Country Kindness with Parmalee

     The artists in the country music industry have some of the biggest hearts I have ever witnessed. They are constantly going above and beyond for their fans. Although they would never see it that way. They do things that seem like no big deal to them because that is just who they are beneath the music. One such case that will melt your heart comes to you out of Eau Claire, WI. On the night of February 20th, Terri Johank made her way to Wagner Lanes with her 21 year old son Cody. Cody has down syndrome, but that doesn't stop him or his mom from enjoying live concerts (and it shouldn't either). Before the 20th Cody had only been to two concerts, but as they say "the third time is the charm." Do you remember that feeling of excitement when you got to see your favorite artist live the first time? Well country rock band Parmalee is the favorite in the Johank household and mom Terri has seen them live multiple times. However, the 20th Cody was getting to see them perform for the first time. 

Before the Show with the band

When this mom picked up meet and greets for the band, to make the night extra special for Cody, she had no clue exactly how special it would end up being. When talking with her, she said Cody was a little shy during the meet and greet, but everyone from the band to the crew was incredible with her son. According to her the perfect cure for her son's shyness was the magic of Parmalee's music. Having seen Parmalee live myself, I could not have agreed more when she told me that their music is magical. Cody was apparently making himself all kinds of friends during the concert, even snagging some kisses on the cheek from multiple ladies. If the night had ended there it would have left a smile on Cody's face for days, but a simple gesture from the band made it a night young Cody will never forget. Scott Thomas, the drummer for Parmalee, came back out and gave Cody one of his drum sticks. That sweet gesture was not the end though. It lead to Cody and his mom hanging out a bit after the show with the band. Cody got his drum stick signed by all four members of the band, hugs, handshakes, a few guitar picks, and a new round of photos with everyone.

After the show with the band

As you can tell, a picture truly is worth a thousand words. Just look at the difference in young Cody's smile in the above photos from prior to the show and then after it. If that smile is not enough to tell you that this simple act of random country kindness left an important and lasting impact on Cody's life look at this last photo:

 It's been a week since the concert and according to mom, he sleeps with his signed drum stick every night! Apparently he has even started asking when they get to see "the guys" again. Its stories like this one that make me love country music even more. Thank you Parmalee for proving the world is still full of people who actually do nice things and do not expect anything for it.

Who is Parmalee?

Do you know the mythology behind a Phoenix? It is a long-lived bird that obtains new life by arising from the ashes. That is what comes to mind for me when I think about the country band Parmalee and what this talented band has over come to get to where they are.

Cain's Ballroom, Jan. 2015

Parmalee is a four man, family band, made up of Matt Thomas (lead vocalist), his brother Scott Thomas (drums/bass), their cousin Barry Knox (bass/drums), and their brother from another mother Josh McSwain (guitar & keys). This gifted four some is North Carolina born and bred. All four men grew up on music. In fact, they started out performing with their fathers and uncle. In 2001, at Corrigans, a local venue, near East Carolina University where they went to school, Parmalee was officially born.

Left 2 Right: Matt, Scott, Barry, Josh

Do you know were this band came up with their name? Let me tell you. These proud NC natives stayed connected with their roots and named the band after the town in which Parmalee practiced every Tuesday and Thursday (according to their bio) Parmele, NC. The guys toured all over including New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta ultimately discovering they needed to be in Nashville. In 2010, the band's journey was altered amidst a terrible tragedy. Scott was shot during an attempted robbery after a show. He was in a coma for 10 days and hospitalized for over a month. In true Phoenix fashion, they rose from what most would have considered the ashes of a promising career. In February 2011, the band, Scott included, performed a showcase that landed a record deal.

Tulsa State Fair, Oct. 2015

Five years later, this incredible band, that is the epitome of never give up on your dreams, has been nominated for an ACM award for New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year! They have a debut album out titled Feels Like Carolina. They have had three consecutive top 10 hits, including #1 hit "Carolina." In addition to countless appearances on their own across the country, they have also toured with both Jake Owen and Brad Paisley. In fact, they are currently back out on the road, as well as, spending days off in the studio working on what is sure to be a steller follow up to Feels Like Carolina. 

You can keep up with the band on several social media platforms including FB, Twitter (@parmalee), Instagram (@parmaleemusic), and even SnapChat (parmaleemusic). Check out their website for more info on tour dates  http://www.parmalee.com/tour/

Parmalee ~ Tulsa State Fair

     The Tulsa State Fair has live music acts every day its open. The shows are free with entry to the fair or you can purchase a VIP ticket which puts you directly in front of the stage. This is exactly what I did when I discovered my favorite band Parmalee was coming back to Oklahoma. 

     This was the 3rd time I saw this family band live and my first outdoor concert. In case your not familiar with these guys I'll give you a brief background before the concert rundown.They are North Carolina natives. Matt Thomas is the lead singer, his brother Scott is on drums and sometimes bass, their cousin Barry Knox plays bass and sometimes drums, their brother from another mother Josh McSwain is on the guitar and keys. They have a great album out called Feels Like Carolina. On it you can hear their singles "Musta Had a Good Time", "Carolina", "Close Your Eyes", and their newest "Already Callin You Mine" as well.

     I purchased meet and greets for the show and with the passes I discovered two spare VIP tickets. So I went out to the back of the venue and gave them to an elderly couple so they could move closer to the stage. The couple looked soo happy! Parmalee had a female act, Alaska and Madi, opening up for them. I was excited to hear them given how much I enjoyed their opening act, Backroad Anthem, the last time I saw them. The meet and greets were scheduled for right after they took the stage though :/ However what I heard of their song Tattoo I was pretty impressed! It was so fun getting to meet the guys again and their manager Mike! Josh shook my hand while saying "Hi I'm Josh and I absolutely love that shirt!" I was nervous we lost our front row seats to go meet them, but the security guard saved them for us!

     Once the guys took the stage it was impossible to stay seated. They started with one of my favorite songs from the album "I'll Bring the Music" so yea I could not stay seated. Then came their chart climbing newest single "Already Callin You Mine". Getting a smile from one of the band because they see you singing along word for word is such a great feeling! They sang all their singles. Plus "My Montgomery", "Back in the Day", "Day Drinkin", "Move", and "Dance" (all of which you can hear on their album). One of the coolest parts of their live shows is when they talk about how/where they grew up and then sing some of the music they grew up on. As they put it, its the music you could hear drifting through the back window of their dad'a truck. I also managed to record their parody of "Wreckingball" which they titled "Fireball". It was such a fantastic show. 

When watching these guys live you can just feel how much they love what their doing and that makes what you take home from these shows even better! I included a few links throughout to their website, their album, and a few YouTube videos! Enjoy and definitely check these guys out if you ever get the chance!