Author Archives: Jeremy Lawson

NOBLESVILLE, IN | The “Where the Party At Tour” turned Ruoff Music Center into a time capsule on Saturday night, transporting fans straight back to the early 2000s. From the moment the gates opened, the crowd’s enthusiasm was clear—many arrived in velour tracksuits, bucket hats, oversized jerseys, and denim-on-denim looks that paid homage to the era. The atmosphere was one of pure excitement, with fans ready to relive the soundtrack of their youth.

Instead of a traditional opening act, a DJ kept the energy high with a steady stream of hits that set the tone for the night. When Eve took the stage, her confident delivery and unmistakable voice reminded everyone why she has remained one of hip-hop’s most respected artists. Ja Rule followed with a set packed full of sing-along anthems, and his gritty vocals and commanding presence had the audience shouting every chorus back at him.

Nelly closed the evening with a performance that felt like a celebration of his career and influence. Tracks like “Country Grammar” and “Hot in Herre” carried the same infectious energy that made them defining songs of their time. His charisma and crowd interaction kept the momentum rolling, transforming the concert into what felt less like a performance and more like a massive block party.

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TERRE HAUTE, IN | On one of the stickiest, sweatiest nights of the summer—complete with a full-blown heat advisory—The Mill in Terre Haute brought the fire in more ways than one. Nestled along the Wabash River, this massive outdoor venue played host to a night of country swagger, songwriting chops, and pure crowd energy that didn’t let the heat win.

Kicking things off was Redferrin, who came in hot—literally and figuratively. A songwriter with grit and edge, he got the crowd moving early, laying down a high-energy set that made it clear he’s not just a name in the liner notes. Next up was Ernest, another songwriter-turned-performer who’s written hits for just about everybody in country music. He brought smooth vocals, humor, and a laid-back cool that somehow made the 90-degree swamp air feel bearable.

As the sun finally started to dip below the horizon (thank God), Old Dominion took the stage and brought the kind of polished, radio-hit-fueled set that reminded everyone why they’re headlining amphitheaters. They cruised through fan favorites, had the crowd singing every word, and genuinely looked like they were having just as much fun as the audience. The breeze off the Wabash finally kicked in, and it turned into one of those perfect summer concert moments—sweaty, loud, and unforgettable.

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DECATUR, IL | On a sweltering summer night in Decatur, Illinois, classic rock fans packed the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater for a high-energy show headlined by Tesla. The heat didn’t stop anyone from having a great time—not the crowd, not the band, and not the boats idling behind the stage on Lake Decatur, hoping to catch a glimpse of the action.

Opening the night was Kurt Deimer, who delivered a set of mostly original songs with a gritty, modern rock edge. He brought solid energy to the stage and connected with the crowd, sharing that he had appeared in the latest Halloween movie and was proud to have been killed by Michael Myers.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Tesla hit the stage to thunderous applause. They sounded as tight and powerful as ever, ripping through a setlist packed with classics and fan favorites. Their musicianship and energy kept the crowd on their feet all night long.

The setting couldn’t have been more perfect—the stage backed by the shimmering waters of Lake Decatur, boats drifting just offshore, and fans singing along under the stars. As the night came to a close, Tesla returned for an encore and brought the house down with their iconic hit “Signs,” leaving the crowd cheering and fully satisfied.

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NOBLESVILLE, IN | What an unforgettable night! The evening kicked off with Tucker Wetmore, who had the crowd buzzing from the start. With a cool saloon backdrop and a perfect blend of energy and charm, Tucker got everyone revved up and singing along. He’s definitely got a way with the crowd and set the stage perfectly for the main event.

Then, Thomas Rhett hit the stage, and it was game on. From the first note, he had the crowd singing along to every song—“Die a Happy Man,” “What’s Your Country Song,” and more—creating an electric atmosphere. His energy was contagious, and it was clear he was having as much fun as the audience. The crowd, made up of fans of all ages, was completely hooked, dancing, singing, and just soaking in the vibe.

