Those who attended the Kenny Rogers concert Thursday night at the Kern County Fair not only got to witness one of the greatest singers in country music, but got to see a comedy show and meet KUZZ Radio’s Steve Gradowitz.

The show began with a tribute to Army representatives who were in the crowd passing out T-shirts. Then there was an appearance from Steve Gradowitz. Kim Macabe sang the national anthem and the crowd got to enjoy a performance from comedians Mario and Danielle.

At the age of 19, Rogers rocked the United States with his first hit song, “That Crazy Feeling,” and at 63, he still knows how to please an audience. The two-hour concert started at 8 p.m. and was well worth the money.

Couples danced and the crowd sang along to the 20 songs Rogers performed. Rogers really involves the audience and loves to talk and share stories about his life in between songs, which really builds a connection between him and the audience.

Rogers even singled out a man named Bruce in the front row, who confessed that he really wasn’t a fan, but was dragged to the concert by his wife. He vowed to make him a huge fan by the end of the concert.

“I must confess that I am willing to buy a fan. For every song I sing tonight, I will give Bruce 10 dollars, and a T-shirt, if he promises to wear the shirt all the way to the parking lot tonight,” Rogers said.

Rogers proceeded to take a $10 bill out of his pocket and throw it at Bruce at the beginning of every song, making everyone in the audience wish they were Bruce, and proving that Rogers has a good sense of humor about his music.

Rogers really touched the audience, bringing some to tears, when he sang the song, “All That You Can Be,” while he showed pictures of his son from birth to his college graduation.

Kenny Rogers has recorded 59 albums which have sold over 100 million copies worldwide. He has received four Grammy awards, 11 People’s choice awards, 18 American Music Awards, eight Academy of Country Music Awards, and five Country Music Association Awards. All of his achievements are so remarkable, considering he grew up poor, living in a housing project with seven brothers and sisters.

The Kenny Rogers concert was certainly worth the money, especially for Bruce, the man in the front row. Rogers always pleases the audience with his sarcasm and charm and sometimes his generosity.

I only wish I’d been in the front row.