1.4K
Last Friday night, the sound of 10,600 cowboy and cowgirl voices filled Chaifetz Arena like the thundering of a thousand bison stampeding the prairies.
To kick the show off it was a Texan red dirt country artist by the name of Jesse Raub Jr. Jesse made his way up on the long stretches of highways in Texas playing all over the state before striking up a friendship with fellow tour headliner Cody Johnson. Jesse has co written multiple hit songs for Johnson including The Way She Loves Me and Dance Her Home.
Jesse came out before the show to shake hands and greet anyone who offered their hand and a smile Once it was time for Raub Jr to take the stage he didn’t hold back and delivered a solid performance and then finished the set with a barrage of free merch like tshirts and pics and set lists for lucky fans. After his exit he re emerged for more handshakes and pictures with fans.
Next up was the highly fan favorited Randy Houser. The crowd became exited as he took the stage and one fan in front of us asked if we have seen him before, which we hadn’t, and said he puts on a hell of a show. This fan was correct with that statement as Randy had a commanding stage presence and voice that echoed throughout the arena.
Randy played his chart topping hits Note To Self, How Country Feels, and Like A Cowboy. Playing tribute to the troops, one veteran gave him a coin which Randy took very much to heart and showed his deep appreciation for our service members.
Finally it was time for the big man to own his stage. With a burner right out the gate like a bull coming out of the chute he belted Let’s Build A Fire and instantly the arena erupted as if he just threw a cup of diesel on it.
Cody put on a show much to the likeness of one of his great inspirations Garth Brooks and the audience participation mirrored that as well. Sometimes you couldn’t even hear Cody over the voice of the fans drowning the singer out.
Johnson put on a hell of a speech honoring our service men and women of the police, fire, EMT, and all branches of the military.
Cody put on what was an awards ceremony presentation for these lucky fans to a sold out arena.
This concert showed anyone who didn’t know what a country music show was like how crazy the fans can get. Even the songs playing over the speakers between sets was drowned out by the singing of every song that was played by the fans.
I have been to a lot of different styles of concerts but this one had this fans ears ringing worse than most of them.
Y’all burned the place down.
——————————————————-
PHOTO GALLERY:
Craig Missey
Craig Missey is a concert reviewer and an avid music lover of all genres, with his main love being country, Americana, and rock. Craig feels that all music encompasses and promotes healing, and emotions of every kind. Music is where memories begin.
