Joe Nichols Takes Over Sugar Creek Casino [VIDEO]

It was sunny and 75 in Hinton, OK Saturday, both inside the Event Center at Sugar Creek Casino and out. With his 9th studio album completed and ready for release, Joe Nichols has hit the road to prepare for a major U.S. and possible world tour. One of his first stops was Saturday night in Hinton, and from the moment he hit the stage, Nichols had the nearly sell-out crowd in the palm of his hands.

The Rogers, AR native was in great voice and seemed excited for the chance to play in front of the nearly sold out crowd. From the opening chords of "What's A Guy Got To Do" to the final notes of "Sunny And 75" it was a non-stop, high energy trip through Nichols' song list, which took a little time to slow down for acoustic version of Nichols' classic "I'll Wait For You" and the David Gates classic "Guitar Man". But it wasn't just a trip through Nichols' greatest hits list as the evening also featured versions of Merle Haggard's "Footlights", Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers "Running Down A Dream" and even a raucous, laughter filled version of Sir Mix-a-Lot's 1992 monster hit "Baby's Got Back".

It was a good time for everyone as the audience sang along all night long, and traded conversation with Nichols from the stage between songs. Nichols seemed to be having as much fun as the audience, and some quite pleased with the audience's response to each and every song, both old and new.

As usual, the Event Center at Sugar Creek Casino was ready for the show, and with few exceptions, the well maintained crowd seemed appreciative of both Nichols and the venue itself.