On Thursday night, there were several after hours events to choose from. It was a hard choice, but I ended up at the Wildhorse Saloon. There were several acts performing from different labels and I felt it would be a really fun experience. It turned out to be a great choice and they had some really awesome talent onstage entertaining the crowd. It was open to the public, but the upstairs was reserved for CRS participants. Everyone had a good time just mingling around while enjoying the music.
The fun started at 7:00 with new artist Chelsea Field. Her sound leans more to the pop side of country and she did a great job warming up the crowd. After her four song set it was time for Category 5 recording artist Jerrod Niemann. The Wildhorse was a perfect setting for his Honky Tonk country sound. After his four song set, Burrito Deluxe took the stage. And don't let the name fool you, these guys are incredible! They have tight harmonies and a strong delivery that keeps you entertained from start to finish. Rhonda Towns was next on the stage and she's been a favorite of mine since the first time I listened to her CD. She has some powerful lyrics and her pure, emotion packed delivery draws you into the music. After Rhonda, came Lyric Street artist Bucky Covington. Covington is currently enjoying the success of his single, "A Different World." Although he may not have received the title of American Idol, his voice certainly got the attention of people who matter and they were quick to snap him up. Although he was fighting a cold, he put on a great performance and seemed to be enjoying his time onstage. Donovan Chapman is one of the latest artists signed to the Category 5 Label. It became apparent he was another crowd favorite and I quickly saw why. He has an easy style that relaxes you and makes you feel good. Country Thunder artist Jamie Lee Thurston took the stage next. Like Niemann, he also had a very traditional sound and I really enjoyed his set. After Thurston was finished, Lantana took the stage. Lantana is a group from Texas that is taking the country by storm. Biz, Karol Ann and Dalene are firecrackers on stage. They are energetic and they can sing. Their style is not what you would call traditional country, but more on the order of groups like SHeDAISY. They have their very own style and they are great at what they do and obviously love doing it. After Lantana was Emerson Drive. By this time it was so late I was leaving as they were taking the stage. They are also a favorite of mine and I know they put on a terrific show.
It was great being able to experience the diversity of what country music today has to offer. Each act that performed had very different styles, but each one was very good. I walked in really not knowing what to expect. I left being very impressed overall. It was a very fun evening and one I will remember for awhile.
Set List
Chelsea Field:
- Last Goodbye
- Breathing
- Just Another Day (?)
- REO
Jerrod Niemann:
- Goodtime Redneck (?)
- Good Ride Cowboy
- Whiskey Kind of Way
- I Love Women My Mama Can't Stand
Burrito Deluxe:
- Born to be Wild
- Out of the Wilderness
- Witchita w/Joy Lynn White
Rhonda Towns:
- I Wanna Be Loved By You
- Those Were the Nights (?)
- Waiting for You
- Storm Before the Calm
Bucky Covington:
- American Friday Night
- Different World
Donovan Chapman:
- All I Need
- Closer (?)
- Wish Upon A Star (?)
- House Like That
Jamie Lee Thurston:
- Do My Thing
- Lookin' for a Good Time (?)
- Cry When You Need To (?)
- 15 Minutes
- People Out There
Lantana:
- Roll With the Changes
- All I Need (?)
- Whiskey River
- Let Somebody Love You
- Country As A Girl Can Be
