Country Kindness with Justin Adams and Friends

What do you get when you combine Christmas with country music?

Christmas is the spirit of giving without any thought to getting and the country music industry is filled with some of the biggest hearts there is. It's definitely the time of year when the random acts of kindness are plentiful. For example, The Last Minute Toy Store in Nashville, TN has been working hard since 1993 to provide a little Christmas cheer.

The Last Minute Toy Store, a ministry of Sixty-First Avenue United Methodist Church of Nashville, Tennessee has distributed free toys and other gifts to thousands of low-income children and youth who live in Davidson County. Working in cooperation with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s “Toys for Tots” program and other local toy providers, the “Last Minute” Toy Store is for low-income families who did not pre-register with those other providers earlier in the fall. 

For the last five years country singer Justin Adams has been volunteering every Christmas to help out The Last Minute Toy Store. The past two years Justin Adams' Ugly Sweater Christmas Concert has been Adams' way of raising money for this good cause. This years Ugly Sweater Christmas Concert is on December 7th and takes place at 3rd and Lindsley. Nada from The Bobby Bones show will be hosting the evenings events again. This years fantastic line up includes Ryan Hurd, Drew Baldridge, Maggie Rose, Kelleigh Bannen, Carly Pearce, The Railers, Mitchell Tenpenny, Courtney Cole, Erik Dylan and a special songwriters round with Casey Beathard, Lee Thomas Miller and Wynn Varble. The last Minute Toy Store is such a great cause and  Justin Adams' Ugly Sweater Christmas Concert is a fantastic way to help support it. The cover charge is just $10 and an unwrapped toy is encouraged.

If you can't make the concert, but still want to help I found a couple of options on The Last Minute Toy Store website to help you. If you don't live near Nashville or just wish to donate online visit their website here. Have toys you want to drop off? Take them to 61st Avenue UMC 6018 New York Avenue in Nashville during these listed times: 

TOY DROPOFF HOURS:

12/5 - 12/9 (Monday to Friday) 9 am - 6 pm

12/10 (Saturday) 9 am - 4 pm

12/11 (Sunday) 1 pm - 6 pm

12/12 to 12/17 7:30 am - 6 pm

12/18-19 1 pm – 5 pm

Justin Adams at The Vanguard

Nothing makes a weekend more enjoyable like a night of amazing live music and Saturday night was definitely one for the books. The Vanguard in Tulsa, OK played host to a couple of extremely talented artists December 3rd. Both Justin Adams and opener Jesse Joice have played at The Vanguard before and both performed as if they were seasoned pros singing to a sold out arena.

This was the first time I heard Jesse Joice perform live and the strength of his voice was just as beautiful as the tone. His band, which consisted of Daniel (keys), Matt (electric guitar), Sean (Bass), and Jarrod (drummer), was nothing to shake a stick at either. Leading up to the show I had actually been listening to Joice's music a lot. Going in I was really hoping to hear "Like I Ain't From Around Here," "On The Edge," and "Oklahoma Weather." Because they were just a few of the songs I had been playing on repeat. Let's just say, disappointed I was not. In addition to those songs, the set list included "Small Talk," "Enough To Fall In Love," "Work Hard, Play Hard," "The South Don't Make You Southern," "Little White Lie," and several others. One of the things at a concert that always catches my attention is whether or not the artist acknowledges their band mates. That simple show of respect says so much about an artist and it was something both Jesse Joice and Justin Adams took the time to do during their sets.

The crowd was plenty warmed up and very excited when Justin Adams hit the stage. If you have read much from this blog you may realize this was not my first show by Adams. I will admit when I didn't recognize the guitarist or bassist I was a little nervous. However, looking back I realize there was no reason to be. As always, Adams was on top of his game and Clark James (drummer), Mark Dejaynes (bass), and Joe Giaimo (guitar) sounded terrific. The set list included recent additions like "I keep It Country," "Feels Wrong," and "Lips On Mine," as well as, older hits like "Miss Me Whiskey" and "My My My." Believe it or not it just got better from there. Because Adams also played a reputable treasure trove of new material that included "Passing Through," "Get Gone," "Me And You," "Don't Hold It Against Me," "Last Thing I Do," and a few others. It was definitely a true treat for both new and established fans alike. After the show both Jesse Joice and Justin Adams spent a decent amount of time talking with every single fan that wanted to meet them. Something I am sure they will not forget any time soon. All in all, it was a great night with fantastic music from some pretty talented artists.

~ Find The Artists On Social Media ~

Jesse Joice

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Justin Adams

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Pardi In The Ballroom

March 3rd a Pardi Came to the Historic Cain's Ballroom. 

Jon Pardi at Cain's Ballroom

Tons of excited Pardi Animals showed up to watch singer Jon Pardi perform live and he put on an incredible show! Pardi played tons of hits both new and old including his singles "Up All Night," "Missin' You Crazy," and the newest chart climber "Head Over Boots." For the several in attendance that night, the surprise came when singer Justin Adams took the stage. Many concert goers never really stop to think about the opening act when they head out to see their favorite acts perform live. However, opening acts are not just there to get the crowd warmed up before the headliner comes out. It is an opportunity for attendees to hear a new artist they might not have been familiar with prior to the show. After hearing SEVERAL near by people's responses, it was clearly evident Adams gained tons of new fans that night.

