Local artist and Kansas City firefighter Noe Palma always draws a crowd when he plays a local show, and his performance opening for Chris Janson on January 21, 2016 was no exception. From the first song of his set he had audience members dancing, singing along, and thoroughly enjoying themselves. Noe is the type of artist that takes advantage of every second of a performance, and also utilizes every inch of the stage. There’s never a dull moment and he leaves audience members enthused and ready for more. In addition to fan favorite “Righteous and Rowdy” Noe also introduced his next single, “I’ll Be Your Whiskey,” which he’s been performing live for over a year now – fans have been anxiously awaiting it’s release as a single. Mr. Palma closed his set with a spectacular cover of “I’m in a Hurry” which had the entire audience singing along. Overall it was a standout night for Noe Palma, he did everything that is asked of an “opener,” and clearly left everything he had on the stage that night.
Some might consider Chris Janson a newcomer to the country music business, but the truth is he’s been around for several years and has written for many of the top hitters in the industry, including Hank Williams Jr., Justin Moore, Craig Campbell, LoCash, Frankie Ballard, Tyler Farr, and Tim McGraw.
From the moment Janson took the stage everyone knew his performance was going to be something special. He had a huge
smile plastered on his face and his energy level was through the rough. When he opened his mouth his pure and rich 
tone rang throughout the venue, and jaws hit the floor as he showed everyone just what he could do on a harmonica. To say he’s talented would be a gross understatement. Chris has something special and everyone there knew it.
Chris opened the night with “Drinking Days” and went on to perform many of his own songs including recent single “Power of Positive Drinking” which audience members clearly loved as they sang and danced along. He also mixed in some great covers songs such as “Save A Little Sugar” and “Redneck Revival,” making sure to put his own unique spin on each one.
Like many artists Chris made sure to acknowledge and thank all of the former and current military members that were present, as well as sending his thoughts and prayers to those spread throughout the world. He spoke of his heartwarming time overseas with Toby Keith, and let everyone know that although he is a true patriot and loves his country he will leave the tradition patriotic songs to Toby Keith who as Chris says “is the best.” It was during this part of the night that Jason joked about never following his own setlist, because it’d just leave him bored. As he continued to dance across the stage it was apparent to everyone that Chris Janson is not only an incredibly talented musician, but he truly enjoys what he does, and takes full advantage of every moment.
One of the most enduring moments of the night came when Chris introduced his favorite song “Holding Her” and took time to speak of his love for God, his gorgeous wife Kelly (who co-wrote “Better I Don’t) , and his fantastic children. The love for his family shone throughout the venue, and eyes filled with tears as Janson gave a breathtaking speech about being a loving stepfather and the unfortunate reality about the way the world tends to focus more on the “step” rather than the “parent” in situations. His speech was genuine, heart-touching, and truly inspirational. It’s one of those speeches that should be heard by everyone, if everyone could understand and share the views he so humbly expressed the world would be a much better place.
Nearing the end of the night Chris performed his first #1 single, “Buy Me A Boat,” drawin the crowd in to a fit of frenzy. As audience members cheered, danced, and sang along, the smile that hadn’t left Chris’s face since stepping on stage just grew wider and wider. In that moment you could tell that not only did the fans truly embrace Chris Janson, but he embraced and loved them as well.
Janson closed the night with a mash-up of songs he has written for other artists including “Truck Yeah” which he wrote for his friend Tim McGraw, and “I Love This Life” which was recorded by LoCash. It was just one more reminder of just how talented he is not only as a singer and performer, but also as a writer. In fact audience members were heard whispering in awe about just how many hits he’s really written.
When “newcomers” come to town you never know what to expect, but this was a night of truly spectacular music, mixed with genuine heartfelt moments that impressed audience members and left them fans of not only the music, but also of Chris as a person. Fans left Kanza Hall filled with energy, excitement, and wanting more. We predict great things for Chris Janson, and we can’t wait to follow along on what’s sure to be an unbelievable musical journey.