Merle Haggard @ Balboa Theatre

Merle Haggard: Killing it with Country at the Balboa Theatre

Words by Kristen Fogle

Legendary country star Merle Haggard graced San Diego with what appeared to be a sold out appearance at the Balboa Theatre on Thursday, March 1. Looking a little older (but more slimmed down than the last time I saw him perform around ten years ago), Haggard rocked the crowd with old favorites and even made the show a family affair with his two sons and daughter, who took the stage prior to their old man.

Though a brief illness had him sidelined for several shows, the 74-year-old songwriter/singer/guitarist great started his tour earlier than expected in Tucson, Arizona’s Fox Theatre on February 28.

Said Haggard to the press: “I’m feeling good and ready to get back on the bus. Thanks to all for their powerful prayers that led to my speedy recovery. I’m rehearsing with the band and looking forward to playin’ and singin’ again.”

And he does it well. Haggard boasts several decades of not only “playin’ and singing,” but doing it well. He began his career playing Lefty Frizzell and imitating Jimmie Rodgers, until his rebellious nature soon took hold and he did time in jails and San Quentin. Haggard soon joined the thriving Bakersfield country scene, however, and went on to play in Vegas until “(My Friends Are Gonna Be) Strangers,”—his first of his many top ten singles (including forty #1s)—pushed him into fame. From there, Haggard hooked up with greats Johnny Cash and several others, making his mark on music with his heartfelt, sorrowful lyrics about life.

On March 1 at the Balboa, one could still see remnants of the same tortured soul, but mostly it’s a happy, enthusiastic seasoned vet revisiting old songs as if they were good friends. The crowd, who looked to be mostly in their forties, got to hear all of their favorites, including “Mama Tried” (his opener), “The Fight Inside of Me,” “The Bottle Let Me Down,” I’m a Lonesome Fugitive,” “Sing Me Back Home,” “I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink,” and his closer—“Okie from Muskogee.” On this ditty in particular, fans jumped out of their seats and made their way into the aisles, singing and clapping along.

The concert, one of the best seen, audience members tended to agree, was light and personable. During the hour and a half Haggard was on stage, he cracked jokes and introduced his longtime band the Strangers, who all introduced themselves to each other before actually meeting the audience. And as said prior, for a half hour before Haggard, the crowd was treated to the younger generation of Haggard’s—the youngest son on base, the oldest son singing…finally deferring to Haggard’s daughter who belted our Patsy Cline tunes.

This intimate setting was definitely aided by the beautiful Balboa Theatre. A gem located in Horton Plaza, the space, built in 1924, recently went through renovations in 2005 to restore it to its historic glory. Though there is generally a concert or performance going on, Balboa also boasts a behind the scenes tour (which this theatre lover is just dying to do!).

For more information on the tour and upcoming acts, please visit: http://www.broadwaysd.com/balboa.php.

For more information on Merle Haggard, including tour dates, please visit: www.merlehaggard.com