Category: Reviews

Faith No More Leave Long Lasting Impression on Day One at NYC’s Webster Hall

Faith No More has embarked on one of the biggest tours of 2015 and for the first leg of the tour, they played two show’s at New York City’s Webster Hall last week, and I was lucky enough to get my hands on a ticket and managed to take a trip down and catch the first show on May 13. The Webster Hall is one of Manhattan’s most premiere night clubs, and a very intimate setting to catch a metal show. It was a real blessing to have attended this show. But things started off with the most unexpected, a punk band from Mexico called Le Butcherettes.

San Francisco – October 28, 2014

You couldn’t ask for a more bizarre, yet appropriate band to open for Faith No More. Le Butcherettes is exactly what rock and roll is missing. And that is the “I don’t give a fuck” attitude packaged with the unexpected. It all starts with frontwoman Teri Gender Bender who is an absolute fiend. I would describe her as the female Mike Patton with a touch of Wendy O’ Williams to her. Not only vocally, she possesses a wide range, she’s playing the keyboard and guitar, but most importantly her performance was so wicked, dirty, and out of this world. Everyone in the audience was in awe from this band. I almost forgot I was at a Faith No More show before their set ended.

When Faith No More took the stage, it was the most surreal and beautiful thing to behold. They had everything in white on stage, and before they started, the stage hands and roadies covered everything in flowers. It almost looked like a wedding.

The same day, Faith No More performed on Jimmy Fallon. They started off with a new song “Mother Fucker” which lit everyone up with excitement. As for me, I haven’t felt such a surreal feeling of witnessing a band play since the first time I saw Soundgarden reunite at Chicago’s Lollapalooza back in 2010. The entire band has such a unique chemistry. Frontman Mike Patton’s outlandish and comical presence is something to behold, and vocally, whether if he’s singing his ass off, rapping, or doing super sonic screams, he proves to this day he’s one of the very best in the business.

The one who anchors the band is keyboardist Roddy Buttom. He has an intimidating presence, but he’s also comical. It’s very rare in a band when the keyboardist is the one that takes charge. I also really liked bassist Billy Gould’s performance, he’s definitely an underrated bass player.

Five songs in, Faith No More performed their well-known hit “Epic” along with another new song “Sunny Side Up”. The real highlight of the set was hearing “Surprise! You’re Dead!” and “Midlife Crisis” back to back. Faith No More did a phenomenal job playing songs off their Mike Patton-era catalog and material off their new album Sol Invictus.

Later in the set we heard “Easy” and “King For A Day” before closing with “Ashes To Ashes” and their new single “Superhero”. But of course the crowd was graced with a three song encore and a one song second encore thus giving New York City 19 songs total.

Overall, an unforgettable night for sure. Faith No More is back with a vengeance and will be returning to New York City at Madison Square Garden on August 5. So if you missed the two shows at Webster Hall, you still have a chance to see them in August, and I highly recommend that you do because you won’t regret it. 2015 is the year of Faith No More.

May 20, 2015
Sean Danielsen Comes to the Forvm

The Forvm was entertained to a wonderful night of rock bands going acoustic Tuesday night. Amherst had a special guest in town. Leader Singer Sean Danielsen was on tour doing his own acoustic music. Most people know him as the front man of the band Smile Empty Soul. I had the pleasure tosit with him before doors open and do a small interview and pick his brain on a few things. He was a down to earth delightful man to talk to.

Before doors opened bands arrived and started unloading all their gear. I had started chatting with the bands on the excitement from going rock to acoustic. All the local bands performing I have seen at least one time, and was very excited to hear them all acoustic. I was very interested to see how the arrangements were going to be.

