Photos by: Dana B. Grubb, House Photographer – Sands Bethlehem Event Center
Review By: Janel Spiegel – The Valley Ledger
This man is a legend. He is an actor, composer, and of course an incredible singer/musician. For the kids out there, you may want to check “Blade II,” “Blade,” “Watchmen,” “Texas Rising.” For his hardcore fans, there is, “A Star is Born,” “The Last Movie,” and over one hundred and twenty-two film credits to his name.
But tonight was about the music. There is nothing more poetic and beautiful than a rugged man with his guitar…. and a sense of humor. The Sands Event Center was packed, it was a full house and several screaming people who could not contain the love they have for Mr. Kris Kristofferson. He is eighty years old now and still kicking some major tail. He is touring around the United States and tonight he gave Bethlehem, PA a beautiful show. It was him and his guitar. There were no fancy fireworks, no back-up dancers, and no distractions. It was Kristofferson and the music.
Parking was slight chaotic but everyone got to where they were going and the valet and security were doing a great job. I walked in right as he was singing, “Shipwrecked in the Eighties.” He also sang some fan-favorites in which more screaming was definitely going to happen. He did “Darby’s Castle,” a beautiful song. “Me and Bobby McGee,” which always feels like no matter who is singing this song, it is a beloved song. Kris Kristofferson and Fred Foster are listed as writers. The song has been sung by everyone from Janis Joplin to Pink.
Mr. Kristofferson also sang “Here Comes That Rainbow Again” in which everyone got sort of quiet and it was as if they were truly listening to each word he was singing. He took a fifteen minute break and quipped, “I’ll be back then to do whatever it is I am supposed to do.” A beautiful soul really when you think about it. He has out-lasted bands, boy bands, pop stars. You name it! He also sang, “Nobody Wins.” He sings, “Too far apart. The lovin’ was easy. It’s the livin’ that’s hard. And there’s no need to stay and see. The way it ends. It’s over. Nobody wins.”
It was an awesome kind of feeling to see so many people singing along, happy, not worried. That is what music does. It takes you away from reality for a short period of time. He also sang “Rocket to Stardom,” “Feeling Mortal,” Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again),” “They Killed Him,” “To Beat the Devil,” “The Silver Tongued Devil and I.”
He did an encore and of course the fans were ecstatic. You can see the lines in his face, the expressions he makes. The way he holds his guitar. The jokes he makes about his harmonica. He is a genuine talent, a treasure in music that we should always appreciate. Bethlehem, PA certainly showed him love and we say Thank you again Mr. Kristofferson and a tip of the hat to you sir!
“May your nightmares inspire you.” JMS
