While the fourth season of USA’s Nashville Star has been over for several months, the tour with the final 4 contestants is just beginning to roll along. Arriving on a sunny, perfect afternoon, the foursome, backed by the Nashville Star band, played for an enthusiastic crowd at Indian Ranch in Webster, MA.

The Stars’ came out together for the opening number and then each did their own set in the order they were eliminated from the contest. Added to the stage for this concert were two flat screen televisions that played excerpts from the show – including the contestants’ and judges’ comments during the show.

First out was Matt Mason, he claimed to be heavily influenced by Haggard, Cash and Jennings, and this was evident in the music he selected for his set – two Cash favorites – “Folsom Prison” and “I’ve Been Everywhere,” along with a Jennings song. Mason seemed a bit stiff but loosened up some during his own song, “Whisky on Ice.”

Nicole Jamrose, the only woman and the oldest of the tour, has an edge like many of today’s country women performers – Miranda Lambert, Danielle Peck, and Gretchen Wilson. She has a powerful voice and let fly with her original song “Greatest Day” and brought the audience to their feet with Keith Anderson’s “Pickin’ Wildflowers.”

The final two men had many young fans in the audience. While Chris Young may have won Nashville Star, Casey Rivers came across with the stronger, louder and more rocking set. He had the crowd on their feet with the opening Travis Tritt song “Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde.” Rivers showed his full talent range by including a traditional country song from Conway Twitty, a gospel hymn and his own “Whiz Bang.” He ended with everyone back on their feet and clapping along with “Great Balls of Fire.”

Chris Young, Nashville Star’s season winner, seemed much less flamboyant and more old-time country – in the Alan Jackson, George Strait tradition. While he started off fine with the sexy, Tim McGraw song, “Real Good Man,” the remaining songs in the set were a bit dull including the Randy Travis song, ‘I’m Gonna Love You Forever, Amen” and his own new single, “Drinkin’ Me Lonely.”

I should mention the Nashville Star Band. The two guitarists, keyboardist and drummer were excellent – with more onstage personality then any of the singers! They did all sets without a break and were constantly in motion, playing, adding background vocals and encouraging the audience to sing along. They were very good and very talented.

Closing with Big and Rich’s“Comin' to Your Town,” everyone left well satisfied – a beautiful outdoor playground on a lake, good clear weather, and great music makes for a wonderful summer day. Bring on the sweet tea and put some chicken on the barbecue.