Boots, Bonds, & Ballads: A Night with Justin Moore
I’ve been to my share of country shows, from Nashville honky tonks to stadiums. Something felt much different this time around. There was an unmistakable energy you could feel throughout the crowd last Friday night– an unspoken bond connecting each person there. As with any down-home gathering, there was no such thing as a stranger.
Rising artist Austin Michael opened the stage with a perfectly blended set of his original music and a handful of well-loved country classics– including a standout cover of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues.” Austin’s interaction with the audience was nothing short of special. His natural charisma and confidence had him talking to the crowd as if they were old friends. There’s something refreshing about watching a young artist command the spotlight with such humility and heart.
Following the rising artist, Joe Nichols added his own flair to the show. The country music icon played a set of his greatest hits, making sure to include the audience in each song. His genuine love for performing really showed that night. The “Brokenheartsville” artist traded a guitar pick for a bracelet from a young fan and even stopped to sign a photo for another. I’ve always been a big fan of him and his down-to-earth presence in person just added another star in my book. The spotlight had nothing on that warm smile he wore through the night. Joe ended his set with a long rendition of his biggest hit “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off”, having the crowd chant back to him with all they had.
The crowd was primed and ready for Justin Moore by the end of Joe’s set. As soon as the stage was arranged for the main act, Moore’s band took the spotlight for themselves. Justin gave them their moment before joining them with his signature white cowboy hat. His powerful entrance and outpour of energy had the audience reeling. Moore opened with “Bait a Hook”, one of my personal favorites and an easy way to get a crowd moving. Justin’s love for America really rubbed off on the others in the room as he introduced my favorite track of his– “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home”. Moore thanked all of the teachers, policemen, veterans and current military personnel; anyone making a difference in our world and keeping everyone safe. Hearing the heart and soul in the way that song was performed live really tugs at your heartstrings. It hits a lot harder than just hearing it on the radio that’s for sure.
If ever given the choice between a rock show and a country show, I’ll forever be choosing the latter. There ain’t no party like a country party. Everyone’s a friend and no one’s left out.
Give Justin Moore a follow on Instagram and visit his website to keep up with the tour and get tickets to a show near you!
View the full live gallery here!
