Brad Paisley performing at The Shoreline Amphitheater has become an annual engagement. For the third consecutive year he was met by a capacity crowd. The country crooner has been a superstar for some time now, but his popularity has gone beyond the stratosphere after the release of "American Saturday Night." The album gives fans what they have come to expect from Paisley, catchy country music with a pop twist. The ticket sales for his current tour have mirrored the album sales.

First to hit the stage was Valory Music Group artist Jimmy Wayne. There is currently a convoy of male country artists that all sound, dress, and act alike. Wayne is part of this class. Although he has a solid voice he doesn't yet stand out from the crowd.

"Do You Believe Me Now," a single that got heavy air time on country radio, put Wayne on the map. The song is good, yes, but it's forgettable. As for the live show it's much of what's expected. Mid way through the set Wayne leapt off the stage and ended up in the front row in the lap of a female fan. This up and comer may know a few more things about marketing than his counter parts as he was sure to play toward the press cameras that were aimed at him. Wayne might not have anything much different to offer at this point in his career but hopefully that will change quickly.

Dierks Bentley has long been a name to reckon with in the country music industry. The shaggy haired 33-year-old is one hit song away from a headlining tour of his own. He began quickly and launched into "Sideways," to open the 45 minute set. Bentley is known for getting up close and personal with his fans. So it wasn't surprising to see him sitting in the front row with his feet up. After a few friendly words with fans and a kiss on the cheek form a less than sober woman, he was back in action on stage.

"What was I Thinkin," was saved for the end of the set at which point the massive audience took over the vocals. Bentley is the epitome of what a country concert should be. Carefree and fun.

The lights went down and the roar of the audience could be felt. Brad Paisley nonchalantly strolled onto the stage with no frills and no introduction. Donning his signature white cowboy hat Paisley shredded through 90 minutes of recognizable music. New tunes "Water," "Welcome To The Future," and "Catch All The Fish," were all met with huge ovations.

The massive video screen was, at times, more entertaining than the live show. During "Online," the award winning music video was played which featured appearances from William Shatner and Jason Alexander. Taylor Swift and opener Dierks Bentley made cameos as well. The best video segment featured Paisley's animation. The man can shred on lead guitar, write number one singles, sing with the best of them and draw. It makes you wonder if there's anything Brad can't do.

Although Paisley's guitar solo's are entertaining, he runs the risk of being tethered behind the mic. This year's tour features three separate mic stands and barricades that run up the sides of the amphitheater. This gave Paisley a chance to, literally, touch fans that were thirty rows away form the front. The concert may have been stripped down a tad from previous years but with Paisley's songbook, charisma and personality, all he really needs is a guitar and a stage.

Review By: Tyler Sobie