Singing star belts out the tunes for crowd

By Erica Yakawich - 05/16/2008

Dave Simpson / for The Montana Standard Blake Shelton performs at the Butte Civic Center Thursday night.

Blake Shelton is Pure BS.

The country singing star hit the Butte Civic Center stage Thursday night to an appreciative crowd. He belted out tunes from his recent album “Pure BS Deluxe Edition” as well as many other hits from his four other studio albums.

Starting off the night was Butte musician Chad Okrusch, who performed his original compilations that were recently released on CD. The Slip from Butte followed Okrusch, offering rock favorites to get the crowd energized for Shelton.

Shelton made a grand entrance as he rose from beneath the stage and played his guitar as he ascended. A native of Oklahoma, he entertained with his hits “Home,” “Austin” and “Don’t Make Me.” Shelton made country classics like Conway Twitty’s “Tight Blue Jeans” his own.

He played around with the audience by toasting the crowd, downing a can of beer and then faking a “brain freeze” at one point to lead into his song “The More I Drink.” His voice hit all the right notes and the entire performance was fun and impressive.

Shelton demonstrated he has high energy to engage an audience and make ticket prices worthwhile.

Concerts of this caliber are few and far between in Butte and the full crowd was an indication that artists are enjoyed and appreciated here.

The Butte Depot was responsible for Shelton coming to the area and they should be toasted for bringing great talent to our city.

Shelton continues on the Pure BS tour to Auburn, Wash., Friday, according to his Web site.

— Erica Yakawich is the Standard’s online multimedia coordinator.