On a brisk and snowy Thursday evening, I attended a performance at the Beanfield Theatre to witness the season 19 American Idol winner, Chayce Beckham. As I arrived in the vicinity, I could discern the presence of a country music event nearby, as I observed numerous individuals wearing cowboy hats proceeding towards the venue.
To commence the evening, we were introduced to a relatively new artist who recently relocated to Nashville from Ireland three weeks ago. Hailing from Castlederg, Northern Ireland, Gareth performed a concise set accompanied by a guitarist. He disclosed that his initial composition was penned last March following the success of his cover of Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season,” which he performed with exceptional skill, accompanied by the enthusiastic participation of the audience, who provided additional vocal harmonies. It was a captivating spectacle. This individual possesses a vocal talent that has the potential to elevate Nashville’s music scene. His latest single, “The Last Thing Do,” is currently gaining traction on the charts, and based on this initial encounter, it is evident that we will likely encounter more of this Irish artist in the future.
At precisely 9:00 p.m., Chayce commenced his performance, commencing with Waylon Jennings’s iconic “This Ol’ Rodeo” from 1975. This auspicious start effectively launched the 18-song set. Throughout the approximately 90-minute performance, Chayce maintained the rapt attention of the nearly sold-out audience.
Early highlights included “This Ol’ Rodeo,” “Shooting Out The Lights,” and “Smokin’ Weed and Drinkin’ Whiskey.” Chayce’s exceptional vocal talent, evident in his victory on American Idol, captivated the audience. He also incorporated several covers into his set, including two from George Strait and one from his mentor, Luke Bryan.
Chayce’s performance showcased his potential as a rising country star, as evidenced by the enthusiastic response he received for his final song, “23,” a chart-topping radio hit.
While the overall experience was remarkable, there were some instances of discord. As is often the case at country music events, the portion of the audience near the bar appeared more preoccupied with conversations than with the music. To ensure that everyone could fully appreciate the performance, it would be appreciated if chatter could be minimized.
Just before the finale, tensions escalated, resulting in an altercation involving a patron who was struck with a haymaker. This incident caused a commotion near the barricade. Fortunately, security personnel swiftly intervened to restore order. Such incidents are unfortunate occurrences that detract from the overall enjoyment of the event. As the Smash Mouth song aptly states, “Why Can’t We Be Friends?”
Review & photos – Eric Brisson
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