Oaklawn Racing & Gaming

Hot Spings, AR

By Daniel Locke

On February 16, 2025, Sara Evans graced Hot Springs, AR with her presence for a show at the Oaklawn Casino. Her “Unbroke Tour” is a delightful mix of personal stories, career insights, and anecdotes from her journey in country music. Throughout the performance, she shared the inspirations behind her hit songs, her artistic journey, and the challenges and triumphs she’s faced along the way. Additionally, she connected with the audience by discussing her philanthropic work, especially her passion for supporting causes like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Sara Lynn Evans, born on February 5, 1971, was raised on a farm near New Franklin, Missouri. As the oldest of seven children, she has always had music in her life, singing every weekend in her family’s band by the age of five. At sixteen, she began performing at a nightclub near Columbia, Missouri, which lasted for two years.

During the show, Sara frequently referenced her past singing gigs and how they’ve influenced who she is today while maintaining her family values. This was evident in how she keeps her family close—her sister was even touring with her as an audience member. She also shared stories about having a baby and touring with her child.

One of the most memorable aspects of the evening was the constant flow of fans taking selfies with her on stage. People would run up to the stage and take photos with her, and Sara made sure to be in every single one.

Sara also talked about the current state of the music industry, explaining that nowadays, artists need to already be famous before coming to Nashville and must build their own fan base on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. In contrast, record companies used to build an artist’s fan base for them. She encouraged the audience to listen to her podcast as well.

Interestingly, this show was not listed on her website, only on her social media.

Throughout the “Unbroke Tour,” Sara Evans has been performing a variety of cover songs.

Not Over You (Gavin DeGraw)

Slow Me Down

Perfect

As If

I Keep Looking 

Behind Closed Doors (Charlie Rich cover)

It’s Too Late (Carole King cover)

No Place That Far

21 Days

Sorry Now

My Sharona (The Knack)

“I Could Not Ask for More” by Edwin McCain

Real Fine Place

Stronger

She’s Got You (Patsy Cline)

Suds in the Bucket

BTF

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Jack Daniels Big Bash

Nashville, TN

By Elizabeth Locke

Photos by Elizabeth Locke and Dan Locke

Over the years I have seen New Year Eve in the Philippines in the streets of Davao City and on television.  And on television it has always been NYE in New York  And never really saw anything other part of the celebration in the United State until now.

At the age of 53, as a Filipino woman with a deep love for 70s romantic music, I found myself stepping out of my usual musical comfort zone to experience Nashville’s famed New Year’s Eve Big Bash. And what an unforgettable experience it turned out to be! Here’s a look at the event through the eyes of someone who cherishes the timeless melodies of Barry Manilow and Air Supply.

Nashville, known as the epicenter of country music, delivered on its promise of a high-energy, musically rich celebration. The moment I arrived at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, I was immediately swept up by the palpable excitement in the air. Thousands of people from all walks of life were gathered to ring in the new year with a night filled with music, dancing, and revelry.

The performances were the heart and soul of the Big Bash. The lineup featured an array of talented country artists, both legendary and emerging ( Keith Urban ,  Kane Brown, Jelly Roll, Shaboozey, Alana Springsteen and Brittany Spencer). Despite my affinity for the smooth sounds of 70s romantic music, I found myself appreciating the raw, heartfelt performances that country music is known for. The artists’ passion and connection with the audience were truly contagious. One moment that stood out to me was a beautiful ballad performed by a Keith Urban, which, although different in genre, resonated with the same emotional depth that I love about 70s romantic music.

The stage was a spectacle in itself, adorned with dazzling lights, fireworks, and giant screens that ensured everyone had a great view of the action. The visual effects were nothing short of spectacular, adding an extra layer of excitement to the night. As someone who grew up attending more intimate, mellow concerts, this grand-scale production was a thrilling change of pace.

One of the most delightful surprises of the evening was the variety of musical influences present. While country music was the star of the show, there were moments when other genres made an appearance. A DJ played a mix of pop and disco hits from the all genes during the intermissions, which brought a smile to my face and got me dancing along with the crowd. It was heartwarming to see people of all ages enjoying the nostalgic tunes that I hold dear.

As midnight approached, the anticipation grew, and the energy in the crowd became almost tangible. The countdown was a communal experience, with everyone joining in to mark the final moments of the year. When the clock struck twelve, the sky exploded with a breathtaking fireworks display that illuminated the entire city. It was a magical moment, filled with joy and hope for the year ahead.

However, no event is without its minor hiccups. The sheer size of the crowd was a bit overwhelming at times (220,000 people), and navigating through the throngs of people required some patience. Finding a good spot to watch the performances was a bit of a challenge, but once I settled in, it was well worth the effort. Additionally, the cold December night was a stark contrast to the warm, tropical climate of the Philippines, so dressing appropriately was key to enjoying the evening comfortably.

Despite these minor inconveniences, the Jack Daniels New Year’s Eve Live Nashville Big Bash was a phenomenal way to welcome the new year. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of music to bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds or musical preferences. As a fan of 70s romantic music, I discovered a newfound appreciation for country music and the vibrant culture of Nashville.

