He opened with the opening track from his latest album, The Earth Rolls On, “Love Is So Sweet.” This was a great opener that got everyone involved with the music. The song is sung with such conviction that you can’t help but be pulled in by the set.

The set then rolled into “Restless Wind,” which is one of my favorite tracks off the new album. It was played perfectly. Billy Joe’s guitarist was dead on for all the tracks.

The highlight of the set for me was Billy Joe’s performance of “Star Of My Heart,” which he dedicated to his son, Eddy, who passes away this past new year’s eve. He played it completely by himself, just his guitar and him in a pale spotlight. It was so beautiful that I almost cried and couldn’t help but tear up. It was an exhilarating moment.

Billy Joe closed with one of his best known songs, “Georgia On A Fast Train.” This a great song about making in the world despite not being too educated. It’s a testament to the working class of the past who were just as good of people as anyone else. It was a great close.

After a really short intermission, Delbert McClinton took the stage. He had a great set up: a guitarist, bassist, piano player, assorted horns, a drummer, and of course Delbert himself singing and playing harmonica. His set had a great deal of passion and energy.

Everyone was really into Delbert’s set from the opening notes of “Maybe Someday Baby” til the end of the set. People were dancing, and singing along. It was a pretty amazing site.

Numerous times over the night fans jumped up on stage to dance with McClinton or just to shake his hand. It was really fun to see everyone so involved with an artist. These traits made for a great night of music and two amazing performances. I left the show feeling good and impressed with both performers I saw. They’re both people I’d really like to see again.