.charleypride.com
