CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. — Country music fans flocked to CMAC in Canandaigua Thursday for the first live concert there since 2019.

Elaine Schoonerman of Palmyra was first in line and excited for country music star Dierks Bentley.

“Oh, I’ve seen him about three times," said Schoonerman. "I like all his songs. What he talks about, what he speaks about.”

So excited, in fact, she came by herself.

“It didn’t matter if no one could go, I’m coming anyway,” she said.

It’s her first concert since before the pandemic, and CMAC’s first since August 2019.

“Nothing going on last year except a lot of sobbing and wishing we were here and having a season that was open," said Ginny Clark, president of the CMAC board of directors. "And once we were able to do it, we just came alive.”

Clark says everyone from the stage crew to parking security are beyond thrilled at being back.

“Every single one of our folks is back, our volunteers are back," Clark said. "They’ve been dying to get back in this venue, so we’re excited to see the energy.”

Matt Schubert of Rochester said the last two years haven’t been the same without live music.

“It’s honestly been too long. I’m so stoked to be back," he said. "The crowd, the audience, just vibing with everyone. So yeah, I’m stoked.”

Schubert couldn't wait to be part of the crowd.

“This is my first concert back, so I’m just looking forward to the energy again, the memories. Everything,” Schubert said.