Both performed a co-headlining concert at Mandalay Bay Beach
Randy Houser and Dwight Yoakam threw a massive beach party in the middle of the desert on Friday night (July 9th). The pair co-headlined Concerts on the Beach at Mandalay Bay Resort on the Las Vegas Strip.
Houser started his 75 minute set with “What Whiskey Does,” a gritty melodic bluesy ballad that shows off his guitar skills. The country crooner with a huge voice played some of his biggest hits with a few covers sprinkled throughout. His southern rock sound kept the crowd on its feet.
Some were confused as to why his set was so long. But the evening was billed as a co-headlining tour.
Yoakam took the stage shortly after 11 pm wearing a jean jacket adorned with sequin card suits in 110 degree weather. His band was dressed in retro sequin attire, reminiscent of 1950’s country and rockabilly musicians.
The country neo-traditionalist plowed through 20+ songs in 75 minutes. For comparison, Reba performed 16 in the same amount of time on her 2019 trek. He kept the music going as he rarely addressed the crowd.
The crowed two-stepped in a two foot deep pool that surrounded the stage. Many sang, swam and sat in the sand throughout the three hour concert.
Yoakam was in his best form despite some feedback throughout his set. He changed acoustic guitars throughout the night before wrapping with “Suspicious Minds” for an encore.
Houser was energetic and addressed the crowd often. He switched between playing acoustic and electric and lead guitar with “Like A Cowboy” dedicated to the US servicemen and women of all forms.
It was refreshing to finally attend an in person concert after 18 months, and we aren’t talking about just the pool.
This review was co-written with Matt Bailey.
