It was an unforgettable evening of big country tunes provided by one heck of a big cowboy.

 

Trace Adkins hypnotized Calgarians with his smooth, deep voice last night at Cowboys. The 6-ft.-6-in. country star opened his set, appropriately, with Big Time -- and it certainly was.

 

The Academy of Country Music's current Rising Star winner told the sold-out crowd of 630 that he had been to Eastern Canada, but failed to find many cowboys.

 

"I felt at home here today with everyone wearing their hats," said Adkins.

 

The baritone rolled through three more songs from his hit album, Dreamin' Out Loud, before his show was interrupted by a City of Calgary official who presented Adkins with a white Stetson. The sheepish singer expressed his gratitude, but added: "Does this mean I have to be a good guy now?"

 

It was a double delight when the golden-haired, blue-eyed cowboy sang his hit single I Left Something Turned On At Home, followed by a song from his forthcoming album, which is scheduled for an October release.

 

For The Rest of Mine is a beautiful love song that showcases the low range of his voice as well as his tender side. Earlier, Adkins told the Sun the song would probably be the title track of his second record. It was also the song he sang to his bride at their wedding.

 

Adkins enjoyed playing the new material, which also included the moving songs If I Could Hold You Down and Don't Leave Me Alone -- the latter inspired Adkins to do some sexy hip moves.

 

Though he didn't chat much with the crowd, they should consider themselves fortunate to see this star in such an intimate venue.

 

Adkins' star continues to shoot higher and it ain't no thinkin' thing to figure out the next time this tall drink of water passes through town, he'll be playing a much larger venue.

 

The Tremblay Brothers started the night with some good traditional country, backed with some fine family harmonizing. These local boys did a mix of their own material from their CD Second Chances -- She Doesn't Know was the highlight -- and some cover songs, including an interesting hybrid of Tim McGraw's I Like It I Love It with Bob Seger's Old Time Rock and Roll.