Out in the middle of the country sits one of Central New York’s best-kept secret venues, Kegs Canalside. Located in Jordan, New York, this indoor/outdoor venue books some of today’s hottest country music acts; Kegs recently welcomed one of Nashville’s latest newcomers, Chase Bryant.
The first time NYS Music covered a Chase Bryant show was at the 2015 Taste of Country Music Festival. Touring last year with superstar Tim McGraw, it was immediately apparent why he was chosen to accompany that tour. This young man is one of the most talented musicians in Nashville, both vocally and instrumentally.
Opening the evening at Kegs were Stephen Gage and the TJ Sacco Band. Up first was Gage’s acoustic set. Accompanied by only another guitar, the audience was treated to an amazing set. The first time seeing this young man, he was extremely impressive. Singing many of today’s favorites, he warmed up the crowd as they filed into the soon-to-be packed venue. Although this was the first time seeing him, he made a lasting impression on this journalist to where I’m sure this will be one of many times I see this young man perform.
The TJ Sacco Band is a Central New York fan favorite when it comes to country music around these parts. (This is apparent by their constant bookings in and around the area.) Opening for many national acts over the years as well as being the feature act, they certainly put on an amazing show and get the crowds amped. Starting this journey on a dare many years ago, Sacco sure had the last laugh as his talent is way beyond the karaoke moment his friends assumed it would be. Playing everything from Old Dominion to Prince, Sacco and the band definitely displayed their versatility and talent.
Primed for the main act, the packed-to-capacity crowd was ready for the party by the time Chase Bryant hit the stage. Having interviewed Chase last year during his summer tour, we learned a lot about the young country musician and his musical family and looked forward to seeing him again. His grandfather had played with Roy Orbison, his uncles had a country hit of their own in the band Ricochet and Chase was forging ahead in a blaze of glory with a talent that was burning a trail behind him. Named as one of “10 New Country Artists You Need to Know” by Rolling Stone last year, it was clear that this young man was destined to be a country star. He impressively tears up that stage with sick guitar riffs, amazing vocal ability and the charisma and charm that melts the hearts of girls with just one stare or touch of the hand. Although he’s a bonafide star now, you don’t get that impression from him. He’s approachable, polite, down to earth, has a firm handshake—yes, that matters in my book—and looks you in the eyes when he meets you; his sincerity shines through brightly. Throw in some amazing musical talent, and voila you have a young country musician that is destined for years of success and adoration from fans all over.
Before you knew it, the show was over. Chase continued to play straight through the entire night without a break and not even leaving the stage for the encore. It was well past midnight as the show ended, leaving those in attendance in an afterglow of thoughts and musical moments that will have to last them for awhile. At least until the next time Chase Bryant comes back through our neck of the woods.
Setlist Stephen Gage: Tattoos, We’re Still Young, If I had You, Die a Happy Man, Beat of Your Heart, Drink You Away, Ibiza and Kiss and Break Up
Setlist TJ Sacco Band: Stay a Little Longer, Break up With Him, Mind Reader, Young and Crazy, White Lightning/Every Rose, Rodeo, Gonna, Kick the Dust Up, Ain’t the Whiskey, Better in Boots, Head over Boots, Beautiful Drug, Buy a Boat, Purple Raid and Mister Misunderstood
Setlist Chase Bryant: Encore, Wayfarer Weather, Fire, The way I see It, Yours Tonight, Free Fallin’ (Tom Petty cover), Red Dirt Road (Brooks and Dunn cover), Shut Up and Dance (Walk the Moon cover), Little bit of You, Change Your Name, Dirt Road, Drink you Away (Justin Timberlake cover), Jet Black Pontiac, Watcha Waitin On, Summertime Saturday High and Take it on Back
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