6pm hit and it was time for doors to open. People filed in one by one and the venue filled up only about quarter of max capacity. Then the first band took the stage, this was Letterbox from Silver Creek New York. They are originally a four piece but they stripped it down to their vocalist Paul and main guitarist Andrew. This is how Letterbox originally started; this is how I knew them from years back. It was just Andrew and Paul. Then later down the line they added their bassist and drummer. Letterbox was a solid opener and played all their greatest hits and even entertained a new song that they have never played in public before.

Second up was John Harris, he treated the audience to originals and covers that everyone knew. This was John’s last show in Buffalo as he is moving to Syracuse in a couple of weeks to pursue his first love, jewelry. John is a full-time custom jewelry maker and does all sorts of charity work with big names such as Seether, and Ever Clear. He takes broken cymbals and creates custom works of art, they go up for auction and the proceeds go to charities. Next up was female fronted band Lost Elysium. There set was great Ashley’s captivating vocals rang clear through the venue. Now the band I was anticipating to see all night, Seven Faces. I have done work for them over the past couple years and have only known them as a hard-hitting in your face rock band. I spoke to drummer Chuck and vocalist Scott prior to the show they explained all the hard work they had put in and how they think this is something that could stick given the circumstances. I was pleasantly surprised to hear their set. It was entrancing and everything I hoped it would be.

Second last up was Christian Lawrence, also known as Opus, and Dead By Wednesday. Sounds little silly but I had the pleasure of talking to him a little bit before the show and had no idea of who he was until he got on stage. One of the most genuine musicians I have met. He sang mostly originals and they were all spectacular. I currently have his acoustic cd in my car and known almost all the lyrics word for word!

Then lastly was Sean Danielsen, if you weren’t there before the doors opened this would have been the first time you seen him. He remained in his trailer all night until five min before he was supposed to be on. I felt bad for Sean, when it was his turn to be on stage I could have counted the number of people on just my fingers and toes. Though the ones who did stay showed him all the love that he could ever need that night. He started off with songs like “Food Chain” and “Waves”. These were singles off his latest album Food Chain. Then he sang the song that made his main band Smile Empty Soul rise to fame. “Bottom Of the Bottle”. Everyone sang along to this song and showed his all the support he could ask for. As he finished his set he went and sat at his merch booth and talked to the small amount of fans that were left and signed a few things for everyone. It was a great performance by everyone that night and all the bands hard work showed in each of their sets. Not one individual left disappointed that night.

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May 19, 2015
In Flames Ignites the Town Ballroom

On Friday, May 15, Swedish melodic death metal pioneers, In Flames, brought their special brand of heavy metal to Buffalo. The crowd was treated to a powerfully diverse setlist, which covered the majority of the band’s extensive discography. In Flames was joined by Maryland’s djent authorities, Periphery, and Massachusetts’ metal sons, All That Remains.

Periphery took to the stage first and instantly got the crowd moving with a few beloved tracks from earlier in their discography. Their crushingly heavy sound, laced with choppy breakdowns and intricate overlays, forced their diehard fans to get the mosh pit going right from the start. However, the general consensus from the first few rows of fans was disappointment in Periphery’s song selection, since the rest of their set consisted of all new material from their newest albums, Juggernaut: Alpha and Juggernaut: Omega.

It seemed as though all the fan-favorite songs had been left behind for this tour, but as an opening band, Periphery’s stage presence made up for it tenfold. These guys know how to have fun and how to get the crowd involved. One lucky fan even got the privilege of being the lead man in a circle pit, orchestrated by Periphery’s lead vocalist, Spencer Sotelo.

All That Remains followed and got a great response from the still-growing crowd. Vocalist, Phil Labonte had a lot to say about the negative feedback their last few albums have been getting. “A lot of people say they don’t like us anymore because our new stuff isn’t heavy enough, but we’re in the band and they’re not,” he commented, right before the band started a powerful ballad with mostly clean guitars and singing. Diehard ATR fans were delighted after hearing the tracks, “This Calling” and “Six” from their cult classic album, The Fall of Ideals, but for the most part, the crowd was divided between ATR’s fans of old and new. It was easy to tell the two groups apart. Older fans looked bored half the time, but the majority of the crowd mostly newer fans loved the entire set and emotionally sang along with every lyric. Either way, ATR had a lot of energy and a tight sound, keeping the whole crowd head banging the entire time.

