Country Superstars

Downtown Vegas has gone country

By Caroline Fontein

You don't need to pack any bags for this excursion, but you may want to wear some comfortable shoes for toe tapping.

"Let us take you down to an old dirt road," says a pre-recorded announcement before impersonators portraying some of the biggest names in country music along with up-and-coming acts take the stage in Country Superstars at the Golden Nugget. 

This show gives fans plenty to write home about. Country Superstars has a concert-style format, showcasing a main performer singing with a live five-piece band. Not only do you get to experience tribute artists singing your favorite songs, you also get a chance to see rising country music stars perform on a Vegas stage. It's the best of both worlds for anyone who loves country music.

Currently, the show features country music star, Cody Collins. Collins is well known for his tenure with the group Lonestar. He performed with the group as the lead singer in place of Richie McDonald from 2007 to 2011. Collin's was featured on Lonestar's 2010 album "Party Heard Around the World," before McDonald rejoined the band for its 20th anniversary tour.

Collins performs along with the show's rotating line-up of tribute artists. On the night I attended the show the headlining tribute acts were Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw and Garth Brooks. The performers do an incredible job of recreating the look, sound and feel of the artists they portray. Each one performed a selection of greatest hit songs with all live music. There are no backing tracks or lip synching in this revue.

The show opens with McEntire's performance of "Turn On The Radio." She also acts as the show's spunky and sassy host. Things get a little "Strange" before McEntire belts out you can "Consider Me Gone."

Wearing his signature black cowboy hat, the tribute artists portraying Tim McGraw does fans justice with his rendition of songs including "Real Good Man," "Something Like That (A Heart Don't Forget)" and "Down on the Farm." The performer is a real "tall glass of water," as McEntire puts it. He gives fans, especially women in the audience, plenty to cheer about while he's on stage.

Next, Brooks takes audiences by storm with his performance of "The Thunder Rolls," "Friends In Low Places" and "Rodeo." While the real Brooks frequently headlines in Vegas at Wynn Las Vegas, seeing this version is a fun way to experience hearing his songs performed live paired with performances of legendary country music from more than one star.

Part tribute show, part concert, Country Superstars celebrates music from the past, present and future. Get ready to get down with the best in country music at this revue in downtown Vegas.