(PICTURES) Chris Stapleton at Darien Lake PAC

Thursday night saw a three-piece show in Western New York that featured a variety of musical styles. Chris Stapleton, The Marcus King Band and Nikki Lane presented different versions of their own styles of music. Stapleton is more country and southern rock, King focuses more on the blues but also adds a dash of southern rock, and Lane is more of an Americana and outlaw country artist. Regardless of their style, each offered something different to the sold-out crowd.

Opening the show was Nikki Lane, who has been touring since 2010 and has made four studio recordings. She made the most of her 30-minute, seven-song slot. Dressed in all white, she delivered quality songs like “Seein’ Double” and “Denim and Diamonds.” She played both acoustic guitar and a cappella singing throughout her performance. She ended her set with her most well-known song, “Jackpot.” I thought her style and delivery caught the audience’s attention. I’m looking forward to what she has to offer on her own in the near future.

Next up was the Marcus King Band. I had seen the Marcus King Band before and really loved their vibe, so I was excited to see if they would deliver the second time around. Well, they did and then some. The band worked in a small space for their performance. The 45-minute set consisted of mostly originals with a few covers thrown in. His unique vocals shined on songs like “Save Me” and “Delilah.” He did a great job on the Allman Brothers classic “Ramblin’ Man.” Again, the band did not disappoint. The same feeling goes for King, as I’m already looking forward to the next time I get to see him.

The show was headlined by Chris Stapleton. Late last year, Stapleton released his fifth studio album, entitled “Higher.” In recent years, he has become one of the biggest names in the country. He and his co-singer/wife and producer Morgane Stapleton and the rest of the band performed at 8:55 p.m. One of the things that surprised me was that Mickey Ralphael played harmonica. Raphael is best known for playing with Willie Nelson. Currently, Nelson’s band is taking a three-week break, so Ralphael was asked to play some dates with Stapleton’s band. What an added treat that was for everyone in attendance, because Ralphael is one of the best in the business. Stapleton’s deep, raspy vocals led the mood through a number of different songs spanning his entire career. When he opened with the anthemic “White Horse” from his latest effort, you knew the show was going to be a good one. Stapleton tried out a newer track from “Higher,” “South Dakota.” I thought he and the band did very well with that. The band left the stage and Stapleton played both “Mountains” and “Whiskey & You” solo. I’m sure Chris Stapleton chose the cover of “The Joy of My Life” to dedicate to his wife. Morgane Stapleton provided the main melody vocals when needed, but acted more as a muse for her husband Chris. The couple worked very well together, while the band complemented the sound around them.

I’ve been attending shows at the Darien Lake PAC for about 30 years (as a fan and journalist) and I can’t remember it ever being this packed before. A true testament to Stapleton’s talent and rising popularity. What a great show from every single artist!

Setlist:

White horse
Nobody is to blame
The second one you should know
Millionaire (Kevin Welch cover)
Crosswind
I’m trying to untangle my mind
South Dakota
You might as well get stoned
What will I do
I think I’m in love with you
Mountains (solo)
Whisky & You (Solo)
Arkansas
Start again
Joy of my life (John Fogerty cover)
You should probably go
Parachute
Cold
Free Bird (excerpt – cover by Lynyrd Skynyrd)/Devil Named Music
Traveller
fire free
Lawless state of mind
Tennessee Whiskey