So a little 45 minute/1hr drive north of Austin, Texas, located on IH 35 is Salado, Texas. I can not tell you what the town is known for...sorry folks of Salado. I can tell you there is a wicked, bad ass BBQ joint just located off the highway a few hundred yards or so, Johnny's Steaks and BBQ (http://johnnyssteaksandbbq.com/). Not only is the brisket mighty fine, but OF COURSE they have a stage out back!
I am not a food critic, but I like BBQ. Not that stuff smothered in sauces to hide the flavor of the meat and wood, but BAR-B-QUE DAMMIT!!! This brisket was great! It had flavor, it was moist, and it was just damn good. Oh yeah, we didn't have to wait in a line for more than an hour, we just had to drive the hour.
Out in the back is a rather large stage and a huge event area. I would say they could easily hold 1500. A covered VIP area with tables, a small grassy knoll for those who bring their own chairs, and a whole lot of dirt! A couple of beer tents in the very back make it easy to get your adult on and keep it that way.
What brought me way the hell up here for a performance is my wife's love for Pat Green (http://patgreen.com/). Also my love and pride in a local Austin musician on stage with Pat, my friend and bass player extraordinaire, Matt Slagle. While I managed to secure the photo opportunity from Matt for this show, it was my wife who I enjoyed watching, along with the other thousand or so folks.
But my cool surprise was the opening band.
The Warhorses (http://thewarhorsesmusic.com/) came onto the stage while the sun was still out and as the crowd was still filtering in. The Warhorses were a great progressive country band. Partially with that Americana feel, not scared to get their rock on, but definitely country. The Warhorses entertained the crowd and had folks moving up to the stage. I must say, with this large group of guys on stage and the excitement and love they showed to the crowd for what they were doing...this is a dangerous opening band. No doubt they could easily steal the show if the headliner is not on their A game.
I'll put it to you this way, I had enough enjoyment in The Warhorses performance that I worked with a buddy at a venue in Austin to get them booked closer to home. Look them up around your neck of the woods or take a trip.
So...Pat Green. What can I say and what do I need to say. He doesn't need my words, but I will share them anyway. Maybe there is one person out there who isn't sure. Pat Green really does have a great time on stage and with the crowd. Of course he has a hell of a backing band, but you can tell it's his charisma on the mic and in front of the crowd that helps make the show. This is what has brought me back for multiple shows. My wife loves his music ('Carry On' ALWAYS make her get out of her seat! A L W A Y S !!!!!) and Pat Greens ability to entertain.
Pat does a great job of bringing the crowd into his songs with his stories. Not VH1 Storytellers long, but quick little side notes. It's as if he is talking to you his friend as he reminisces about old times. It just makes you feel good and you can tell it in the crowd. Of course the crowd is going to have a good time, they bought the tickets! But you see, it is the interaction with the music that makes it fun and memorable. It makes it worthwhile and, well...that's the Green Effect!
Laters
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