McBride shows versatile range> Fair concertgoers enjoy visit from fast-rising country star

Concertgoers at the Bangor State Fair only got one chance to listen to country singer Martina McBride Friday. But they didn’t go away disappointed.

McBride, the fair’s opening act, had been advised to play only one show, because of her pregnancy and a vocal condition. But still her spirited one-hour set gave fans their money’s worth.

More than 20 minutes before the show even began, people were already filling up the nosebleed seats in the sauna-like Bangor Auditorium. They kept coming, even as the show started five minutes late.

Her six-member band took the stage to the strains of “Life #9,” then bounding into the spotlight came the energetic McBride.

McBride, garbed in a light, flowing shirt dress over black tights, worked the entire stage, doing her best to sing to all those in the capacity crowd.

“I’ve been looking forward to this,” she announced early on. “We’ve been here three times and you’ve always treated us well. Bangor’s a special place to us.”

The crowd reciprocated those sentiments, frequently ending songs with sustained applause. Among the biggest favorites were “The Time Has Come,” “Just the Way I Am” and “Independence Day,” which was capped by giant sparkles going off on stage.

A special touch was an audience rendition of “Happy Birthday” to McBride (and her twin brother Marty, the band’s acoustic guitarist). Fans brought her cards, roses and balloons.

In return, McBride went all out to give her fans the songs they’d come to hear, the hits off her first two albums. In addition, she worked in her rendition of Hank Williams Sr.’s “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and two Linda Ronstadt hits “Silver Pins and Golden Needles” and “When Will I Be Loved.”

Among the evening’s highlights were the tender ballads “That’s Me” and “Strangers,” both of which McBride performed with understated elegance and power.

McBride has made a quick rise, from little-known opening act for Garth Brooks to a formidible recording artist in her own right. Her Bangor appearance shows she has the material and style to lure fans over to her brand of country pop.

The petite McBride helped get the fair off to a rousing start, and she’ll be a hard act to follow in the days to come.