Scotty McCreery
Catie Offerman
January 27, 2023 @ 8 p.m.
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60432
Excitement was buzzing in the air as fans lined up outside of the Rialto Square Theatre waiting to enter for Scotty McCreery’s show. The sold-out crowd began to settle as opener Catie Offerman took the stage to kick off the night of music. Offerman won over the crowd with her Texas charm and quick wit as she sang some of her original songs such as “Get a Dog, “Don’t Do It in Texas,” “Taking Chances,” and “Til I see You Again.” She is seen to be a female George Strait, with her vulnerability and her lighthearted nature.
After a brief intermission, the lights dimmed, revealing a silhouette of McCreery and his guitar. He opened his set with his 2018 fan favorite “In Between.” The audience roared with applause as he sang some of his hits including “See You Tonight,” “It Matters to Her,” “You Time,” and “The Trouble with Girls.” Throughout his set he sang many covers, ranging from Brooks and Dunn, George Strait, and John Michael Montgomery.
At his fifth song of his set, McCreery shared a heartfelt story about his wife Gabi. He claimed the best day if his life was his first day of kindergarten in 1998, where he first met Gabi. He claimed he never believed in love at first sight until kindergarten. Throughout his set he shared other stories about him and Gabi, including the day that led them to say, “I Do.” McCreery wrote a song titled “This is It,” in which he shared it with her when he proposed and was later played at their wedding. His performance of the song moved the audience to tears, seeing the greater meaning of the song.
He spent some time reminiscing on his youth, where he went to his first concert, which was George Strait, to whom he has been compared to. Ever since seeing George Strait, his dream began to fill his own venue where people would come see him perform, which is exactly what happened that night. He claimed that his favorite song of his just might be the one inspired by Strait, titled “Damn Strait.” His set was a total of 15 songs with an encore, which ended in his big hit “Five More Minutes.” Just as things were starting to wrap up, McCreery asked the audience if they were done, which they replied with a roar. He continued to perform covers such as Randy Travis’ “Forever and Ever, Amen” and Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee.” McCreery captivated the audience from start to finish with his stories and heartfelt songs, rather than a concert with a lot of extra flares. This was a great concert to be able to cover and I am thankful for my opportunity to photograph it.
For additional information on Scotty McCreery, Catie Offerman, and live music at the Rialto Square Theatre, please visit:
Rialto Square Theatre – https://rialtosquare.com/
Scotty McCreery – https://www.scottymccreery.com/
Catie Offerman – https://www.catieofferman.com/
Photographs and writing by Jaclyn Duske. Aside from covering all facets of country music and culture in the Joliet area, Jaclyn works with an equestrian therapy center just south of Chicago.