Afterwards, In Flames took to the stage and dominated. They opened with ‘Embody the Invisible’, a cult favorite track from their 1999 album, Colony. Other cult favorites followed such as, ‘Clayman’ and ‘Bullet Ride’ from IF’s year 2000 release, Clayman. Aside from those three 15-plus year old tracks, the rest of the set covered a lot of musical ground. They made sure to play ‘Cloud Connected’ from the album, Reroute to Remain, and ‘Take This Life’ from the album, Come Clarity. Both of those songs get a lot of criticism from older fans, but they also carry a lot of weight. ‘Cloud Connected’, released in 2001, was the first song to get the band serious Western exposure in mainstream US metal, while ‘Take This Life’, went on to appear in a version of Guitar Hero after its 2006 release.

In Flames receives a lot of criticism the world over, mainly because of their drastic change in sound after getting noticed in North America in the early ‘2000s, but there wasn’t a single miserable expression worn during their set this past Friday night. Vocalist, Anders Friden kept the crowd entertained with his witty personality and at one point, initiated the first of many crowd surfers. He also pretended to not realize he was in Buffalo. “Don’t be offended if I accidentally say Boston a few times,” he joked about halfway through the set. It also happened to be IF bassist, Peter Iwers’s birthday, so as he is a huge hockey fan, the band got him a Buffalo Sabres jersey autographed by every member of the three bands playing that night and presented it to him on stage. Needless to say, the sea of Buffalonians loved every second of it.

IF’s latest album, Siren Charms, was the main focus point for the set, but they also included tracks from the albums, A Sense of Purpose and Sounds of a Playground Fading. They closed the night with ‘My Sweet Shadow’, a synth driven fan favorite from the album, Soundtrack to Your Escape. ‘My Sweet Shadow’ was a brilliant closer and scored IF a loud, roaring ovation as the outro faded out. Afterwards, fans darted to the guard rail in the hopes of catching a guitar pick or a drumstick before the guys respectfully disappeared backstage. It was a fitting end to a successful night, as In Flames did what they always do best: They left their fans wanting more.

Rest assured In Flames, Buffalo, NY can’t wait for your next visit.

May 19, 2015
Pokey LaFarge Stops and Smells the Lilacs

The first Rochester Lilac Festival dates back to 1898. It added musical entertainment just a few years later in 1901. Over a century later, in 2015, Pokey LaFarge would grace the Lilac Festival stage playing music that harkened back to the festival’s humble beginnings. While his music does pull from many early music influences like Western swing, ragtime, old-time country and jazz, it manages to rise above a simple throwback. Still, Pokey LaFarge was bringing the festival way back. And he was doing it playing his new and original music, leaning heavily on material off his latest release, Something In the Water.

Everything about LaFarge fits into the persona of the music. His name, his hometown of St. Louis, the way he carries himself, his incredible voice and the company he keeps. His band, with Adam Hoskins on guitar, Ryan Koenig on harmonica, banjo and percussion, Joey Glynn on upright bass, Chloe Feoranzo on clarinet and saxophone, TJ Muller on trumpet and banjo, and Matthew Meyer on drums, kicked the set off with a jazzy intro for their time-shifting leader to waltz out to. LaFarge amassed the perfect outfit to suit his musical vision. Not only in the instrumentation, but the players he has chosen match and enhance the old-time nature of the music both in their playing and persona.