The event was also an opportunity to meet new people and share in the collective celebration. I struck up conversations with fellow attendees, exchanged stories, and even made a few new friends. It was heartening to see such a diverse crowd, all united in their love for music and the excitement of a new beginning.

In conclusion, Nashville’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash was an exhilarating and enriching experience. It was a departure from my usual musical taste, but it opened my eyes to the beauty of country music and the infectious energy of a large-scale celebration. If you’re ever looking for a unique way to celebrate the new year, I highly recommend giving the Big Bash a try. Who knows, you might just find yourself tapping your feet to a country tune and discovering a new musical love.

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Nashville, TN

By Ella Joyce Alcuizar

Photos by Dan Locke and EJ Alcuizar

Being a 22-year-old Filipino who’s head over heels for K-pop, you’d think Nashville’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash would be an odd choice for ringing in the new year. However, let me tell you, it was an unexpected fusion of cultures and music that turned into one of the most memorable nights of my life!

Nashville is globally renowned as the heart of country music, and the Big Bash certainly lives up to that reputation. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted by the pulsating beats of drums, the twang of guitars, and a sea of cowboy hats. The atmosphere was electric, charged with the anticipation of thousands ready to welcome the new year with a bang.

One of the highlights of the evening was the performances. The lineup boasted a mix of country legends, up-and-coming artist ( Keith Urban ,  Kane Brown and Jelly Roll, Shaboozey, Brittany Spencer), alone with guest (Parker McCollum, Big & Rich, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Tyler Hubbard, Miranda Lambert, Post Malone, Chris Stapleton, Zach Top and Lainey Wilson) at other locations in Nashville, and surprise guest appearances. I was initially a bit out of my comfort zone, given my deep love for K-pop, but the energy of the crowd was infectious. It didn’t take long before I found myself swaying to the rhythm and cheering along with everyone else.

The stage setup was nothing short of spectacular. With dazzling light displays, pyrotechnics, and massive screens projecting the performances, it felt like a grand production. The organizers did a fantastic job of creating an immersive experience that kept everyone engaged from start to finish.

One of the most memorable moments for me was when a Keith Urban performed a mashup that included a other people hit. It was an unexpected twist that sent the crowd into a frenzy, and I couldn’t believe my ears. It was a beautiful reminder of how music can transcend boundaries and bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds or preferences.

As the clock struck midnight, the excitement reached its peak. The countdown was projected on the massive screens, and the entire crowd joined in. Fireworks lit up the Nashville skyline, creating a breathtaking spectacle. It was a magical moment, sharing that experience with thousands of strangers who felt like friends by the end of the night.

While the Big Bash was predominantly country-focused, there were plenty of other musical influences that added to the diversity of the event. DJs spun tracks that ranged from pop to EDM, ensuring that everyone had something to dance to. I even spotted a few fellow K-pop fans in the crowd, which made me feel right at home.

If I had to pinpoint a downside, it would be the sheer size of the crowd (estimated a record crowd of approximately 220,000). Navigating through the sea of people was a bit overwhelming at times, and being 4’ 10” finding a good spot to watch the performances required some strategic, planning. Watching most of it on the large monitors. However, the overall experience far outweighed this minor inconvenience. The energy was definitely there, though! Everyone was hyped for the new year, and the whole “Music City” thing was in full swing. Lots of cowboy boots and good ol’ American vibes.

Let’s be real, I wasn’t expecting any Blackpink or Stray Kids to pop out. It was country, country, and more country. There were some other genres sprinkled in, like when Post Malone showed up, which was a nice change of pace.

I gotta admit, even though I’m not a huge country fan, some of the artists were pretty good live. They definitely know how to put on a show. But after a while, it all kinda blended together for me. I was low-key wishing for a catchy K-pop beat to break things up.

But if you’re a K-pop stan like me, don’t go expecting to hear your faves. Go for the overall atmosphere, the people-watching, and maybe you’ll discover a new country artist you like.

I think it would be possible for the production team to add some K-pop artist in the future

Reasons to including K-pop:

• Increased Audience and Diversity: K-pop has a massive global fanbase, including a significant presence in the US. Including a K-pop act would draw in a younger and more diverse crowd, potentially expanding the Big Bash’s reach and appeal.
• Modernizing the Event: While celebrating Nashville’s musical heritage is important, incorporating other genres can keep the event fresh and relevant. K-pop’s high-energy performances and elaborate productions could add a new dimension to the show.
• Cross-Cultural Exchange: Introducing K-pop to a predominantly country music audience could foster cross-cultural appreciation and introduce people to new musical styles.
• Commercial Potential: The popularity of K-pop could translate to higher ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and media attention for the event.

While there isn’t a huge trend of K-pop artists fully embracing the country genre, there have been some interesting crossovers and influences:

• 2YOON (4Minute sub-unit): This sub-unit, consisting of Gayoon and Jiyoon, released a mini-album titled “Harvest Moon” in 2013 with a distinct country-pop sound. The title track “24/7” even featured a music video with classic country imagery like barns and fields. This is probably the most direct example of K-pop venturing into country.
• Individual songs with country influences: Some K-pop songs incorporate elements of country music, such as:

• • f(x) – “Cowboy”: This song has a playful, Western-inspired theme and some musical elements reminiscent of country

• • iKON – “Dive”: Some fans have noted country influences in the guitar riffs and overall vibe of this song.

