Who is Backroad Anthem?

A show back in January at Cain's Ballroom is what I attribute the birth of one of my favorite things about concerts to. Of course, I'm there to see the billed artist, but there are other components that are amazing to watch as well. For instants, I thoroughly enjoy watching the band perform. That faithful day at Cain's Ballroom I discovered something else truly worth paying close attention to and that's the opening act. That night was the first time I heard Backroad Anthem. 

Photo from their website

I was at Cain's Ballroom to see my favorite band Parmalee perform and had no real idea who the opening act was except they were a six man band. My concert buddies and I found that out because we googled them before they hit the stage. What I noticed right away was they had a fiddle player. I'll admit it. I was a band nerd in school and seeing that was intriguing. Fiddle player Eric Dysart certainly did not disappoint, none of them did.

Eric Dyart at Cain's

 Craig Strickland and Toby Freeman are lead vocalist. As well as extremely proficient on acoustic and electric guitar. Josh Bryant is the lead electric guitarist and Brandon Robold plays Bass. While Issac Senty kills it on the drums! The entire show was highly energetic. All six men and their instruments blended beautifully together. As they say in their bio on their website, it was like they caught lighting in a bottle and I couldn't agree more.

Cain's Ballroom show

After the show they came back out to meet and talk with fans. Humble and down to earth is the only way to describe them. They are very interactive with fans on Twitter and now have their own Twitter fan base called @Backrodies. On September 4th my Backroad Anthem music withdrawals ended. Because this astounding band released their debut album Torn. I was very excited to download it.

The EP is five songs long. Various bandmates co-wrote three of the tracks including title track "Torn". The EP showcases an incredible range of what this band is capable of from the up beat tempo song "Disco Ball" to the smooth ballad "No Show". This Fayetteville, AR based country/rock band has a bright future ahead. There's no doubt with their chemistry, talent, and energetic live shows they are not going anywhere. 

Follow them on Twitter @BackroadAnthem and on Facebook as well.

Canaan Smith - Lawton OK

Taste of Country has a Christmas tour that highlights current up and comers in country music. On November 21st that Taste of Country Christmas event brought Canaan Smith's first headlining tour Stompin' Grounds to Lawton, OK. 

Lawton OK #StompinGrounds

Smith's single "Love You Like That" hit number one and his debut album Bronco is loaded with incredibly heartfelt songs.  This includes the title track which is a touching tribute to his brother. Smith, in fact, contributed to the songwriting of 10 of the 13 tracks on the extended album. So some spotlight is well deserved for this talented artist. Before the Lawton show my concert buddy and I had only had the pleasure of seeing Canaan Smith in acoustic shows with his guitarist Stephen Whitfield.

Stephen in Lawton

I love acoustic shows and both gentleman were obviously extremely talented. However, I was very excited to see a full band show. During the VIP part, we were treated to a three song performance with just Smith and you could feel the excitement emanating off of him. After he finished playing, he took photos and signed autographs for us. He was extremely down to earth and very genuine.

My concert buddy and I, as well as our new friends from the VIP performance, were front row for the whole show. We were not only treated to the ENTIRE extended addition of Bronco, but a stunning duet. Opening act Russell Dickerson and Canaan Smith performed "Every Breath You Take" after the always moving performance of "Bronco". I have several songs I love off the album, but not much compares to hearing Canaan Smith perform "American Muscle" live. I loved seeing him bring an American flag on the stage and wave it amidst a
"U-S-A" chant. 

 The chemistry with his band was something to behold as well. One of my favorite things about live shows is watching the band perform along side the artist they're sharing a stage with. After hearing what just one of Canaan Smith's band mates (Stephen) could do with an acoustic guitar, I was very excited to hear the whole band. They were out of this world and Stephen officially became my favorite guitarist. Canaan Smith is an extremely talented vocalist and songwriter. He not only commanded the stage the entire night, but made the fans feel like they were a part of the show too. I highly recommend catching a show of his if the opportunity presents itself. He's currently taking everyone by storm with his Stompin' Grounds tour and then will be joining Brantley Gilbert's Blackout tour with opener Michael Ray. 

Michael Ray Takes Tulsa

Michael Ray is an extremely talented country singer who took country radio by storm with his number 1 hit "Kiss You in the Morning". His self titled debut album came out on August 7th of this year. Before the album release, I was already intrigued by his voice and couldn't wait to hear more from him. 

As I've mentioned before, I am legally blind. Since I will eventually go blind I made a list of artist I want to see live before that happens. After hearing "Kiss You in the Morning" the first time, I had added Michael Ray to that list. I kept an eye on his tour schedule for when he'd be coming to Oklahoma. Well Michael Ray came to Tulsa on Nov. 18th and he sure did it right!

It wasn't just one show, but THREE all with our awesome local radio stations. He had an Eat & Greet via 98.5 KVOO, a mini Ladies Lock-In via 106.1 The Twister and was the featured artist for K95.5's Girls Night Out show. I won invites to KVOO's Eat & Greet and took concert buddy Amanda. The Eat and Greet took place at the historic Cain's Ballroom. The eat portion of this awesome acoustic show was from Oklahoma Joe's. 

