Kiefer Sutherland's Intimate Evening in Buffalo

Last night, Kiefer Sutherland brought his own unique brand of country through town as his band performed at Buffalo Iron Works to a sold out crowd. It was quickly apparent that this wasn't a typical country music crowd, which is known to gather quite often here in the Queen City, but rather, a gathering of some of Sutherland's most die-hard fans. Fortunately, both sides got exactly what they came for.

To say Kiefer is the "latest" Hollywood star to cross over into music wouldn't exactly be true. He's dabbled with this songwriting for ages, but only last year began to seriously pursue this creative outlet as he put pen to paper in an effort to demo a few songs and shop them to current artists. The upcoming album "Down in a Hole" is the result of those efforts, after two demos grew into an entire album's worth of material.

The show began with the lead single from his demo, "Can't Stay Away" and it was immediately apparent to the crowd that what they were getting was authentic. As he moved through his set, consisting of thirteen original songs and three covers, Sutherland kept the tempo steady. Between songs, the crowd was treated to stories of life lessons, growing up just north in Toronto, and his earliest memories of realizing how cool his father (actor Donald Sutherland) is.

As a Hollywood actor, it's hard to imagine that someone of Sutherland's stature could decide to just hang out with everyday people and talk about life without constantly being overrun with fans interested in talking about your latest TV show or their favorite movie. In music, Kiefer appears to realize he's found a way to establish that direct connection with people.

As the band moved through the set, they included the remainder of the demo that is currently on sale during the tour, including the tour named "Not Enough Whiskey." The covers were a great way to dial it in with fans, given this was often some of the only music they really knew heading into the evening. Cover selections included Tom Petty's "Honey Bee," Gordon Lightfoot's "Sundown" and the show closer, Bob Dylan's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door."

Just as fans of the actor, Kiefer Sutherland, arrived for the evening; so did fans of the musician leave after the set. It's a fair conclusion that the next time Sutherland brings his band through town, he may need to book a larger venue. The music has spoken, and it comes straight form the heart. This was the kind of show fans will tell their friends about.

Setlist:

Can't Stay Away

I'll Do Anything

Calling Out Your Name

Truth in Your Eyes

Not Enough Whiskey

Going Home

My Best Friend

Ways to be Wicked

Goodbye

Honey Bee (Tom Petty cover)

Shirley Jean