• Blackpink – “Stay”: While not strictly country, this song has a more acoustic, mellow feel that some listeners associate with country music.
• Trot music: It’s worth mentioning “Trot,” a Korean genre that’s often considered the Korean equivalent of country music. It’s an older style with distinct vocal techniques and melodies. While not K-pop in the modern sense, it shares some similarities with traditional country. Artists like Lim Young Woong are incredibly popular in Korea and blend Trot with more contemporary sounds

In conclusion, Nashville’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash was an exhilarating and unforgettable celebration. As a K-pop fan, it was a refreshing change of pace and a testament to the universal language of music. If you’re looking for a unique way to welcome the new year, I highly recommend giving the Big Bash a try. Who knows? You might just find yourself dancing to a country tune with a newfound appreciation for the genre.

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Guest Appearances Announced Today, Including Comedians Bert Kreischer and Leanne Morgan, Actor Montana Jordan, Bunnie Xo, Katelyn Brown, Alana Springsteen

And More Surprise Guests

Country Star Dustin Lynch and WCBS-New York’s Lonnie Quinn Will Be Live From Times Square

Nashville, TN – Dec. 27, 2024 – Tune into NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE: NASHVILLE’S BIG BASH, a star-studded televised entertainment special hosted by 4x GRAMMY® Award-winner Keith Urban and ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT’s Rachel Smith. The celebration to ring in the new year will air LIVE Tuesday, Dec. 31 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT, 10:30 PM-1:30 AM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+*.

Announced today, viewers can anticipate special appearances from GEORGIE & MANDY’S FIRST MARRIAGE star Montana Jordan, comedians Bert Kreischer and Leanne Morgan, and Bunnie Xo. Katelyn Brown will perform a song with headliner and husband Kane Brown, and Alana Springsteen will join Keith Urban for a song.

Live from the epicenter of country music, the five-hour broadcast will feature more than 40 back-to-back performances from Big & Rich, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Tyler Hubbard, Miranda Lambert, Post Malone, Shaboozey, Brittney Spencer, Chris Stapleton, Zach Top and Lainey Wilson, as well as Keith Urban, Kane Brown and Jelly Roll, who will be headlining from Bicentennial Park.

Reporting live from Times Square, Dustin Lynch and WCBS-New York Weather Anchor Lonnie Quinn will count down with the East Coast at midnight Eastern Time for New York’s Ball Drop; Urban and Smith will keep the party going through midnight Central Time, featuring  Nashville’s renowned Music Note Drop at the Bicentennial Mall stage.

Those celebrating New Year’s Eve in Nashville are invited to join the free festivities at Bicentennial Park or can purchase tickets to the Official Watch Party at Brooklyn Bowl with Parker McCollum performing, and special guests SiriusXM and CMT host Cody Alan and SiriusXM host Caylee Hammack; tickets are on sale HERE.

Viewers will have the chance to end the year on a high note and enter to win a year of country music in 2025! One lucky winner will win tickets for up to 10 live shows in 2025 featuring the artists of NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE: NASHVILLE’S BIG BASH. Viewers can enter HERE. Sweepstakes closes on Dec. 31 at 10 PM, ET and the winner will be announced live during the show. Details subject to change. Subject to additional terms and conditions. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. US residents 18+ only.  

NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE: NASHVILLE’S BIG BASH is executive produced by Robert Deaton and Mary Hilliard Harrington in partnership with Music City Inc., the foundation of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. The special will be directed by Sandra Restrepo.

For more information, visit Paramount Press Express and follow CBS on Facebook and Instagram.*Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service

When I heard Billy Bob Thornton was coming to town with his band, The Boxmasters, I literally jumped at the chance to cover the show. Get this: The band blends elements of rock ‘n’ roll, country, and ’60s pop, and when you throw in a front man with as much worldwide popularity (and notoriety) as actor Billy Bob Thornton (“Bud” as his gas-station attendant button down shirt displayed), the level of uniqueness was something that simply could not be missed. Here’s my honest take on their performance at Chicago’s City Winery last week:

In terms of authenticity, The Boxmasters’ music is rooted in a genuine appreciation for vintage Americana sounds, drawing heavily from the ’60s, British Invasion rock, and Southern influences. You can sense that the band’s style and Thornton’s vocals are sincere attempts to pay homage to those eras. Also, the lyrics seem to have a strong narrative quality, which is of no surprise, given Thornton’s acting and creative background. Honestly, most of their songs carry a certain straight-forwardness but with quite a bit of wit as well, which was fun. The only disappointing aspect is Billy Bob’s singing voice. It’s gravely and a bit monotone, which makes the songs feel less engaging after awhile. But, Thornton and the entire band are certainly entertaining, that’s a fact.

