Martina McBride lets Bangor know she was glad to be back

Underneath a rainbow of lights, country music star Martina McBride thrilled concert-goers with a wide spectrum of music at the Q106.5 Listener Appreciation Concert at the Bangor Auditorium Friday night.

The 29-year-old songstress took the stage singing Linda Ronstadt’s “When Will I be Loved?” and a roar of applause from the approximate 5,500 fans quickly let the singer know that Bangor indeed loves her music.

“It’s great to be back in Bangor,” McBride said of her fourth appearance at the auditorium. She explained that there are certain tour stops that make her feel at home and “Bangor is right on the top of that list.”

Dressed in black, the perky singer danced around the stage singing many of her upbeat country radio hits such as “My Baby Loves Me,” “The Time Has Come” and “Wild Angels.”

However, it was McBride’s ballads, such as “Where I Used To Have A Heart” and “Phones are Ringin’ All Over Town,” that particularly showcased her powerful voice.

During an acoustic portion of the concert, McBride gave an unforgettable performance of the gospel favorite “How Great Thou Art.” This performance brought many of those in attendance to their feet and may have left some wondering how a voice like that could come out of such a petite singer.

McBride also performed the classic Hank Williams Sr. tune “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and Delbert McClinton’s “Two More Bottles of Wine” during her 15-song set.

However, it was obviously McBride’s own chart toppers that her fans had come to hear. McBride barely got out a few lyrics of her smash “Independence Day” and the crowd gave a near-deafening roar of approval.

After a show of about 1 1/2 hours, McBride left the stage singing the Orleans hit “Still The One.”

“You’re still the one, Bangor,” she told the audience as she blew kisses to fans.

Opening for McBride was country music newcomer Daryle Singletary. Due to a recent four-wheeler accident, Singletary took the stage on crutches.

However, a broken leg did not trip up the likable singer’s ability to keep the audience entertained throughout his 45-minute set.

With uptempo tunes like his hit “I’m Living Up to Her Low Expectations” and a lengthy medley of George Jones classics, Singletary kept the crowd shaking in their seats as he did the same from his stool on stage.

Singletary finished his show with what has become his signature song “Too Much Fun.”

“You can never have too much fun,” Singletary said as he hobbled off stage and appreciative fans gave him a standing ovation.