It’s so good to be hanging out in the Whiskey Roadhouse.  I love the vibe, regardless of what genre of music lies within.  The staff and the patrons are all having a great time, every time.

Thursday night, Frankie Ballard and his band graced the Roadhouse stage and blessed us all with a country music show full of energy and fun.  Ballard’s star has risen quickly, and it was quite apparent that he has amassed a faithful troupe of followers already.  Ballard won Kenny Chesney’s “Next Big Star” contest and then opened for Chesney at two Michigan shows in 2008, but it wasn’t until he had a deal with Warner Bros. that he moved to Nashville.  And so begins the ‘history’…and let me just add that his boy next door apple cheeks and smile don’t hurt!

Ballard’s first major label album has just been released, featuring his hits “A Buncha Girls” and “Tell Me You Get Lonely” and he is having the time of his life – or so it appears.  He has surrounded himself with a very talented group of musicians.  His lead guitar player looked just like Russell Brand from the back of the house, but upon a closer and much better perusal, I realized that this guy was so much prettier than Brand!

The passion was apparent, and the energy was vivid.  It was a whole lotta fun, and he during his 90 minute presentation, he threw in some great covers, including a little Mellencamp and Lynard Skynnard.  He did great justice to both artists.  Ballard and boys were appreciative and grateful to their adoring fans.  Country music has come a long way baby…but we all know that.

The crowd was a nice blend of males and females, young and not-so-young.  The skin-tight sequined jeans and boots were everywhere, along with the plaid shirts and John Deere caps that seem to have replaced the Stetsons of yore.  There were periods of two-stepping couples and a few who made a paltry stab at some swing dancing  moves…which didn’t matter, cuz they were having a great time.

You gotta check out the Whiskey Roadhouse.  It’s a great blend of ambiance and sound.  Kick back with your buds…have a few Buds, and enjoy.  Check out upcoming events on the Whiskey Roadhouse website and I’ll see you there!