After a busy morning of seminars, interviews and reminders of the previous nights activities, most of us were well hungered for this opening luncheon. As always, the performance hall was elegantly set up to accommodate us all. A catered buffet style lunch of pulled pork and turkey was a welcomed meal if like me, you were way too busy to catch a breakfast earlier.
With a brief but warm introduction to the days first performer by President, RJ Curtis, Lee Brice took the stage by storm performing his own introduction song titled, "Picture Of Me." This born and raised in Sumter, South Carolina, singer/songwriter, guitar pickin' very talented brand spanking newcomer delivered a five song set that sure got our attention. "Upper Middle Class White Trash" is a fast paced fun song and had everyone hanging onto what funny thing the lyrics would unfold into. Lee introduced the next song, "Last Few Days" and dedicated it to his girlfriend who just happened to also be his back-up singer standing to his left.
Lee reminds me a lot of Garth Brooks. His performance drips with energy and it's very apparent that he loves to entertain. I also have to mention "the hat." In Lee's own words, he's been wearing the same, ripped-up John Deere hat through seven years of performances, physical work, hanging out, and even swimming. As he slipped the beloved artifact on his head he wore it with pride and continued on. Lee finished his set with his new single, "She Ain't Right."
Lee's self titled album is due out on March 12th.
After a brief intermission of video's by both performers label mates, Steve Holy took the stage next and began his
9 song set with "Give Me Your Lovin'." Performing songs from both of his CD's, we heard "Good Morning Beautiful," his first #1 single from Blue Moon, 
and a fast paced, funny song called, "Men Buy The Drinks, Girls Call The Shots," from his current album.
Steve then introduced the next song as one of his favorites and one that he hopes to cut on his next CD, an all
acoustic ballad called, "Just Pretend." I personally loved the next song, "Come On Rain." This song is the current single off his CD, Brand New Girlfriend. A beautiful ballad that shows a very tender and emotional side to Steve. And speaking of "Brand New Girlfriend," he closed his set with this #1 song. It was the song everyone was waiting to hear and finally the lazy audience somewhat came to life. I'm not sure why these radio people remain so quiet through the shows, but they do. They do come to life at the end and usually give each artist a standing ovation.