Musically, the band was able to adjust to the needs of every tune, giving each one it’s own individual character. Even in reaching its goal of sounding old, it came across quite fresh. The band contracted and expanded, forming different configurations. When Meyer took a break from the drums, it left the audience to fill in with a dance of claps and stomps on LaFarge’s instruction. The horn players each had a turn on the bench as well. A trumpet or harmonica could be swapped for a banjo or percussion. And they all chipped in with their voices, each taking at least one turn on harmonies. Of particular note was a duet with Chloe Feoranzo on “Let’s Get Lost” off of LaFarge’s self-titled album.

The festival was blessed with an unusually hot opening weekend, prompting LaFarge to declare, “Let’s forget spring and skip straight to summer,” before kicking into “City Summer Blues” featuring Adam Hoskins on slide guitar. “Wanna Be Your Man” got TJ Muller up front and center with some nifty trumpet work. They closed out the set with a cover, a rousing rendition of Bob Willis’ “What’s the Matter with the Mill” that gave every member of the band a chance to shine on a solo and the crowd one last chance to dance in the grass under the hot sun.

The crowd had steadily grown throughout the set, as passersby from the festival grounds were drawn in to the sweet sounds of old-time jazz and country. The music might even have transported some from a Lilac Festival past. I could have sworn I saw some flappers out there…

May 18, 2015
Scotty McCreery Still American Idol to Fans at Turning Stone Showroom

Scotty McCreery was only 17-years-old when he won the 10th season on American Idol in 2011. Perhaps this young man was new to those just seeing him for the first time, however Scotty had spent most of his life singing and playing and preparing for his moment on that stage.

Growing up in North Carolina, Scotty McCreery at the age of 5-years-old received a book from his grandmother about Elvis, and from that point on, he knew what he wanted to do. He began learning guitar immediately thereafter and throughout his school years participated in chorus and plays, as well as sang at his local church. No stranger to the stage, this young man competed in several contests throughout his teenage years, and participated in numerous benefit concerts raising money for different causes.

This young man is not only extremely talented, he is very well grounded. With his family and his faith supporting him, he has continued to pursue his dream of music while attending the North Carolina State University. This ACM, American Country Music, and CMT Award winning artist continues to grow musically, while keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

As the show at Turning Stone Casino began, I was in visual heaven as they had one outstanding video show playing in the background. As audibly appealing as each song was to me that Scotty sang, the visual effects behind him was the cherry on top for me. The timing of videography matched perfectly with his music and choreography. This was an extremely well put together production and showcased his talents perfectly.

Scotty McCreery – Turning Stone Casino Showroom

Looking around me I couldn’t help but take in the diversity of the crowd that evening. There was every generation there from young girls reaching and screaming out as though they were at Beatle mania, to their grandmothers who sang along with every song. It was crystal clear that this country crooner appealed to the masses. Whether it was an upbeat tempo, a dedication to those who we have lost serving our country, or belting out a mashup of some of country music greats: “King of The Road” by Roger Miller, “Mama Tried” by Merle Haggard, “White Lightning” by George Jones, and “Mountain Music”, by Alabama. His music spanned generations and showcased his voice impeccably. All in all, this was one amazing show, and I see great things on the horizon for this artist. Already with three albums already under belt, fans can look forward to a fourth he’s currently working on that is expected by years end.

Touring this summer with Rascal Flatts on their RIOT TOUR 2015, catch him as he will be back to New York August 29, 2015 at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center. For more information, visit www.darienlake.com/concerts/ for this and many other upcoming LiveNation concerts.

May 17, 2015
Hearing Aide: ShwizZ ‘My Good Side/My Bad Side’

ShwizZ‘s bad side is better than most bands’ best sides. Hell, I think their bad side is better than their own good. Listening to the NYC-based band’s new double-album release, My Good Side/ My Bad Side for the first time, I couldn’t help but wait to listen to it again.

The first listen was to satiate my thirst; once I hit play, I devoured both albums. The second time through was for pleasure; minute intricacies revealed themselves around each corner of the compilation and lead to aural ecstasy.