Checkout the New Drum Cover

Justin Adams has been on the Nashville scene for a few years now. He put out his first EP (self-titled) back in 2013 and recently started selling a CD full of new music at his live shows. It was Adams second time playing in the historic Cain's Ballroom. A venue in Oklahoma that has hosted artists from the likes of Bob Wills to Hank Williams. I was already familiar with Adams' music before he took the stage that night, but was no less impressed than the first time I saw him perform. He took to the stage singing a song from his new CD titled "Lips On Mine." A highly energetic tune about how certain things just fit right together. "Lips On Mine" was not the only tune from the new CD Adams played. We also got to hear "Red Lights" and "Cowboys Drivin' Cadillacs." Both of those songs can actually be found on the artists YouTube page if you want to hear them.

Justin Adams at Cain's Ballroom

 From his original EP Adams sang "Can't Forget About You," "Shut Up And Kiss Me," and "Miss Me Whiskey." A real treat of the night had to be hearing "Feels Wrong" and "Wouldn't Be Here." Two relatively new and beautiful songs that can't be heard any where except a live performance. Besides his own songs Adams did a few covers, but there is one that deserves special mentioning. This talented artist performs perhaps one of the best covers I have heard of "Friends In Low Places." For the last chorus of the classic Garth Brooks hit, Adams actually took to the crowd to perform among the fans. If a performance could be a home-run Justin Adams hit his set out of the park. This rising star has a beautiful voice and an incredible stage presence with an outstanding energy level and a remarkable band sharing the stage.

I highly recommend following him on Facebook, Instagram (@justinadamscountry), and Twitter (@justinadamscrty) to stay up to date on all his news. Stay tuned for a write up on his band too.

Justin Adams - Tulsa, OK

Hidden Nashville gem Justin Adams came back to his home state Saturday night. His headlining show was at The Vanguard in Tulsa with fellow Oklahoma band Lower 40 opening for him.

After Lower 40's set, the Bixby, OK native took the stage to a packed house with equally talented bandmates Clark James (drums), Tommy Kratzert (electric guitar), and Mike Ball (Bass). Adams has been releasing new music as of late and opened the show with "Lips On Mine" one such new song. While watching Justin Adams perform, his excitement and love for what he's doing just emanates off him. He draws the audience into each show trying to make it special for everyone. Saturday night, that included a couple birthday girls and a Bachelorette.

 As the headliner we were treated to almost two hours of music from Adams. It was a crowd pleasing mix of older hits such as "Miss Me Whiskey" and some new original material like the sensational hit in the making "I Keep It Country." Not to mention some stunning covers  that included Garth Brooks' "Friends In Low Places", Darius Rucker's "Rock Me", and the classic hit "Fishin' In The Dark" by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. He even slowed the show down for a bit with an acoustic version of his heartwarming song "This Cowboy's Gonna Ride" and a truly beautiful performance on the keys for his new song "Don't Give Up On Me."

From the first note of "Lips On Mine" to the ending ones of another new song "Cowboys Drivin' Cadillacs" Adams' energy level was 110% and after the show I watched as he preceeded to sign merchandise and take photos with all his fans. Justin Adams is a triple threat for the country music industry. He's a singer/songwriter with an incredibly striking voice. He puts on a one of a kind, highly energetic, audience engaging show and he is very down to earth and genuinely kind hearted with all his fans. This extremely talented country artist is clearly on the road to a bright future.

You can follow Justin Adams on Facebook. As well as @JustinAdamsCtry on Twitter and Instagram.

Who is Justin Adams?

If there is one thing Oklahoma is known for more than twisters, its extremely talented  country musicians. I mean Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Toby Keith, Vince Gill, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, and sibling duo The Swon Brothers are just a few that call Oklahoma home.

   

I have been fortunate enough to see several musicians live in the past year. In that time I've discovered one of my favorite parts is hearing the opening acts. One such show were I was completely blown away was when I saw Chase Bryant at Cain's Ballroom back in May. Side fact: Chase can really play guitar!

Back to his opening act, I had no clue who it was going to be before I got there. However, I became even more intrigued when I discovered everyone around me was there for the opening act. I was informed his name was Justin Adams, he was extremely talented, and always genuine with his fans. However the last bit of "Justin Facts" caught me completely off guard. He's from Oklahoma!

When he hit the stage and started singing, my jaw dropped and the only word that came to mind was AMAZING! When the ladies who had been educating me before the show looked at me and said "So what do you think?" all I got out was "Damn.."

Justin was absolutely amazing. His energy level was down right contagious. He engaged the audience between songs. At one point he even had a band-mate take his picture were the crowd was in the background. Because playing at Cain's was a dream come true for him (His words). He performed several songs. Some of which I later discovered were from his EP (Yes I totally bought in that night). That was my first solo concert (I try to have a buddy with me because of my eyes) and I'm very glad I didn't miss it. Adams is one of those performs that you can just feel how much they love what they're doing. Then at the end of the night I learned my educators were very much correct!

He was such a sweetheart! A true Oklahoma gentleman! I've followed this very talented artists career every since. He just announced he's coming back to Tulsa in Dec. He'll be at The Vanguard. Its going to be a great show. You should check it out and if your not in Tulsa check out his website for up coming tour dates.I totally recommend you check out his EP and his new song "Red Lights" on his YouTube channel! Justin is on Twitter (@JustinAdamsCty), Facebook, and Instagram if you want to check out this talented artist who is going to be lighting up the airwaves very soon.