Pickler & Benatar: Better move quickly if you want tickets

larger view

Making plans to trek without tickets to Eagle Mountain Casino this weekend to catch country diva Kellie Pickler on Friday, July 13 or classic rocker Pat Benatar on Sunday, July 15? You may be out of luck.

According to Eagle Mountain public relations coordinator James Valencia, the concerts are nearly sold out.

“Both shows did very good from the beginning. We always do very well with classic rock and country, and of course we’re happy when we sell out. There are a few general admission seats left for the shows, but there’s a slim chance they’ll be still be available by the show.”


Above: Kellie Pickler

Pickler is currently touring in support of her latest album, “100 Proof,” her third release since appearing on season five of “American Idol.” During an interview with The Californian last year just before an appearance at the Kern County Fair, the country singer was in the midst of retooling her image after a swift rise to the top as a sexy blond bombshell, a representation she felt required some making over.

Benatar is one of the most iconic women in rock music, selling over 30 million records and winning four Grammys over the course of her career.


Above: Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo

Bursting onto the scene with a mix of classically trained vocals and energetic rock style in the ’70s, the pint-sized singer became synonymous with the decade to follow with a string of hits including “Love Is a Battlefield,” “Heartbreaker,” “Promises in the Dark” and “We Belong.” Her biggest single “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” is performed by Catherine Zeta Jones in the current big-screen musical “Rock of Ages,” starring Tom Cruise.

She and husband/guitarist Neil Giraldo have been inseparable since Giraldo was hired to assemble Benatar’s first backing band in 1977.

Concerts at Eagle Mountain Casino
681 South Tule Road in Porterville
559-788-6220; eaglemtncasino.com
Kellie Pickler: 9 p.m. Friday; tickets $25 to $35
Pat Benatar: 8 p.m. Sunday; tickets $20 to $30



(Click below to add us on Facebook!)

(Click below to visit our official YouTube Channel!)

(Click below to follow us on Twitter!)



Also printed in the 7-12-12 issue of The Bakersfield Californian