Praise should be dealt out in heaps for this production. Aptly titled tunes feature deftly mastered compositions and perfectionist attention to detail. “Annie Pt. 1,” on My Bad Side, is a beautifully somber song with Pink Floyd’esque roots that later flow into the intro of Part 2, which evolves into a ShwizZy glory jam. Meanwhile, throughout the Bad Side, a shadow of Umphrey’s McGee’s primordial beast surfaces again and again—listen to the breakdown in “Orange Wreck” or the Prowler-like pick-me-up to “Doorbell”. That jam turns video-gamey in a “I just double-fisted the 1-up green mushroom and power-up red mushroom” kind of way. Dream Theater’s keyboardist Jordan Rudess cameos on My Good Side’s “Duggan,” but Dream Theater’s influences are just as evident in My Bad Side‘s “The Zone.”

ShwizZ’s Good Side aptly demonstrates the band’s diversity. The double-set’s eleventh track, “Number Twelve” is simply put, an incredible rock song. It features heavy shredding, great transitions, and immaculate composition. “What Does This Mean” may be the most palatable tune of the bunch. Tight verses, heavy breakdowns, and furious instrumentation are supplemented by the relatable, sing-along’able chorus. Like both albums, this tune’s ebb and flow will leave you feeling insatiated; the only thing that would make it better is more.

It’s hard to define ShwizZ’s genre. “Slow Down” is a groovy funk-fest that evolves into a percussion-infused jazz odyssey. “Orange Wreck” features a section of tango and they literally “Summon the Fawn” with an orchestral masterpiece early on in My Good Side. The guitar, bass, drums, keys, sax, even triangle are all highlighted throughout the albums; everyone gets their shot and plays their part. They shift seamlessly between sexy grooves and grueling shafts. At times I sat still, enthralled by each note, captivated and wondering what was next. Other times, my shoulders began shaking as the vibrations ignited involuntary one-man dance parties.

Once in a while you listen to a new album from a rising artist and know they’re the real deal (Tauk’s Collisions comes to mind). Add ShwizZ’s My Good Side/My Bad Side to that list. They were a blip on my radar before, but now ShwizZ is squarely on the map. I love to say I told you so when I say, “these guys are here to stay.”

Keytracks: Orange Wreck, What Does This Mean, Duggan

The official album release party will be held on Saturday May 16 at The Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, New York.

May 15, 2015
Show Number One: The Legendary Fishbone at Westcott

The best moments in life are often those that come with little planning – so when my buddy hit me up last Wednesday about making a last-minute trip to see ska/punk/funk legends Fishbone at Syracuse’s Westcott Theater – I said “Funk ya!” California’s Fishbone has been touring since 1979 and still features three original members – lead vocalist Angelo Moore, bassist John Norwood Fisher and “Dirty” Walter A Kibby II on trumpet. Add in Rocky George of Suicidal Tendencies fame on guitar, John Steward on drums, Jay Armant on trombone, and Paul Hampton on the keys and they become a force to be reckoned with. This is no watered down state fair nostalgia act, this is the real deal.

Street Rock Mafia – a rap/funk/rock group from Utica. The Mafia’s genre is well stated as their sound lay somewhere in between Limp Bizkit, Ludacris and Syracuse’s own Sophistafunk. With ample guitar to go with the eloquent hip hop and subtle funk undertones – this band should have no trouble finding a varied audience as they continue to grow.

Finally it was time to grab one of the Westcott’s micro brews and get a spot up front for Fishbone. The audience was a bit sparse considering the history of this band, but that took little from the experience. The band came out to play one of their most well-known tunes “Party at Ground Zero” and immediately set the dance floor on fire. Showing no signs of age – vocalist/multi instrumentalist Moore was bouncing around the stage like an eighteen year old – and the rest of the band followed suit. The set featured a mix of old and new material and a spot on cover of the Sublime classic “Date Rape.” The band even managed to give a shout out to guitarist George’s old band – Suicidal Tendencies – with an extended head bang worthy jam around the tune “Institutionalized”. I, of course, immediately asked the bartender for a Pepsi, but he wouldn’t give me one.