See Photo Gallery Video Below

VIDEO

Based on the fact that the band is playing to a niche’ audience in smaller venues makes it surprising that they have released seventeen (17) albums, they’re latest entitled, Love & Hate In Desperate Places, which was just released this past August. But, unlike others in this day and age, let us not gauge worthiness and success on crowd size alone. In the end, if you’re into throwback sounds and appreciate strong storytelling in music, you’ll definitely enjoy them. Plus, watching/hearing the legendary Billy Bob in action…I mean, c’mon, it’s a win-WIN! Catch Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters in the States through mid-November. Click HERE for the band’s official website.

The 2024 NASCAR Chicago Street Race, held on July 7th, was a thrilling event marked by challenging weather conditions and intense competition. Alex Bowman emerged victorious, snapping an 80-race winless streak and securing a spot in the 2024 playoffs. Despite the weather forecasts, the weekend drew a decent crowd and featured live performances by legendary country artist, Keith Urban; Blues king, Buddy Guy; as well as the 40th Anniversary Celebration of House Music, bringing several notable house music DJ’s to the main stage. See pictorial video of the entire weekend below:

May 28, 2024

RoxianTheatre

Pittsburgh, PA

Andrew Latshaw

Another day, another show! Today we are talking about the show at the Roxian Theater in Pittsburgh, PA!

Frank Turner and the Sleepy Souls delivered an unforgettable performance The concert, part of the Undefeated Tour, showcased Turner’s distinctive blend of punk, folk, and rock, creating a powerful and immersive experience for the audience.

Not too long ago, I photographed the Dead South at the Masonic, in Cleveland, Ohio. In the world we live in today, everything feeds the algorithms that are intertwined with all of our internet searches, interests, and even our conversations…

As I was researching and preparing for my show and review for the Dead South, I was getting some new and interesting suggestions in my feed, and suggestions on YouTube, and all the rest of my social media feeds. One day, I saw the Bridge City Sinners pop up, repeatedly. I clicked on the link for link for their song: “Song of the Siren,” I was hooked immediately! Next, I saw the thumbnail for the song: “Heavy” and that thumbnail at the time was a fantastic pic of Libby Lux the vocalist of the band.

The band themselves are an amazing and eclectic gathering of musicians from a range of backgrounds that in most corners of the world would have never come together… but this group did, and it was the perfect conditions for the storm that is the Bridge City Sinners!

After a couple of weeks of these wonderful tunes saturating my brain, I wondered if they were or had had plans to tour. When I saw that they would be in my radius within the coming weeks, I immediately reached out to my editor and told him, and I quote: “DUDE! Bridge City Sinners, they are playing in Pittsburgh in a few weeks, I have to covert his show!”

I got the reply from the band within a few days, which is quite typical of such a request, and I was absolutely giddy that I would get to see and cover their show! I was posting all over my socials, and just ecstatic that this was happening!

A couple of days prior to the show, I wanted to see what the show times were, and verity my route from my house in Canton, OH to the venue outside of Pittsburgh. I knew the date, I knew the venue, but when I looked, there was nothing there for Bridge City Sinners on 5/28/2024! There was a show for Frank Turner and the Sleepy Souls.

I went through my request, my approval, and growing more confused I saw that there was a small button that said “more info” about the Frank Turner show. It was then that I saw the Bridge City Sinners were one of the openers.

I have never heard of any of the bands on this ticket 3x weeks prior, but now I was thrust face first into a genre I have little to no knowledge of, and or experience with. The opening band was interesting to say the least! There were a lot of people throughout the crowd who was enjoying the opening act from Columbus, Ohio. It was a duo of Vanessa Jean Speckman and Micha Schnabel.

Micha started off the set with some happy tunes on his guitar, and getting the crowd to interact with him and then Venessa came out and was nodding her head along with Micha’s playing and when she started singing, it was very different than what I am used to at a metal show! She was mixing singing with what I can only say reminded me of slam-poetry and such. Overall, it was quite entertaining! When I hung out with Micha and Venessa after their set, they were so much fun to chat with and so humble and thankful for the people that came to see them!

Next up in the 4x band line up was the reason I made the 90mi trek to Pittsburgh! The Bridge City Sinners came out and the crowd was ready for them! There were a few people I talked with prior to the show that had never heard of them, and when I saw them throughout the set, they went from “who is this” to “OMG! THIS IS GREAT!”

Check out a little interview with the band from a couple of years ago.

I admit, I have not been listening to them long at all… however, I can say that music is not only about how long you have listened to someone, but how their sound makes you feel. I feel like I have known them for years! Their music is just so much fun!

The sound and their aesthetic is so random and unique to each member, and to me that just added to the excitement!

Libby is so surprising to me, as a vocalist! She is sort of short, and petite, and yet the way she can belt out her vocals in such a way that her transitions from soft spoken to almost metal like guttural growls is something I have not been able to comprehend so far!

As far as how the Bridge City Sinners sound… This is purely my opinion as a guy who was born in the 70’s, grew up on music through the 80’s thru the present, and so the best I can say is that you take the 2000’s ne-metal, mix that with Punk-Pop, and a smidgen of Bluegrass and *BAM* you have this musical love child of the most interesting group I have seen to date!

I was fortunate enough to hang out with a few of the members after the show, and I cannot wait to see them again on their next time through Ohio in September, I want to say.