When Michael, his guitar player Austin, and his drummer Andrew arrived Michael went up to every one of us shaking hands and introducing himself. The entire set up was pretty cool. On the floor of Cain's there was two long tables set up for us and the tables were connected by a row of chairs were Michael and his band mates set.

Austin, Michael, and Andrew

It was Michael's first time in Tulsa. So he had never been to Cain's Ballroom before and he really loved it. It's very hard to put into words how amazing it is to hang out, eat (that barbecue was delicious), talk with, and listen to one of your favorite solo artists sing. I love acoustic shows because you can really hear the artist. I know that statement is making you think wait what. Just listen to the video of "Everything In Between" below:

That is Michael's voice with absolutely no sound equipment. Well Austin and Andrew are playing to, but you understand. It was really amazing. All three guys were down to earth and such gentleman. After the eating, chatting, and singing we all lined up and got photos and autographs. I got to tell him about my list too. 

 Our friend Shannon attended the acoustic show for 106.1 The Twister and then all three of us came together for Girls Night Out with K95.5. That is were an already great day turned into a memorable night not soon forgotten. I have this saying: Great time, Great people, Great music. Generic maybe, but 100% true. Before the show we got to chat with my favorite K95.5 dj Shane Houston. (I'm aware I'm pretty short)

Shane Houston and me

During this show you got a great feel for not only how talented Michael is, but Austin and Andrew as well. Among the songs performed were his singles "Kiss You in the Morning" and "Real Men Love Jesus". He also played several from his album including "Look This Way", "This Love", "Drivin' All Night", "Everything In Between" (one of my favorites!), and "Somewhere South" for my friend Shannon. Perhaps the coolest part of the show though was getting "Another Girl" dedicated to me when he started to play it. 

KVOO Eat & Greet photos

 Before the show I requested it. Well Shannon did, but she started with "She wants to know". He said they would try. It's my favorite song from the album.  Because when I go to concerts I get to be me and not the "poor blind girl". The lyrics talk about how a girl turns into another girl when she goes to a concert. After the show Michael signed autographs and took photos again. 

Amanda, Me, Michael Ray, & Shannon

Michael is currently on tour with Kip Moore and will soon after hit the road with Brantley Gilbert and Canaan Smith. If either tour is coming to a city near you I recommend catching that show. You won't want to miss it. Michael Ray has the makings to be around a long while in country music. 

Salvation Army benefit by The Swon Brothers

Fun fact, when Oklahoma's own The Swon Brothers have a show its been dubbed a Swoncert and on November 7th the brothers came back to their home town Muskogee to help support a great cause, the Salvation Army. I was very excited to see them again. Because my view at my first Swoncert was blocked by an impressively sized speaker at the Hard Rock. It was also the first time intentionally going to a show with concert buddies Shannon and Amanda.

Amanda, Me, and Shannon

Attending a concert with these ladies is a riot, their just like me when it comes to a live show! Attending a Swoncert with them? Out of this world! After some great food and a few photos with a life size Hulk, we headed to the Muskogee Civic Center.

As said earlier, the concert that night was to benefit Muskogee's Salvation Army and I found out from Shannon it was the fourth year the Swon Brothers have done said benefit. Did you know the Swon Brothers are currently working on their next album? In addition to great covers and things from their first album, we were treated to some of that new music including "Throwback", "Nobody", "Killin Me", and "Just Another Girl". I fell in love with "Just Another Girl" at their Hard Rock show and their newest songs leave no doubt the Swon Brothers sophomore album is going to be AMAZING!

Besides the show in general, I have two favorite parts. The first happens before they play their powerful song "Pray for You". They ask any military, police, and fireman in the audience to stand up. Those standing are thanked for their service as well as all military, police, and fireman in general. The respect they show is amazing and I love it!

Zach Swon and Seth Costner

My second favorite thing is when their keyboardist Seth Costner comes out front with a guitar and gets to sing ("Uptown Funk" usually) while Zach gets on the drums. Its a serious treat all the way around. Because Zach sounds really great on drums and Seth has a seriously amazing voice. I can't not mention Seth has his own EP out titled The Easy Part. I recommend downloading it and giving it a listen. 

Seth Costner: Keys and guitar

Jeff Coleman the guitarist

Thanks to Shannon and Amanda pointing out the band comes out after the show I got to meet some of them. I missed getting photos with these talented two though. 

Joe Henderson and Aaron Wolfcale

 There's always the next Swoncert though. Joe is the one on drums and Aaron the guitar. A surprise treat of the night came when the Swon Brothers were about to play their new song "Nobody". They were joined on stage by special guest Jermaine Mondaine on the saxophone. 

I've always loved the sound of the saxophone and not just cause I used to play it. Mr. Mondaine was out-freakin- standing. He also played "Ain't No Sunshine" with them as well. 

A Swon Brothers' show is not just outstanding because they have great voices and an outstanding band backing them up, but because of the personal touches they add in. 

Not only did the above adorable moment happen, but Colton invited a girl up to the stage for a #teamcolton shirt during the hilarious #teamzach or #teamcolton debate. They also gave out copies of their CD. Colton actually got off the stage and jogged to the back of the civic center to give some out back there! After the show they came out and stayed to sign autographs for every person there!

Autographed set list & guitar pick

The Swon Brothers are vocally talented, incredible live, and absolutely genuine with their fans. There's no doubt these Okies from Muskogee are certainly headed for great things.