By: Chris “Chaos” Hedden (Photo Gallery & Review)of Jaded Images Photography
Greenville, SC (5/12/21) – There was a time I thought concert photography and reviews were over. The world was headed in a very serious non fun direction. Well finally, here I am back at it with tonights show at the Blindhorse Saloon. What an amazing show to get started back with as well. I mean come on, Dierks freaking Bentley…this guy is normally in big venues so it was a rare and great opportunity to work with him in a club setting. So let’s get this started because I still got a lot of typing left to do…see what I did there? I’ve had that song on repeat in my mind since finding out this show was booked.
Hot Country Knights
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So, let me try and explain the opening band. Imagine you took Dierks and his band, put them in hilarious 80’s clothes, and then make them play all the nostalgic 90’s country songs that get stuck in your head for days. Believe it or not that’s what happened. I have three words for you, Hot Country Knights. Get on Youtube or whatever other app you want, and check these guys out now. Your face will be sore from the laughing, but your mind will be blown from the talent.
Cody Canada
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Up next was Cody Canada & The Departed. Some of you may know him from Cross Canadian Ragweed. I actually wasn’t aware that Cody had a been doing a solo band as I must’ve been hiding under a rock for quite some time. What a mistake that was on my part. Only a three piece band, but packed with so much talent and sound. You almost get jealous watching Cody play guitar with his amazing skills. It just seems to come so natural to him with effortless precision. Cody is great at taking time to talk to the crowd and keep them informed and feel involved as well. Don’t be like me and spend time not knowing about this band.
Dierks Bentley
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I hate Covid 19 caused this to happen and I hate that a lot of the big venues are still closed but it’s great that some venues have been able to come back in full force. Getting to see and work with an artist who has 25 singles and 17 number ones in such an intimate environment would be a big deal for any photographer and tonight’s my lucky night. It was definitely an evening me and the sold out crowd will never forget. With a big smile on his face Dierks came out to start the show and you could tell he was ready to have fun. Everyone in attendance filled with excitement as they cheered and sang throughout the set. Being a former musician myself, my favorite part of the night was him bringing Cody Canada on stage with him and playing You Wreck Me by Tom Petty. I mean come on, who doesn’t love Tom Petty. Cody stayed out and joined the band for Dierks song “Lot of Leavin’ Left to Do“ as well. Every time I hear this song it’s stuck in my head for days. It was great to see how the whole band clicked so well together despite the Covid downtime. Lots of the artists are worried about everything being perfect but these guys seemed to me more concerned about themselves and the crowd having fun. That’s the way it should be.
It doesn’t matter if you’re somewhere on a beach, drunk on a plane, or trying to figure out what you were thinking this “High Times & Hangovers” tour is a must see event. It makes my job easier when you get polite managers, artists, and crews but getting them all at the same time on the same tour is rare. That’s just another great aspect of this show that allows everyone from staff to fans to enjoy the laid back atmosphere and feel the “old normal” again.
Do not alter photosCopyright – Chris Hedden/Jaded Images Photography *Photos use with permission only
