Fans come early to see Paisley, Bentley

Lori Falce For the CDT

What’s a little rain when you’re waiting for one of the hottest acts in country music?

The crowd clustered outside the doors of the Bryce Jordan Center early despite the perpetual drizzle Friday for Brad Paisley’s American Saturday Night Tour. It didn’t hurt that his opening act was Dierks Bentley, another rising star on the country scene. Or that new hitmaker Jimmy Wayne was rounding out the bill.

“It’s the whole package!” said Allie Watkins, of Danville. She and her friends Colin Cope, of Lehighton, and Kenda Huffman, of Turbotville, showed up in their best country gear: lots of plaid, denim, boots and cowboy hats. The girls were torn between Bentley and Paisley as the top draw, but Cope was looking forward to the warm-up. It’s the first time any of them have seen the country superstars and they were looking forward to it, no matter how high up their seats were.

“We can see the stage,” said Cope. The show brought people from all over. A cluster of resident assistants from Lock Haven University showed up with signs supporting all the acts.

“We are in love with Dierks Bentley and Brad Paisley!” said Leigh Szucs. And Wayne, too, who held up her “Dierks and Jimmy!” sign on stage in his first song. What makes them all such a draw? “They’re hot!” said all the girls.

But the headliner has more than just good looks and chart toppers going for him.

“I think he’s a really genuine guy,” said Katie Schreckengost.