When my mom stopped to visit the loft earlier this week, we were talking about upcoming concerts and she mentioned that Dolly Parton is one of her favorites. That reminded me I never posted the pictures from the show last summer at Grand Casino Hinckley. The Pure and Simple Tour stopped for a Wednesday evening show in their outdoor amphitheater on July 20, 2016 and thanks to Hinckley’s amazing general manager Mel Towle, we got to sit front and center (seriously, Mel is one of the best people in the entire casino world).

Growing up, I probably knew Dolly more for the movie 9 to 5 than for her country music. I also thought it was cool that we shared a birthday (hello, Edgar Allan Poe). Seeing her perform live, it’s really hard to believe she is 70 (now 71). Gotta believe Dolly and Debbie Harry must have some sort of Secret 70 Club that prevents the effects of aging.

Don’t have a set list or much recollection of the show now – I just remember it was really sunny at the start and that she was quite the entertainer. I think we also waited in the parking lot afterwards for nearly as long as she played (guessing the Hinckley police force is not a fan of summer concert nights). Looking at set lists from other stops, she did hit all the big ones: Jolene, Islands in the Stream, 9 to 5, Coat of Many Colors and I Will Always Love You.

Thanks, Sugar!