Country heavyweight Jerrod Niemann stopped by the iconic Indianapolis bar 8 Seconds Saloon this past weekend (3/16) as part of his Tallboys and Short Stories tour and he sure did not disappoint – not that we’d expect anything different.
Niemann, who’s been a major label artist for years as a singer and songwriter, has embarked on the 15 stop tour, which kicked off March 15, visiting small venues and bars. The set lists cover his hits from the very first one, Top 40 single “Lover, Lover” to the most recent “Old Glory,” a tune written by Niemann dedicated to all soldiers who fight or have fought for our freedom, all the while missing important personal moments in their lives.
Opening for Niemann was up-and-coming Indiana born Isaac Rudd. Hailing from the northern part of the state, the 22 year old singer songwriter set the tone for a fun evening with great command of the stage with an impressive setlist mixed of his own tunes, along with a few covers, all keeping with a classic and southern rock vibe.
Rudd, along with his band The Revolvers, opened the show with several original tunes including “I’d Be Missing You” and“Country Up Here” before breaking out with Randy Rogers Band’s “Fuzzy” and Midland’s version of the classic Jerry Reed hit “East Bound and Down.” He kept the audience engaged and on their feet, finishing the night with two new songs; “12 on The 1″ and “Done Me Wrong” slated for an April release, thus proving he’s not only an excellent performer but an equally excellent songwriter.
Niemann came on stage with a smile on his face and an infectious attitude, pulling the audience in with favorites “Blue Bandana,” “Little More Love,” his tune with Lee Brice, and “I Got This.”The singer belted out hit songs “Lover, Lover” and “Drink To That All Night” as well as covers by Charlie Daniels’ “Devil Went Down To Georgia”, with his guitarist taking the lead, and Alabama’s “Mountain Music”, as well as George Strait’s “All My Ex’s” to a crowd eagerly singing back.
Niemann’s ability to entertain was surmounted by his fun loving tunes like “The Buckin’ Song” and “For Everclear,” his tribute tune to rodeo rider Chris LeDoux “Good Ride Cowboy” to the more poignant “Old Glory,“ which was a goosebumps performance, to “God Made A Woman.”
There’s no doubt that Jerrod Niemann is worth every penny to watch a show. What a night for great songs, light comedic banter, and soulful ballads to start up a St. Patrick’s Day weekend in a cozy bar filled with square and line dancers, music fans, and great entertainment.
For information on Jerrod Niemann, visit: www.jerrodniemannofficial.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For information on Isaac, visit: www.isaacrudd.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For all up coming events at 8 Seconds Saloon, check out their website at www.8secondssaloon.net.