Fishbone is touring heavily this year and was just announced as a headliner for September’s Last Daze of Summer festival at Sterling Stage in Sterling, NY. Put this band on your bucket list and find a way to see them. The last-minute journey to funkytown was well worth the five hours of sleep and the groggy morning after. And I finally got my Pepsi.

May 15, 2015
Hearing Aide: The Pandemics ‘Hard Headed’ EP

The Pandemics just released a new EP called Hard Headed. This band of musicians is a relatively new force in New York. Debuting in 2010 and having previously released another EP and an album, The Pandemics are an eight piece band spreading through New York State with a recognizably robust sound. The sounds of trumpets and drums open up the EP with an initial jam that is slower and one of the key songs on the EP to check out. The second song to be check out is “Change Your Mind.” This song is a head full of upbeat punk music with sarcastic humor on one shoulder and the combination of bad words on the other shoulder.

“Stop and Get Frisky” is a very relevant tune. This number is all about police violence. This past year the murder of Mike Brown and Eric Garner as well as other murders received a lot of well deserved attention and sparked a movement called Black Lives Matter. Cops are recurring themes in Ska and punk music, however, the lyrics in “Stop and Get Frisky,” – “The stopping for white is nearly six times for blacks,” make it clear that the song is specifically addressing the issue of racial profiling.

The Pandemics are bringing up important issues of police profiling in their new EP Hard Headed. Check it out and catch The Pandemics on tour in New York State this summer!

Key Tracks: Change Your Mind, Stop and Get Frisky

May 14, 2015
Brothers Osborne Rock The “Small But Mighty Crowd” at Kegs Canalside

As Brothers Osborne performed at Kegs Canalside in Jordan, NY, the enthusiasm from the audience was just as loud and approving as their previous weekends audience at The Stagecoach Festival. Okay, maybe not as loud, but every bit as approving.

Saturday’s show featured the farewell performance from Sammy Award winner Briana Jessie as she sang her heart out before leaving to chase her dreams in Nashville. This little spitfire will do well down there with her amazing talent and driven personality, it won’t be long before you hear her name everywhere. NYSMusic.com wishes you well and can’t wait to cover a show for you on tour one day!!!

Brianna Jessie – Kegs Canalside

Another Syracuse native, Mick Fury, made his way home to Syracuse from Nashville as well for a one night performance opening for The Brothers Osborne. I was super psyched as this would be the first time I had the opportunity to see Mick’s live show, and he did not disappoint. Singing originals and some covers, Mick got the crowd a rocking, leaving them primed for The Brothers Osborne to take over. It never ceases to amaze me just how much talent we have here locally that eventually find their way to the big times. Can’t wait to say, I knew these two when.

Mick Fury – Kegs Canalside

I was happily anticipating this set as this would be the first time I really got to watch them play. I had covered them once before at a show but while working so I didn’t really get to sit and take it all in. As John and TJ Osborne took the stage, I loved them before they even began playing. Their stage setup included some cozy relaxing wall hangings, incense burning, macramé hangings, and everything groovy you could imagine making the set the most relaxing atmosphere. Then they began playing. TJ’s voice was low, and mellow, and just as smooth and throaty as can be while John’s playing took me away to another realm all together.

John is literally one of the best guitar players I’ve ever heard…amazing. Surrounding themselves with an amazing band, with Rochester native Pete Sternberg on bass, Adam Box on drums, and utility player and newcomer Jason Graumlich, the set was chocked full of amazing originals, outstanding covers and the night flew by before we knew it. Their laid back easy ways made us feel like we were just hanging out jamming with them. At one point in the show John yells out, “You may be a small but you are a mighty crowd”. That was the truth. We may not have been the large masses they had previously played to the weekend before at The Stagecoach Festival, but we sure raised some hell, sang along, screamed and shouted, and partied along with them all night!!

