No chitchat, George Strait keeps it simple in West Valley City
 
By Kathy Stephenson..Salt Lake City Tribune
 
West Valley City-- Smooth and steady: It describes George Strait's music, his legendary career, and, on Friday night, his no-frills concert at Usana Amphitheatre.
As his fans know -- and love -- there is nothing flashy or hurried about the 'King of Country.' Just like royalty, he strolled onto center stage, smiled those pearly whites and never stopped performing a string of hits that included more than a dozen of his 53 No. 1 singles.
His majesty dressed in perfect country regalia (a blue plaid shirt, pressed jeans and black cowboy hat) opened with 'Write This Down,' 'Ocean Front Property' and 'Fireman,' offering little chitchat between songs except for a gentlemanly 'Thank you.'
Strait moved on to pay tribute to his Texas rodeo roots with 'I Can Still Make Cheyenne,' 'If the Whole World Was a Honky Tonk' and 'Texas.' During the latter, the two large screens on stage flashed favorite symbols of the Lone Star state, pleasing the surprisingly large contingent of Texas natives.
Fans were hanging on every word during 'I Ain't Her Cowboy Anymore' and dancing in the aisles during 'Yes or No.'
Strait may be steady and reliable, but never boring, sprinkling in a few surprises with the 'Seashores of Old Mexico' and 'Living For the Night,' a single from his new album to be released in August.
He finished up his nearly 100-minute show with favorites 'The Chair,' 'Give It Away,' 'Amarillo by Morning,' and 'Unwound.'
A short break and Strait was back for a three-song encore, highlighted by the Johnny Cash classic 'Folsom Prison' which showcased the strength of his long-time, multi-talented Ace in the Hole Band.