No Shoes Nation delights country fans at Old Orchard Beach concert

OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Country music fans flocked to The Ballpark on Thursday to see No Shoes Nation, a Kenney Chesney Tribute band.

The six-member band from New Hampshire aims to recreate a Kenny Chesney concert, bringing “the thrill and excitement of a Kenny Chesney concert with the same outstanding musicianship that has driven Kenny to sell out stadiums all over the country,” according to the band’s website.

 

No Shoes Nation performs favorites by Kenny Chesney at The Ballpark. PHOTO COURTESY OF JIM SWAIN

Last week’s show drew more than 800 people. Audience members danced and sang along to covers of Kenny Chesney favorites like “How Forever Feels,” “No Shoes, No Shirts, No Problem,” and “When the Sun Goes Down.” To the delight of the crowd, the high energy show extended past the usual 8 p.m. end time.

 

Concert goers line up at the concessions stand at The Ballpark. PHOTO COURTESY OF JIM SWAIN

The No Shoes Nation show was part of the Rock the Park Summer Concert Series, hosted by the Old Orchard Beach Recreation Department. The last concert in the series, a make-up date from a previous rained-out show, will be held this week. The Masterstroke Queen Experience, a Queen tribute band, will play at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at The Ballpark.

 

No Shoes Nation drew a large crowd at The Ballpark. PHOTO COURTESY OF JIM SWAIN

“We have been overwhelmed this summer with the support and response we have gotten from all communities. Our hats are off to Jason Weber and all of the crew at the Old Orchard Beach Recreation Department. They have done an outstanding job this year. Very much looking forward to our last show this coming Friday with our Queen tribute,” said Alex MacPhail, president of Friends of The Ballpark.

 

Friends of the Ballpark President Alex MacPhail and Saco Bay Sunset Rotarian Jacob Allen give the closing remarks at the No Shoes Nation concert at The Ballpark. PHOTO COURTESY OF JIM SWAIN

Admission to Friday’s concert is $5 and is free for children 12 and younger. The Ballpark is located at the end of Ballpark Way. To get to The Ballpark, turn onto Ballpark Way at 16 E. Emerson Cummings Boulevard and follow Ballpark Way to the end.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.