The third act to take the stage, again totally new to me was Amigo the Devil in direct support of Frank Turner. Amigo apparently has quite the following! While only a few seemed to have known about BCS, they looked at me with almost horrified disbelief that I had not heard of Amigo the Devil, and even more so about Frank Turner, the headliner.

Amigo the Devil took the stage, and it was nuts in that venue! He walked to the microphone, put on the strap to his guitar and the crowd was deafening! He has a very “folksy” sound, kind of reminded me of Kat Stevens back in the day, with a new twist! There was one song of his in particular that made me laugh at the show, and then remained in my head as an ear worm for days after… Hungover in Jonestown. The beat and the chorus to that was great, and to someone who has a dark sense of humor, this song is great! I have a good friend that I have known since high school, (I will call him Dan for the sake of privacy) who did an extensive report on Jonestown, and it shook him to his core. I told him about the song, and he said to me: “Nope! Too soon! Can’t do it, not gonna!” I have to say that Amigo and Dan had me laughing the entire time that ear worm was wigging in my head!

Finally it was time for Frank Turner to come out, and I thought that the place was crazy about Amigo… nope, they were able to turn it to 11!

From the moment the band took the stage, the went nuclear. Turner’s dynamic stage presence and heartfelt lyrics resonated deeply with the crowd, drawing them into every song. Highlights included “The Ballad of Me and My Friends” and “Be More Kind,” which had the entire venue singing along in unison

The screams from the crowd were roaring, and you could feel the energy from the adoring fans radiating throughout the venue, it was infectious!

I have never seen Frank, I have not heard him, and so I was trying to get pics of him and the Sleepy Souls, trying to do my best to capture the moment. It felt like a modern twist on 50’s pop. I do not know if that is accurate to say, again this is purely my opinion!

Frank Turner is from the U.K. and while I get that singing and speaking are from different parts of the brain, and so people with accents can sing perfect English while having a thick accent. I get the biology of it, but it still baffles me!

Hearing Frank talk, and then hearing him sing was night and day difference to me, and I loved all of it! He was energetic, moving from one side of the stage to the other. He did not stand still too often, and when he did it was not for long. 

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May 17, 2024

Capital One City Parks Foundation Summerstage

NYC

by Shrithik Karthik

James Arthur visited New York City on Friday, May 17th, for his Bitter Sweet Love tour. He performed at Capital One City Parks Foundation Summerstage and gave an unforgettable performance that was so fun to experience!

The show began with Forest Blakk, the only opener, and I was unfamiliar with him, but wow, he was so fun to watch. He did a fantastic job warming up the crowd and was so interactive, as it is only a 40-minute set. The band did a really great job of playing everything live, and there was almost no backtrack. He interacted with the crowd, which is always a nice touch. What made this performance unique compared to the many I’ve seen was how he developed a story over the songs he performed. He made a lot of connections both to his life and also to the audience. Talking about how he came from nothing as he was living in his car 5 years ago, talking about his wife, asking the crowd to put their middle fingers up if they have ever been screwed up, and more. The storytelling mixed in with the actual performance was lovely to see and hear, making it such a good time. His music ranged in vibes, going from sad to more upbeat, but he controlled the crowd as he had a fabulous stage presence. Near the end of his set, he played the song that changed his life, “If You Love Her,” which most of the crowd knew, and he let us sing. The look on his face as we sang one of his most famous songs was priceless; to hear over a few thousand people sing his song so well must have been a fantastic feeling. He thanked us for being such a great city filled with real people and then left the stage.

Before James Arthur came on, I took a moment to admire the stage and this venue; this was the first time I had been to a concert at Capital One City Parks Foundation Summerstage, right in Central Park’s heart. It was just a really fantastic venue. There were many things to love, most notably the two large screens on both sides of the stage walls that broadcasted the performances. Since this was mostly all GA, it can be challenging to see the performances sometimes. Still, these high-quality large screens made it relatively easy to see the performances, mainly because they also often switched angles. With such easy access to the subway, taxis, and busses, this venue was definitely one of my personal favorites in New York City. 

It was now finally time for the central performance of the night, James Arthur! He came out around 8:20, mainly due to the time the tour spent setting up the stage and getting everything ready, but he immediately put on a show. Rushing out onto the stage, playing some of his more hype music, was enthralling and got the crowd going instantly. The stage lights were excellent, with light stairs that made for great pictures and lit up James well. The band was placed throughout the stage with enough space to make James stand out. The entire performance was such a show; he made us jump around, clap our hands, shout, sing, cry, and many more emotions. His voice live was something else altogether. Angelic wasn’t enough to describe how amazing he sounded; it was perfect. His vocal straining during some of his songs sounded so damn good, and it just goes to show how much talent he has. He hopped on the piano during the set to perform a song with Forest Blakk and asked the crowd to all shine their flashlights in the air, which was so lovely to see, especially from the bleachers. They both performed a song together, which was very wholesome, and the crowd sang the song together, which just felt like one big party. 

