December 27th, 2019- Charley Crockett and the Blue Drifters headlined at the historic Cain’s Ballroom with support from fellow Texan, Vincent Neil Emerson. This was Charley’s second time to headline at the timeless honky tonk in Tulsa, Oklahoma and the debut on the big stage for Emerson. 

Vincent Neil Emerson has been throwing down some damn fine traditional country music in the Honky Tonks and bars of Fort Worth, Texas since he was 20 years old. A late bloomer to the music industry, Emerson didn’t pick up a guitar until the age of 18. His musical influences range from the Texas Folk music of Townes Van Zandt, Blaze Foley, and Guy Clark to the classic Honky Tonk and Blues songs of Webb Pierce, Ray Price, and Hank Williams. 

VNE started the set with a couple of tunes, solo. Then he was joined on stage by his killer backing band to finish out what was a remarkable Cain’s Ballroom debut. The set included tunes, “25 & Wastin’ Time,” “Willie Nelson’s Wall,” and “Fried Chicken & Evil Women.” All three tunes are from Emerson’s brilliant, ten song, all original album, Fried Chicken & Evil Women, released on September 13th, 2019. VNE is the definition of a traditional country music artist and should be on your list of must-see artists for 2020. Check for tour dates and updates here: vincentneilemerson.com

Charley Crockett is one of country music’s premier performers, a brilliant singer/songwriter, flamboyant entertainer, and one of the humblest and most down to earth individuals that you could ever meet. Taking the stage, backed by his band the Blue Drifters, Crockett is made for the spotlight on the biggest of stages. 

The results of 2019 are proof of just how hard Charley Crockett is willing to work for his craft. He recorded an album, The Valley, early in the year. Soon after the completion of the record, Charley had a procedure done on his heart to fix two out of three aortic valve flaps that fused together. Not even that could slow down Charley Crockett, as he was back out on the road touring in no time at all. Charley Crockett is on “Borrowed Time” and he ain’t slowin’ down for anything. 

Charley Crockett always provides the audience with a very energetic, visually stimulating set to go along with the fantastic instrumental arrangements from the Blue Drifters. Crockett and his band exemplified all of the above during their set in “The Home of Bob Wills.” 

Charley’s set included tunes that came from a variety of his six-album discography. Some of the highlights of the night included “I Am Not Afraid” from his 2016 release, In The Night and “Jamestown Ferry” from his 2017 album Lil G.L.’s Honky Tonk Jubilee. Charley also had a special guest join him for the second time on the Cain’s Ballroom stage. Mr. Kyle Nix, formerly of the Turnpike Troubadours, joined Crockett back in June and was again on stage for a couple of songs on this night. “Nixie” joined the Blue Drifters as Charley sang “How I Got to Memphis” and “I Wanna Cry” from Crockett’s 2018 breakout album, Lonesome as a Shadow. Always an extra special moment seeing Kyle Nix on stage with his pal, Mr. Charley Crockett. 

If Charlie Crockett and the Blue Drifters and/or Vincent Neil Emerson are in town, you better get up and go. For tour dates and more info about Charley Crockett: charleycrockett.com