Bret Michaels

Bret Michaels hit the Choctaw Event Center in Grant, Okla., Saturday night (Dec. 8), like a thunderstorm — full of energy, power, electricity — and the packed house came prepared for him. Payne Music’s Will Payne (95.5 radio and more) brought him out, beginning the enthusiasm that never ebbed. That packed house included fans as small as about 6 years of age through those in their 90s. They sat respectfully in their chairs until moments before Michaels came on stage, and from then on, it was a room where enthusiasm and fervor were as electric as was the activity on stage.

Michaels‘ characteristic hands-up, arms outstretched, point-and-smile signature style dominated the performance. Lighting being what it is on stage and off, he, like all musicians under the lights, could only see those a row or four out into the audience. Those crystal clear blue eyes interacted with fans throughout the show, pointing out qualities of this fan and posing for the camera of that fan, again and again, until it seemed as if he was able to make each one feel special.

A man who has had diabetes all of his life, Michaels‘ hat displayed his passion for finding a cure for it, and for a philanthropic foundation of his, Life Rocks, in bright red letters, front and back. He allowed the t-shirt and bandana he wore on stage to be auctioned afterward, to raise money for the causes he supports.

To make this review short… Bret Michaels rocked the house!

For more photos, click here — (Probably too many, but I surely had a good time taking them!)

Just as an aside — Eli Young Band is spending its New Year’s Eve on the same Grant/Choctaw Event Center stage. Over in Durant/Calera,, Okla., between the four stages in that casino complex, there will be Three Dog Night, Stephen Pride Band, The Bellamy Brothers, and the Versatile Haute Band playing on New Year’s Eve.