Chase Rice, part of Mandalay Bay’s Concerts on the Beach series, was bubbling at the surface of country music success in 2012 when his song “Cruising” became a hit for Florida Georgia Line. Hard work drove him through a successful high school and University of North Carolina football career, and Survivor: Nicaragua brought him national recognition in 2010, but within two years his debut album Dirt Road Communion cracked the Billboard Country Albums chart. Then 2014’s Ignite the Night became the No. 1 country album and reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200.
The success of his latest single “Everybody We Know Does” will likely foreshadow the reception of Rice’s next full-length album, due out before the end of the year. Although his previous single, “Whisper,” stalled this spring before cracking country’s top 10, While a repeat of his previous success with the next album would be welcome, Rice is not one to be discouraged, considering live performing the foundation of his career. Artists such as Garth Brooks and Kenny Chesney were inspirational for their showmanship; Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash set examples for the outlaw outlook; and his late father inspired him to sing. As long as the crowds keep coming, he’ll be happy.
Mandalay Bay Beach, 9 p.m. July 23, $35 plus tax and fee. 800.745.3000, Ticketmaster
