Parker McCollum dazzled the crowd on Friday at the NebraskaLand Days Viaero Summer Jam Concert Series at the Wild West Arena.

McCollum began his set with “Hurricane” before launching into “Why Indiana.”

After that, McCollum introduced himself to the crowd. The Texan admitted he “had a strange love for the state of Nebraska.”

This was born out of the COVID-19 Pandemic of 2020, he said. He was searching for anywhere he could play live and that is when he came to Curtis. He was not only grateful he got to play there but in a round of golf at Arrowhead Meadows Golf Course, he had his best-ever shot off the tee.

“That was the closest I’ve ever been to a hole-and-one,” McCollum said.

But on this trip four years later and 40 miles away, McCollum discovered another connection he shared with the people of this state.

“I’m a believer in a firm handshake,” he said before playing “Like A Cowboy.” “These handshakes I’ve had today are some of the best I’ve ever had. I’m very impressed with Nebraska handshakes.”

McCollum played his hit songs and favorites like “Blanco County Rain”, “Pretty Heart” and “Hell of a Year”.

He also played “Rest Of My Life”, which he said he played for the first time at the aforementioned show in Curtis.

McCollum finished the show with his biggest song, “Burn It Down” with a wall of flames displayed behind him.

During the first half of McCollum’s set, there were flashes of lightning seen beyond the stage to the east. But the show went on uninterrupted.

Flatland Cavalry lead singer Cleto Cordero with Wesley Hall playing fiddle in the background.

Flatland Cavalry

Before McCollum closed the night out, Flatland Cavalry played.

Flatland Cavalry ingratiated themselves to the crowd by coming out to “Sirius” by the Alan Parsons Project, the theme song of the Nebraska football team’s Tunnelwalk.

The six-piece band from Lubbock, Texas, opened with “Oughta See You (The Way I Do)”.

Flatland Cavalry played a set of songs that showcased the musicianship of their members. Fiddle player Wesley Hall showed his stuff on “One I Want” and a cover of “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” by John Denver.

Reid Dillon also showed his talent on several guitar solos, as well as his ability to play slide guitar.

Maybe the biggest highlight for the group was their cover of “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac.

Meg McRee

Meg McRee began the night by warming the crowd up with a unique sound that combined influences of country and 1970s rock.

She opened with “Is It Just Me?”, the title song off her debut album. She also covered the famed Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson duet “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys”.

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