The warm summer night added the perfect touch to the whole experience. The mix of great music, good weather, and high energy made it feel like the ultimate country party.

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN | I recently attended Brooks & Dunn at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, and despite a few unexpected moments, it was a great night of country music.

The evening began with Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway, who delivered a fabulous set, blending bluegrass, folk, and traditional country. Having had the chance to photograph them a few years ago in Chicago, I can confidently say they’re a band worth seeing on their solo tour. Molly’s virtuoso guitar playing and the band’s tight harmonies really set the tone for the night.

Next up was David Lee Murphy, who gave an enjoyable set that had the crowd vibing. Murphy, a seasoned country artist and hitmaker, treated fans to a mix of his own hits, including the well-loved “Dust on the Bottle,” and some great songs he’s written for others, like “The More I Drink” for Blake Shelton. His easygoing stage presence and knack for connecting with the audience made his performance a nice transition to the headliners.

When Brooks & Dunn took the stage, the energy in the arena skyrocketed. They powered through their catalog of hits, with the crowd singing along to every word. However, during their final song before the encore, Ronnie Dunn had to leave the stage due to feeling ill. It was a bit concerning, but Kix Brooks truly stepped up in the moment, seamlessly taking over Ronnie’s vocals on the last couple of songs. His ability to carry the show without missing a beat was impressive, and he kept the energy high throughout.

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN | Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis was bejeweled, sequined, and sparkling to the rafters on the evening of November 1st as the one and only Taylor Swift played the first of three shows in final US city stop of her Eras tour. An enormous crowd of over 69,000 fans turned out for the show, shattering the attendance record for the venue and shaking the walls of the stadium with energy and excitement.

Many in attendance were also fans of Gracie Abrams, who warmed up the crowd with her 30-minute set. Abrams has opened for Swift over 35 times so far during the Eras tour and it’s clear that she knows how to properly warm the crowd, sharing anecdotes of her friendship and experiences with Swift—and the love and respect the two have for each other—in between songs. Abrams demonstrated that she is a talent all her own, too, as she showcased her songwriting and performance skills, sharing six songs with the excited crowd.

It wasn’t long after Gracie wrapped up her performance that a countdown clock appeared on the stage’s gigantic video screen, letting everyone know there was one minute left until Taylor would begin the show. The energy and roar of the crowd increased exponentially as the seconds ticked down, whipping all into a frenzy by the time the clock finished.

And then we were off to the races. Swift opened with an abbreviated version of “Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince” before moving into “Cruel Summer,” a song from her 2019 album Lover that enjoyed recent, newfound success after being highlighted as the opener for the Eras show.

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NOBLESVILLE, IN | Attending Tyler Childers’ sold-out concert on June 27th, 2024, at the Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana, was quite the experience—it felt like a celebration of inclusivity and community. As a gay country music fan, it was heartwarming to witness an atmosphere that embraced diversity and acceptance, a testament to how the genre is evolving.

The night opened with Adeem the Artist, a non-binary musician from Nashville, Tennessee. Their soulful voice and poignant lyrics tackled issues of gender and sexual identity with pure honesty. Adeem’s performance was a powerful reminder of the importance of representation in music. Their ability to weave personal experiences into their songs created a deeply emotional and relatable set.

S.G. Goodman, hailing from rural Kentucky like Childers, followed with her valiant and raw storytelling. Openly gay, her songs painted vivid pictures of Southern life, touching on themes that resonated deeply with the audience. Her voice carried a strength and authenticity that was truly captivating.

Tyler Childers’ set was a beautiful blend of neotraditional country, folk, and bluegrass. The stage, adorned with antiques reminiscent of an old country cabin and covered in moss and grasses evoking Kentucky fields, added a whimsical, downhome charm. The projections behind him were clever and nostalgic, enhancing the intimate atmosphere.

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