Talking to people taking part in these Showcases you can tell they all want to win but also I think everyone I have spoken to so far is just so happy to be taking part. Several hundred of us fans shuffled into the wonderful theatre here at The Guest House at Graceland just before 7pm on Saturday evening to enjoy them all doing just that.
Related Articles
I imagine being the first act on stage on these occasions can be a nerve wracking thought so to make sure that audience was good and warmed up we began with an amazing set from Rosie Flores and her band The Memphis 3. The chick with the pick gave us a tasty selection of favourites from her past albums and a great track “Drive Drive Drive” which is going to be on her next one. I loved the homage to Elvis too – a good fun, rocking version of “Heartbreak Hotel”.
The nominees performing tonight were The Reeves Brothers, Sophia Johnson (flying the flag for the UK even if she does now live in Austin TX), The Farmer & Adele, Luke Bell (who was a new one to me and very impressive he was too), The Carolyn Sills Combo and Jake Penrod (for British fans Jake’s single “Baby Steps” was Country Music People magazine’s Song of the Year for 2017).
We, the audience, were treated to four hours of superb playing and fabulous vocal ability. We had a little Bluegrass bonus, some Cowboy Swing, and some Spaghetti Western influenced country too.
| Jake Penrod |
I am so glad I don’t have to decide who the winners are, although if I did I would probably ask all these acts to perform one more time – not to help me make a decision but just because they were all so damn good.
Serious note for my friends in the UK reading this – if some of these names are unfamiliar to you take a few minutes to Google them, go to their websites, their YouTube clips and check them out. You WILL find music to love.
Tonight we have the Rockabilly and Outlaw Showcase – I sense it’s going to be another great show.
