A near full house cheered through a tuneful night of songs from country star Collin Raye om Saturday night at Foothills Performing Arts Center.

The concert was easy on the ears, toe-tapping in its familiarity and a totally pleasurable experience.  With almost 500 in attendance, the popular singer went through a litany of his 2 dozen hits, plus some material tailored for his appreciative Oneonta audience.  Among the standouts were tributes to Oneonta native (and Collin Raye friend) Jerry Jeff Walker, as well as a moving tribute to singer (and another Collin Raye friend) Glen Campbell.

Accompanied only by a fiddle player and piano player, both who also sang harmonies, the show was simple and entertaining.  In fact, I think it was one of the best concerts I have seen at Foothills this, or any other year.  The acoustics are much improved from earlier concerts, and the lack of a drum and electric guitars were met with a welcome nod from these tired old ears.

Collin Raye possesses some of the best pipes in the Country Music business and they were on beautiful display for this holiday-opener of a concert.  It was also touching when he asked for the veterans in the audience to stand up and be recognized.  Nearly 100 did.  Nice touch.

Congratulations to Foothills and to Country Club Automotive Group for this great night in downtown Oneonta.  It was thoroughly enjoyable.  Let's do it again.,

And, Collin Raye, we know this was you second concert in the "City of the Hills." Thanks so much, and don't be a stranger.