The funny thing I noticed about his performance was that he did not sound British when he was singing, but when he talked to the crowd, he sounded so British. He, too, built a story through his performance, talking about all the struggles he’s faced over the years and how he overcame them. He spoke of his past and how many songs have been built around pain and love. It changed the crowd’s mood, but many people shed some much-needed tears. To bring the vibe back, James performed a song that he told us people had been proposing to on tour. Obviously, this foreshadowed what was about to happen, and then, as he got into the song, a couple near me got proposed to, which was so adorable and heartwarming to see. James even pointed to the couple and congratulated them. I hope they were huge fans because that is so full circle to see. The crowd was filled with huge fans of James Arthur; one girl even had a back tattoo of one of his albums, “It’ll All Make Sense In The End.” He made sure to point that out and even made a joke as she was showing him, asking her if what she was about to do was PG. The last few songs that really made the crowd go crazy were “Trainwreck,” “A Thousand Years,” and ended with “Say You Won’t Let Go,” which was by far his most famous song with over two billion plays on Spotify. His US tour is almost over, but he has a few more dates, so you should definitely check him out to see if he comes to a city near you! This was such a fantastic performance, and I hope to see him on tour again! 

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Second weekend

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots

 New Orleans, LA, USA

May 2-5, 2024

by Mary Aandrews

The performance of the Rolling Stones may well be the reason that attendance records almost topped one half a million people this year. The first weekend had a respectable attendance, but Thursday of the second weekend smashed all records with the second highest attendance in jazz festival history. Festival producer, Quint Davis, remarked, “Watching the Rolling Stones perform with New Orleans and Louisiana stars Irma Thomas and Dwayne Dopsie was to witness the power of the festival to demonstrate the connection of our culture to the greatest music of our time.”

There had been two other attempts to bring the Stones to New Orleans Jazz Festival in the past, but due to health and personal issues it had not come to pass. Jagger needed heart surgery and an entire leg of that tour was postponed. Their appearance was rescheduled for 2020, only to have that cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Thursday was atypical from the standpoint that the other 13 stages closed out when the Rolling Stones took the stage at five pm. The Stones concert was simulcasted on the screens at the other larger stages during the concert. The band delivered an 18-song set that included the Stones first performance of “Time is on my Side” with Irma Thomas. Thomas had the first hit with the song in 1964. 

There was a large runway that reached into the crowd that Mick Jagger used frequently with vigor throughout the set. Jagger at age 80 exhibits as much energy and athleticism as any lead singer much younger.  Jagger began the set wearing a glittery turquoise jacket with a red tuxedo shirt underneath, but the jacket didn’t survive past the second song, “Get Off of My Cloud.” The weather was warm and muggy.  Jagger soon stripped down to a long-sleeved black t-shirt, guitarist Ronnie Wood abandoned a layer of sparkles, and drummer Steve Jordan had to give up on his elegant suit jacket.

 Keith Richards’ solo spot went to “Little T&A” from 1981’s “Tattoo You,” in a version that included the NOLA horn section.  Richards was one of the few musicians onstage who remained in his full regalia of long-sleeve satin shirt (in various colors) as well as a red knit beanie all night. Richards was grinning ear to ear all afternoon long.

“Honky Tonk Women” and “Paint It Black” felt fresh and vibrant, and Richards was dominant during “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” He always seems to find a new way to hit those unmistakable chords. It was a moment where you realize you are hearing the writer of the song that you have heard hundreds, even thousands of times, play the chords live. The show ended with “Satisfaction,” which generated excitement both onstage and in the audience. The band returned to the stage for a two-song encore of “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” and “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction.” The set was well worth the time and effort to experience the legendary band and the third time was a charm.

One of the biggest challenges when you attend the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is picking and choosing the artists to attend. It’s a difficult task when there are some 500 acts over two weekends. Many folks go and just follow their nose or ears. Personally, this reviewer studies the announced lineup well ahead of the festival and creates a list of no miss performers. Sometimes that works, other times not so much.

Blues rocker, Samantha Fish, performed on the same stage as the Rolling Stones earlier in the day on Thursday. She stepped out on stage dressed in a black leather-like suit ready to strutt her stuff. Fish was well aware that she was ‘opening’ for the Rolling Stones and seemed nervous. “Bulletproof” and “Better Be Lonely” were standout songs. It’s always a delight to see Fish perform. Fish was seen in the crowd after her set to personally experience the Stones’ set. 

Dumpstaphunk played a set of NOLA funk on the Festival Stage ahead of The Stones and paid tribute to late bassist Nick Daniels, who died on Saturday. New Breed Brass Band with Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews also played a great Festival Stage show.

Other second weekend highlights included sets of Foo Fighters, Hozier, Allison Russell, Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram, and Queen Latiifah to name a few.

Foo Fighters was another rock band that had been cancelled in 2020 and 2021 at Jazz Festival. Their two-hour show included hits like “All My Life,” “ MonkeyWrench,” and “The Pretender.” The 30-year old band really knows how to work a crowd and that they did it well. Frontman Dave Grohl was extremely personable and talked a lot about playing New Orleans in the past and having love for the city. They had previously performed at fest in 2015.

Due to the continuous showers on Friday, the early part of the day was spent in the interview portion of Jazz Festival. Christone “ Kingfish’ Ingram gave a very enlightening look at the 25 year old guitar wizard.

