COUNTRY: Merle Haggard (8/27)

By Frank De Blase on August 25, 2010

Merle Haggard is playing first on this double-bill so that you don't have to endure Brooks and Dunn's set. That may ruffle a few hats, but the band is plastic and shallow, especially when held up to the actual Okie from Muskogee. The 73-year-old Haggard has just released "I Am What I Am," and let me tell you, that storytelling baritone is as rich as ever. Born in Bakersfield, Haggard grew up hard in Oklahoma. He hopped his first freight train at 10 and spent his teen years in and out of reform schools. Later he spent a quick jolt in San Quentin. Haggard first got fired up over music when he discovered Lefty Frizzell. He's had more than 40 No. 1 hits on the country charts and was inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame in 1994. I guess all of mama's tryin' paid off after all.

Merle Haggard plays Friday, August 27 at 7:30 p.m. at Darien Lake PAC, Darien Center. $27.75-$73.75. livenation.com

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