Brad Paisley 2016 at the BOK Center Tulsa

Country superstar Brad Paisley performed in Tulsa recently, bringing his “Crushin’ It” World Tour to the BOK Center.

Plain and simple, Paisley is a bona fide “Star” with impressive versatility, durability and clearly one who doesn’t take himself too seriously, as evidenced with hit songs like “I’m Gonna Miss Her,” “Celebrity” and “Ticks.”  On the other hand, he is able to seamlessly transition to a more poignant tune like “Whiskey Lullaby.”

Paisley has fun and wants his audience to enjoy themselves.  He and Oklahoma native Carrie Underwood have co-hosted the Country Music Association Awards show for several years, serving up opening numbers that offer a humorous spin on current top news stories.  Who can forget 2013’s version of George Strait’s hit “Amarillo By Morning?”  Changing the song title to “Obamacare By Morning,” the song illustrated numerous issues that plagued the rollout of President Obama’s Affordable Care Act, featuring the closing lyric, “over six people served.”

For fans attending this year’s live concerts the mood is light from the beginning.  A video of a water skiing squirrel appeared on the large screen behind Paisley during his opening number “River Bank” and there were other lighter moments throughout his show.

As soon as Paisley steps onto the stage, he owns it, delighting audience members with his mastery of the guitar a strong and powerful voice and talented band members playing behind him.

In the days leading up to Paisley’s Tulsa show, some tickets were being sold for just $10. Regardless, those who scooped up those seats as well as those who purchased non-discounted tickets weeks in advance were treated to a show that was worth well more than the price paid.

Photos by Greg Duke, Tulsa Today.