Uncle Kracker shared the opening slots with such bands as Eve 6 and Better Than Ezra. He began his set with his summer anthem “When the Sun Goes Down,” his chart-topping collaboration with country mega-star Kenny Chesney. He continued with his smooth rendition of “Drift Away,” where he had The Paramount audience clapping along and singing along with him, as the stage was graced in blue and purple lights.
He immediately broke into the catchy “In a Little While,” as well as his signature tune “Follow Me,” where fuchsia lights dimmed on the stage, and he and his band performed it in an acoustic fashion.
Uncle Kracker praised Huntington, New York, for being a “cool city” as opposed to Detroit, Michigan, where he grew up. He continued with “No Stranger To Shame” and he went on to thank Sugar Ray for bringing him out on tour with them, prior to covering Sublime’s “What I Got.”
Equally noteworthy was the uplifting, yet laid-back adult contemporary ballad “Smile,” and he closed his set by paying tribute to his friend, Kid Rock, with yet another summer-friendly tune “All Summer Long.”
The Verdict
Overall, Uncle Kracker did a superb job at The Paramount, opening for Sugar Ray on their 2015 “Under the Sun” tour. He interacted well with the audience and was able to deliver throughout his set. His show garnered 4.5 out of 5 stars.