The opening act was a young man Hudson Westbrook. He just released his debut album so click the link “listen” button give him a shoutout.
Second up was a five piece country band called The Wilder Blue led by Zane Williams who has seven solo albums. The band’s most recognizable song is probably “Palomino Gold” off of their self titled album The Wilder Blue. They have some great 5 part harmonies and fit right in with a Midland show.
When you go to their webpage Midland Official, in the about section this is how they describe themselves, “Double Grammy® nominees Midland have sought to reintroduce the Western plains, Laurel Canyon-cum-Bakersfield and Lone Star juke joints to Country music since coming together at a friend’s wedding over common influences and the need for a return to this sort of post-Urban Cowboy Country. For lead singer/guitarist Mark Wystrach, bassist/vocalist Cameron Duddy and lead guitarist/vocalist Jess Carson, the 2X PLATINUM hit “Drinkin’ Problem” set the stage for their critically acclaimed On The Rocks and No. 1 Billboard Top Country Albums debut Let It Roll to unite classic country fans, hipsters and media including Entertainment Weekly, GQ, The Washington Post, Vogue, Esquire, Variety, Rolling Stone Country and NPR. Based in Dripping Springs, Texas, the trio of songwriters who developed their sound at Tornillo, Texas’ storied Sonic Ranch have been building a following that’s sold-out the Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show, packed a multiple-night stand at Ft. Worth’s iconic Billy Bob’s and re-opened North Hollywood’s legendary Palomino Club for one night only. Bringing listeners a resurgence of their thick harmonies, sad melodies, tart lyrics, and steel guitar with their album The Last Resort: Greetings From (Big Machine Records) the retro-Nuevo trio has grown from bar band to an in-demand headliner who has even put together their own cruise that set sail April 2024.”
That only touches the caliber of musicians and the impact they have made on country music and represent the best of Texas. From the moment they hit the stage you are over whelmed with bright lights and boogie. The wonderful harmonies are part of what makes their sound very unique. The abundance of energy on stage just grips the audience starting out with new title song off of their latest album released in 2024 named Barely Blue and filled with fan favorites like Mr Lonely, Lone Start State of Mind, Boot Scootin Boogey, Burn out, Cheatin Songs, Drinkin Problem, and finished the night with a cover of Bob Segers “Like a Rock”.
You just can’t go wrong with a Midland show. It is refreshing country music with a touch of class.
