What a gorgeous night for a concert under the stars. Tonight was my first time attending a show at the Penn Heroes Stage at the Hollywood Casino in Grantville, PA. The Outdoor Concert Series https://www2.hollywoodpnrc.com/entertainment/penn-heroes-stage presented by iHeart Radio has a dozen more acts on its calendar this season, ranging from pop and rock to country and heavy metal, even comedy! Alter Bridge with Sevendust, and Mammoth WVH will hit the stage August 5th. Some other notable shows coming are Rick Springfield with the Hooters, Paul Young, and Tommy Tutone August 11th, Lee Brice and Tyler Farr August 19th, and Megadeth September 15th.
It is a beautiful venue that is very well run. There was plenty of field parking, or you could park a little further if you prefer parking on asphalt. There are a variety of food trucks along with a nice seating area to enjoy dinner or a drink either before the show or in between acts. I would highly recommend taking in a favorite band at this venue.
Candlebox opened the show, celebrating their 30th year. This was my first time seeing them live, and they did not disappoint. From the moment they started, their entire set was full of energy. Kevin Martin never slowed down from the second he stepped on stage. As I looked around, the audience was thoroughly engaged with this band and loving this performance.
By the time 3 Doors Down took the stage, the venue was near capacity of 5000+. Venue representatives said that this was one of the largest crowds to date. This tour is celebrating the belated 20th Anniversary of their multi-platinum 2002 sophomore album ‘Away from the Sun’. The band played the entire album, plus additional hits. I don’t know that I have ever attended a show before where it was literally one hit after another like this! They did kick off the show with ‘Pop Song’, which is not a very well known. Brad Arnold acknowledged that they basically opened with a song no one knew. After that, the hits just kept coming! That list included ‘When I’m Gone’, ‘Away from the Sun’, ‘Running out of Days’. Two of my personal favorites were ‘Here Without You’ and ‘It’s Not my Time’. The audience cheered and sang to their favorites all night. Hearing all their amazing hits in one night makes you realize just how incredibly talented this band is. They wrapped up the night with ‘Landing in London’ followed by the mega hit ‘Kryptonite’. The venue then put on an amazing fireworks display to cap off a perfect evening.
