“Remember when there was no country music in New York City?” asked Old Dominion‘s frontman Matthew Ramsey to a loud and attentive sold-out crowd at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theatre. “What did you all do?” he continued to an eruption of cheers.
It’s hard to imagine a time not so long ago when country artists’ tour schedules would lack a stop in the Big Apple. But thanks to re-introduction of country radio in 2013, more and more artists are making sure they give their urban country audience some love, performing at venues big and small throughout the city.
And the fans are returning the love in full force as Friday night’s stop on the Make It Sweet Tour was the perfect example. From the moment Mitchell Tenpenny hit the stage, you couldn’t tell that you were in midtown Manhattan. As the first few lyrics of “Truck I Drove In High School” filled the room, fans rushed in from the concession stands not to miss country’s newest phenom, and they were not disappointed. With a John Mayer-esque guitar feel on “Goner” and the title track of his second album “Telling All MY Secrets,” Tenpenny set up the crowd for his newest single “Alcohol You Later,” followed by his #1 Platinum single “Drunk Me” resulting in a back-to-back sing-along. Tenpenny rushed down the catwalk, slapping high-fives to all the fans in his reach before closing out his set with the very satisfying track “Bitches,” because let’s face it, we all know at least one.
Next on the bill was Jordan Davis, who continues to take country radio by storm. The Louisiana native’s set consisted most of his critically acclaimed debut album Home State, including “Tough To Tie Down,” “Going ‘Round,” “Selfish” and his personal favorite “Leaving New Orleans.” Perfectly spaced out through his set was his new single “Slow Dance In A Parking Lot” and “Take It From Me” (which featured NYC in its music video) before alternating with the voices in the room on the chorus of his #1 Platinum single “Singles You Up.”
At this point the crowd was wound up and ready for Matthew, Brad, Trevor, Whit and Geoff, and for the next 90 minutes, the guys showed why they are the reigning CMA and ACM Vocal Group of the Year. Back-to-back songs, banter with the crowd, smiles, laughs and signs of gratitude filled the Hulu Theatre. Their fans were loud and proud, singing along to “Snapback,” “Said Nobody,” “Hotel Key” and more. The harmonies of Matthew, Brad and Trevor on “Not Everything’s About You” could only be described as breathtaking.
About halfway through the set, the quintet assembled at the front of the catwalk, and performed the songs that started the ball rolling for the singer/songwriters: “Wake Up Lovin’ You,” recorded by Craig Morgan; “Better Dig Two” recorded by The Band Perry and Trevor’s first #1; “Guy Walks Into A Bar” recorded by Tyler Farr and Brad’s first #1 and Dierks Bentley’s “Say You Do” which scored Matt his first #1. They continued their impressive catalog with Blake Shelton’s “Sangria” (Trevor), Sam Hunt’s “Make You Miss Me” (Matthew), Luke Bryan’s “Light It Up” (Brad) and Michael Ray’s “The One That Got Away” (Matthew and Trevor). (Show tidbit: about 40 songs were performed between the three artists, and close to 35% of them hit #1!)
Matthew then thanked the audience and country radio for playing their music before they even knew they were doing so, and talked about how grateful they were to be able to perform in front of fans like those in NYC; fans who have shown support since the start when these songwriters decided to give the idea of being a band a shot. Fans who showed up to shows whether OD was the opener or the headliner, and as each time around the venues grew larger, so did their fanbase.
“Next is the big daddy! It’s coming!” Matthew said in reference to playing at the world famous Madison Square Garden while pointing in the direction of the arena.
Oh it’s coming, and your NYC fans are ready.
For dates and tickets to upcoming stops on Old Dominion’s Make It Sweet Tour, visit: www.weareolddominion.com.