Brad Paisley 'Crushes It' at the Show Me Center

The excitement was palpable Friday night at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau as a crowd of more than 4,000 gathered to see country-music star Brad Paisley.

People endured long lines, crowded parking lots and low temperatures for the chance to see Paisley with openers Cam and Eric Paslay.

Cape Girardeau was the second of the 28-stop Crushin’ It World Tour, which began Thursday night in Jonesboro, Arkansas. “Alcohol: Some of the best times you’ll never remember,” read one of Brad Paisley’s tour T-shirts. Several fans tugged them on as they headed for their seats, ready for the show. Couples, groups of singles and families with young children made it to the show.

Cam took the stage first, punctuating her singing by playing a tambourine. During her set, Cam referred to the 2014 film “Gone Girl,” which was shot in Cape Girardeau, to the crowd’s delight.

The crowd sang and danced along to Cam’s rendition of “Burning House.”

The song is a favorite of Avery Zeigler, 5, who went to the concert with her parents, Michael and Ashley, of Scott City. Avery was excited to see Brad Paisley; she hadn’t seen him before, as this is only her second concert.

But, Ashley Ziegler said, “her dad and I saw him in Nashville, and he’s one of the better performers we’ve ever seen.”

“He’s pretty much the best,” Michael Ziegler agreed.

This sentiment was echoed by other concert-goers, humming Paisley’s songs as they waited in line for food and drinks, talking with each other about how exciting it was to get to see him perform.

On the second-level concourse, a pair of inflatable cowboy boots at least 15 feet tall advertised Brad Paisley’s line of Western wear, Moonshine Spirit. People gathered to take pictures of each other in front of them. After her set, Cam held a meet-and-greet in front of the boots, saying how excited she was to meet the fans who’d come to the show.

Anita Toole and Jamie Toole of Cape Girardeau were excited just to see and hear Paisley.

“We’re so glad he came here. Glad we don’t have to travel,” Anita said.

Jamie agreed, saying she saw him when he’d performed in St. Louis several years ago. She said it was a great show, but it was better to see him locally.

“I’m glad the storm didn’t keep him away,” Jamie Toole said referring to a snowstorm that struck western Kentucky on Friday.

Pertinent address:

1333 N Sprigg St, Cape Girardeau, Mo.