He revealed that he had two choices as to what to do with his life, either play football or play the blues. The Mississippi native came to the conclusion that he could only play football for a short period of his life whereas he could play the blues until he died. His choice was a no brainer. And it was a major benefit for the fans.

American jazz singer, Samara Joy, also gave us an indepth look at her introduction to jazz  The 24 year old was raised in a musical family from a very early age. Her paternal grandparents, Elder Goldwire and Ruth McLendon, were founders of Philadelphia gospel group The Savettes. She attended Fordham High School for the Arts and performed in its jazz band. Joy enrolled in the jazz program at SUNY’s Purchase College as a voice major and was named an Ella Fitzgerald Scholar. She revealed that a new album is forth-coming. Joy is indeed the future of jazz and a must to experience if she comes your way.

The major highlight on the last Saturday was more living legends including Neil Young and Crazy Horse and Queen Latifah.

Young and Crazy Horse’s set was chrisened as their first tour together since 2019. He told the massive crowd that “I’ve been in a musical desert. I haven’t played in a while and I miss it.”A major highlight of the set was an extended version of “Cortez the Killer.”

They are only a few dates into a tour, and though they’ just released the album, “FU##IN’ UP.”  The album features live re-recordings of most of the songs on their landmark 1990 album Ragged Glory, but with new names. The album is named for a song on Ragged Glory, but now it’s called “Heart of Steel.” They played “Cinnamon Girl” and “Everybody Knows this is Nowhere,” from the 1969 album Everybody Knows This is Nowhere.  Off the same album, they dug into a an 11-minute version of the fever dream “Down by the River,” with its long instrumental interludes. Much of the crowd joined in for the chorus.

It’s been 35 years since Queen Latifah dropped her first record that crowned her the Queen of hip-hop and her career has been going strong since. She has become a major star of television, movies, and really any medium of entertainment over the years and she maintains that status. Not only did she get her start as a rapper, her singing talent is unparalelled. Her first half of her set included much of her singing. Her duet of “Say So” with PJ Morton, an unfortunately brief snippet of Roy Ayers’ “Everybody Loves The Sunshine” and Aretha Franklin’s “Mercy Me” was exemplary. She also performed an amazing version of “California Dreaming.”

On songs like “Just Another Day,” “Come into My House,” the Living Single theme and her classic “Wrath of My Madness” Queen Latifah’s mic control was in full force. Her flows and breath control remain amazing, despite not performing much as a rapper over the last decades.

MC Lyte and Yo-Yo then appeared on stage to rap Brandy’s “I Want to Be Down” with Latifah before then being given center stage to perform their on bangers: “Cha Cha Cha” for MC Lyte, “You Can’t Play With My Yo-Yo” for Yo-Yo.

Queen Latifah ended the set in a fitting way with her anti-domestic abuse and pro-Black women anthem “U.N.I.T.Y.”

The last day of jazz festival highlights included a Jimmy Buffett tribute featured Irma Thomas having the time of her life singing “I Will Play for Gumbo.” “ It’s a little like religion and a lot like sex, you should never know where you are going to get it next.” Other participants included Sonny Landreth, Trombone Shorty, and some of the Preservation Hall Band. It was a ‘Parrothead’s’ delight.

Each year, there is a responding exclamation that this was the best fest yet! It’s also true this year, but each year has something special to take away for your memory bank. One cannot deny wondering what next year will bring. Jazz fest is like an addiction leaving you wanting more. It is a feast like no other. Here’s a toast to next year and what it will bring.

Rolling Stone Setlist: Start Me Up / Get Off of My Cloud / Out Of Time / Angry / Let It Bleed / Time Is On My Side / Whole Wide World / Tumbling Dice / You Can’t Always Get What You Want / Little T&A / Sympathy For The Devil / Honky Tonk Women / Miss You / Gimme Shelter / Paint It Black / Jumpin’ Jack Flash / encore: Sweet Sounds of Heaven / Satisfaction

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Canyon Moon Ranch

20585 E Water Way

Florence, Arizona

April 11-14, 2024

by Mary Andrews

Country Thunder (CT) hosts festivals in Arizona, Wisconsin, Florida, Bristol, Alberta, and Saskatchewan during the year. Country music has hit a momentous popularity throughout North America in recent years and Arizona is no exception to the rule. The four-day festival did not disappoint in keeping country music alive and well. Headliners included Lainey Wilson, Eric Church, Jelly Roll, and Koe Wetzel.

This year, some of the the headlining acts have gained acolades from the Country Music Association (CMA) with Lainy Wilson awarded Entertainer of the Year and Jelly Roll awarded Best New Artist, Best Male Vocalist, Best Single of the Year and Best Music Video of the Year for 2023. 

Mirada Lambert was the last female to headline CT Arizona in 2014. Wilson took the stage with apomb wearing a feathered cowboy hat and a gold lame outfit. Simply put, Wilson did not disappoint.

There was no doubt why she was crowned Entertainer of the Year after her rowdy performance at the end of the Night. She started with “Hold My Halo” and “Hillbilly Hippie.” Hers was a magnetic presence as she powered through the first five songs with her espressive twang that sounded powerful all night. 

