Tucson is lucky to snag Tim McGraw for this weekend's Casino del Sol Resort opening festivities, and here are a few reasons why:
• Long-awaited encore: McGraw hasn't stepped foot on a Tucson stage since 1995. We've got a lot of catching up to do.
• Technically, it's his day off: McGraw's 2011 tour ended in August. He picked up a show here and another one Sunday at Camp Pendleton near San Diego.
• Finally, a Nashville superstar: We came perilously close to going the entire year without an appearance by a major country star. We did get Big & Rich with Gretchen Wilson in early September, but the acts are a couple years removed from the height of their popularity. McGraw still has the muscle to sell out arenas, including a packed show last summer in Phoenix.
• The hits: "I Like It, I Love It," "Live Like You Were Dying," "Please Remember Me," "My Next 30 Years," "Indian Outlaw," "Back When," "Last Dollar (Fly Away)," "Where the Green Grass Grows," "Felt Good On My Lips," "Red Ragtop," "Ghost Town Train," "Southern Voice."
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• Try getting this out of your head: "I got a barbecue stain on my white T-shirt / She was killing me in that miniskirt."
• High-energy show: Once he hits the stage, McGraw's legendary adrenaline kicks in and the game is on. He covers every inch of the stage with an energy that's infectious. His shows are best enjoyed on your feet.
• Mr. Hollywood in our backyard: Since we saw him last, the 44-year-old has built some movie cred: "Country Strong," " Friday Night Lights," "Flicka," "Four Christmases," "Black Cloud," "Dirty Girl" and "The Blind Side."
• Easy on the eyes: Let's face it, McGraw is a hunk. "People" magazine in 2010 named him country music's hottest guy. Who can argue with "People"?
McGraw performs at 8 p.m. Saturday at Casino del Sol's AVA. Reserved seats are sold out; there are lawn seats available for $50 through tickets.solcasinos.com
Cathalena E. Burch
