Veteran Oak Ridge Boys display vocal wizardry in Bangor concert

A small but enthusiastic crowd was entertained Wednesday night by one of country music’s most enduring acts, as the Oak Ridge Boys performed for 1,341 fans at the Bangor Auditorium.

In the group’s first visit to the state since 1987, the veteran quartet, backed by a five-member band, provided vocal and musical pyrotechnics instead of the smoke and lights employed by many of today’s country groups.

From their opening with last year’s hit “No Matter How High I Get” to the concert’s conclusion one hour, 25 minutes later, the Boys displayed the polish and energy that’s kept them on the charts for 15 years.

Each of the Boys took their turn as lead singer, and each had his own role to play in the group’s blend. Joe Bonsall was the group’s emcee, belter and whirling dervish. Silky-voiced Steve Sanders had the edge in terms of songs singing lead. Richard Sterban provided the big, booming bass and additional percussion, while Duane Allen, the senior member of the group, added a steadying baritone.

The Oak Ridge Boys crammed portions of 25 songs into their set, including an encore. They performed many of their hits, from their first, “Y’All Come Back Saloon,” to their most recent single, “Fall,” both songs led by Allen.

The audience saved its loudest applause for last, when the Boys performed their biggest hits, “Elvira” and “Bobbie Sue.”

The group also played several cuts from the upcoming new album “The Long Haul,” due out June 9, including “Baby I Surrender,” “Bringing on the Rain” and “Gimme Some Love.”

Perhaps the evening’s highlight was a segment showing off the Boys’ roots, as they performed a Southern-style gospel tribute, including the hymns “Just a Closer Walk With Thee,” “How Great Thou Art” and “Dem Bones.”

The quartet also did a medley of favorites, including “You’re The One (In a Million),” “Sail Away,” “I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes” and “Everyday.”

Opening the evening was Maine recording artist Malinda Liberty. Garbed in a dress with a black sequined bodice and a white flaired skirt, Liberty sashayed around the stage while showing off a gorgeous voice, backed by her four-member band, during her 40-minute set.

Liberty performed largely cover songs, ranging from the perennial “In Them Old Cotton Fields Back Home” to the Dolly Parton-Ricky Van Shelton hit “Our Rockin’ Years.” She also sang her original song “The Two of Us.”