She settled down somewhat when she went in for her “Watermelon Moonshine” ballad and a cover of Deana Carter’s “Strawberry Wine.” 

Of course, she separated the men from the women to compete against each other during “Road Runner.” 

She chose to celebrate Dolly Parton during the set as she asked if there were some Dolly Parton fans in the crowd. Wilson said she had a chance to spend some time with Parton recently. “They say never meet your heroes,” Wilson cautioned. “But Dolly Parton don’t count. I think if we were all a little bit more like Dolly Parton, the world would be a much better place, y’all.”

“I ask myself one question.””What Would Dolly Do?,” a tribute to Parton that found Wilson rhyming “Like a country music modern-day apostle” with “Yeah, I leaned in like it was gospel.” It was obvious that Wilson has taken lessons from Parton as she echoed her hero’s Southern charm and fiery spirit.

The set drew heavily on “Bell Bottom Country,” the 2022 release that picked up Album of the Year at the CMAs and the Academy of Country Music Awards along the way to winning Country Album of the Year at at this year’s Grammys. It doesn’t get better than this.

Earlier in the day, Flatland Cavary presented a much more mellow set even going unplugged at one point as guitarist/vocalist Cleto Cordero and fiddle ace Wesley Hall sending their bandmates away for a cover of George Strait’s “Ocean Front Property.”

Stephen Wilson, Jr. was another one to not miss. He calls himself Death Cab for Country,” a reference to indie-rock’s Death Cab for Cutie. There were definitely textures going on that would have felt right at home on an indie-rock record. Wilson has a presence who bared his soul about losing his father and told the day’s goofiest joke while tuning his guitar. “My wife calls me Tuny Soprano,” he said “I prefer Antunio Banderas. But who am I to choose my own nickname?”

There was a new (3rd) stage this year called the songwriters’ stage. Singer, Alana Springsteen was joined by three other songwriters: Will Weatherby, Benji Davis, and Ryan Beaver for an intimate set with each artist to play their acoustic guitars and singing. They told stories about their songs.This is a first for CT. 

Paul Cauthen gave an amazing set that had the crowd jumping on Friday. There were complaints that Cauthen’s set was not country and Cauthen did tend to reach across several genre of music to perform his slick, blend of music that mesmerized all who attended. He made good use of the runway to reach out to his fans. The band alternated songs between their 2024 album “Hot Damn” and their  “Country Coming Down” album. “Wild Man,” “Country As  Fuck’,” “Freak,” and “Caught Me At a Good Time” were a great mix of songs before flashing back and treating everyone to a Paul Cauthen classic, “Still Drivin.” Cauthen had the huge crowd in the palm of his hand.

Jelly Roll (or Jason DeFord) had the most anticipated set of the festival. His arms were outstretched as he heard thunderous the applause from 28,000 people in attendence. He started the set with “Halfway to Hell” the gospel-tinged country-rap song that opens his first full-blown country album, Whitsitt Chapel. Jelly Roll seemed truly grateful to be entertaining at CT as well as ecstatic for all the big wins he recieved last weekend at the CMAs. At “almost 39 years old,” he is the oldest Best New Artist in the history of that award.

“I’ve been dreaming of headlining Country Thunder, y’all,” he shouted, grinning ear-to-ear, before following through with “The Lost,” one of several highlights that spoke to the spiritual side of the Jelly Roll phenomenon.

“I’ve been known to find my kind of people that ain’t at home underneath church steeples,” he sang with the soulful conviction of a true believer. “You’d be surprised the places I find Jesus. That ain’t the regular crowd.” Jelly Roll’s like a gospel tent revivalist with way more face tattoos than any preacher seen by this reviewer.

He testified to those in the crowd who may be going through their own dark times, “I believe you can change. I believe that bigger and better things are on the horizon. . .I believe the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason. Because what’s in front of you is more important than what’s behind you, Arizona.” 

His love of country music came from his mom. He mentioned, his mom played “the good stuff as he paid homage to country icons from Waylon and Willie to George Jones, Merle Haggard and Keith Whitley.” 

Excitement buzzed around the crowd like a current. There was an energetic buzz that didn’t dissipate for even a second. He sang about heartache, hard work, and chasing your dreams, touching on themes that resonated deeply within the crowd.

Every word was a solace to their souls, a powerful reminder that music could bring people together and lift them up. Throughout the show, the crowd was heavily engaged with the performance, with everyone singing along to every word of his hit songs. “I only talk to God when I need a favor” is a line from one of highly tatooed artist’s songs. 

Even the slow and soulful songs moved the crowd, evoking emotion and occasionally bringing people to tears. Jelly Roll’s set was an emotional rollercoaster, with moments of raw vulnerability and intense energy. Fans were present for a religious experience and they got one.

There were many more artists at the four day festival. Some were more familiar than others. In the past, the artists that are featured earlier in the day soon become household names. Morgan Wallen is an example. Sets from Emily Ann Roberts, Lauren Watkins, Halle Kearns, Kyle McKearney, and Alana Sprinsteen prove that they may well be our future country stars. And the future looks bright! 

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