I highly recommend taking in their show if they get anywhere remotely closeby. These guys are amazing. Definitely going places as there are true to their sound, their style, and their music. Check out their latest single, “Stay A Little Longer” that is flying up the charts, and by all means purchase their album!! You won’t be disappointed.

Setlist: Let’s Go, Shoot, Sippin, The Last One, La Grance, Pins, Stay, Whiskey, Lonely, Hey Good Lookin’, Down Home,
Runnin, Rum, Shape, Natural High, Rocky Mountain Way, American Dreamers, 21 Summer, You Wreck Me, Going Down

May 14, 2015
Kacey Musgraves: Following Her Own Arrow to the Top

Today’s Nashville is quickly becoming a mecca for artists of all genres. No longer is country and bluegrass music the only sounds coming from the recording studios in music city. With cross over artists writing, singing, and performing unique blends of country, bluegrass, rock, pop, R&B, reggae, and jazz melodies, we are trending towards a new millennium of country music. Kacey Musgraves is my kind of different good.

Personal preference makes me tend to gravitate towards unique artists that shine a little differently than the rest. There’s something alluring about those artists that go against the grain and march to the beat of their own drum. Different has always been better to me. While all the other artists are swimming downstream singing of solo cups and dirt roads, however catchy it is, it’s becoming boring. And before you all get your knickers in a twist, I’m a country gal and that was no slight towards solo cups and dirt roads. Heck, I’m as country as a gal can get growing up in southern Illinois and Murfreesboro, TN. I have been known to drink from a red solo cup on the tailgate of a pickup, out on some ole dirt road in cut off shorts and a flannel shirt tied at the middle. I am the definition of country. Subject matter is not the issue.

Kacey Musgraves – MVCC Jorgensen Athletic Center

Hailing from Golden, Texas, this lovely young lady demonstrates a quiet strength to me. Listening to the words of “Follow Your Arrow” and “Biscuits”, and “The Trailer Song”, it became crystal clear that Kacey tells it like it is. She paints you a mental image with the music. She sings of being your own person, makes no excuses for who she is, and definitely puts it straight to those who feel it’s their business to butt their noses in where they don’t belong. From the moment I heard the first line few lines of The Trailer Song, I knew I liked her. “You say that you’re watching the birds out your window, I’ve got a bird you can watch”. It’s her no-nonsense straight forward lyrics, combined with the twangy sound of classic country, that makes this new age young lady one of my all time favorites.

Opening for Kacey were John & Jacob, a unique band fronted by John Davidson and Jacob Bryan, with Jake Thrasher, Trevor Davis, and Austin Smith rounding out this dynamic group of young men. Bringing their own unique style to the stage I was pleasantly surprised with their catchy early 60’s suited look reminiscent of The Hollies or early Fab Four. Mix in a bit of their rocking Buddy Holly style of upbeat late 60’s rock, add a splash of backwoods country spice and you have John and Jacob. I was literally giddy when they began playing.

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As Kacey took the stage, this gal definitely walks her own walk and talks her own talk. With a sound of country mixed with a bit of 60’s rock, this young lady writes and sings of life as she knows it from her small town roots in the trailer park to the great big world as she travels. Surrounded on stage by neon cacti and one of Nashville’s premier bands clad in classic country rhinestone suits, she lights up her band and the stage in such a way she makes trailers and neon lights classy. Coming off the heals of controversy, Kacey sang Little Big Town’s new controversial song “Girl Crush” and nailed it, and her rendition of “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’” was one of my favorites of the evening.

This CMA, ACM, and Grammy Award winning artist has just begun to make her mark in country music, and as long as she continues to shoot her own arrow, she’s hit the mark for me and without a doubt this young lady will be a name that goes down in the history books.

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May 12, 2015