Bret Michaels Brings the Parti-Gras Tour to Central PA
Hollywood Casino at PNRC – 8/26/23
(Concert Review/Photos by Sharon Sipple)
It is safe to say that the Bret Michaels Parti-Gras tour was the most anticipated concert of the summer here in Central PA. Bret grew up here and started his musical career here along with Rikki Rockett and Bobby Dall. They changed their name to Poison, and moved to the west coast in 1984 and the rest is history. Bret still has family and friends here in Central PA and visits often. Bret wanted to bring his ‘circus of awesomeness’ home, to The Hollywood Casino PNRC in Grantville. The day was going to celebrate ‘all things Central PA’, including hometown heroes, and local musicians. Could he deliver on his big promises? The answer is a resounding ‘YES’.
View Full Gallery – Bret Michaels
Before I get into the review of the show, I want to acknowledge The Hollywood Casino at PNRC. This is the 2nd year for this venue, and it is a wonderful place to see a concert. It is a decent size, but you still feel like it is an intimate setting. They have had an excellent, diverse lineup of shows this year. Most importantly, $2 of every ticket is donated to Veteran and First Responder charities. There are a few remaining shows this year. Please check them out if you have the opportunity.
A record setting crowd made their way into the venue to see their hometown boy….Bret. Fans were greeted on the way in with staff handing out leis, parti-gras beads, and bandanas. There was a Blackhawk helicopter parked on the lawn that you could go up and take a closer look and even sit in if you wanted. To honor those who served in the military, there was a green army vehicle that they were welcome to sign. The local fire department was represented with one of their vehicles Representatives from veterans’ organizations and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation were also on hand.
Dave Bray USA kicked off the show. Dave is a Navy veteran who has dedicated much of his career to honoring Veterans, Active Duty Military, Fire, Police, and First Responders. His set included God Bless America as well as the National Anthem with a rock twist and the American Flag being waved proudly.
View Full Gallery – Dave Bray USA
The Blackhawk sitting out on the lawn made a fly over the stadium before taking off and heading back to Indiantown Gap.
Next up was Warrant. I thoroughly enjoyed their set, which included all of the big hits. Robert Mason not only did a great job on vocals, but is a true showman. He worked the crowd and created many great interaction moments with Jerry Dixon, Joey Allen, and Erik Turner. Mason exhibited his awesome vocals on “Down Boys”. No Warrant set would be complete without power ballads “Sometimes She Cries” and “Heaven”. They closed their set with “Cherry Pie”, with the whole audience singing along.
The excitement in the air was at fever pitch by the time Bret took to the stage, opening with “Talk Dirty to Me”. The crowd erupted and never stopped singing, cheering, and waving their arms throughout the night. I have seen Bret perform many times, and I have never seen him so pumped up. He was grinning from ear to ear all night as he swaggered back and forth across the stage. No one in the business can work a crowd like Bret. Multiple times during the evening he knelt down, shook hands with fans, left them touch his guitar, and pointed and made eye contact with people. He promised nothing but the hits, and that is exactly what he delivered! The second song, and one of my personal favorites was “Look What the Cat Dragged In” This was followed by “Ride the Wind” and “ Mama Don’t Dance”. Next, he donned his Bret Michaels signature Cowboy Hat, grabbed his guitar, and dedicated “Something to Believe” in to the Veterans, Active Duty Military, Fire, Police, and other First Responders. Dave Bray led a group of about 20-25 onto the stage with the American Flag proudly displayed. This song holds very special meaning to Bret, as it is about 2 people in his life…..Kimo, his bodyguard and friend who died alone in a hotel room and his cousin Bob who was wounded in Vietnam. It was now time for some “Unskinny Bop”. Next up, Bret asked Central PA Music Hall of Fame Best Your Artist of 2021 Addi Grace to join him for “Every Rose Has Its Thorn”. This young lady is 13 years old! She accompanied him on guitar as well as vocals. I was absolutely blown away by her maturity. She totally held her own on that stage with Bret and his band. This girl has a very bright future. Next, Bret brought Shea Quinn on stage to accompany him on bass during “Nothin But a Good Time”. Shea is a former member of the Sharks and a Central PA Music Hall of Famer. These two go way back to the 80s when both were members of struggling bands. It wouldn’t be a party without beach balls..right? The beach balls were flying all over the venue. Next, all the musicians from the evening joined Bret on stage to a rousing version of “Sweet Home Alabama” complete with a large fireworks display over the stage. What a perfect way to wrap up this very special day!
View Full Gallery – Bret Michaels
Bret is planning on bringing the party back again next year…but even bigger and better. He called one of the local radio stations to share his plan for a 2 day festival that would also include country artists. Check out BretMichaels.com for more information in the coming months as well as his current tour schedule.
