Despite the threat of snow (which never materialized) and Cain’s lighting systems taking a hit from thunderstorms the previous day, one might think it would be best to cancel the show, but Flatland Cavalry and Kaitlin Butts put on a show not to be missed. Straight off of a week of MusicFest in Steamboat Springs, you’d never be able to tell that anyone in the band probably didn’t get more than 5 hours of sleep any night in the last few days. The Historic Cain’s Ballroom was packed and you could feel the excitement and anticipation from the crowd. 

Setting the tone, walking out to Nancy Sinatra singing, “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down),” Kaitlin Butts continued to prove why she’s a force to be reckoned with as she belted out “Marfa Lights,” “Wild Juanita’s Cactus Juice,” and ended with the murder ballad, “White River.” I’ve seen Kaitlin a few times in the past year and normally I see her solo or backed only by pedal steel.

Accompanied by a full band, her set took on a completely different vibe, getting the crowd rowdy and ready for Flatland. I always love when Kaitlin and Flatland Cavalry are on the same bill, as you know there will be at least one, if not two songs featuring Kaitlin and Cleto Cordero. 

Kaitlin Butts last released an album in 2015 titled, Same Hell, Different Devil, and most recently (2019) released a highly anticipated single, “White River.” Kaitlin is one of the most talented singer-songwriters in the music industry, and will no doubt propel to the top of the genre once she releases her much overdue sophomore album. Lookout for Kaitlin Butts, she is destined to headline the Cain’s Ballroom and venues across the nation in the very near future. For more on Kaitlin Butts: kaitlinbutts.com

The Texas music scene is more alive than ever with the family type atmosphere that exists amongst many of the top artists in the Country and Red Dirt genres. Flatland Cavalry is one of those Texas bands that is furiously working on and off the road, in turn, creating a loyal and strong fanbase in the region. This fanbase is quickly starting to materialize into a national following that will only make the band even stronger in the years to come. The full house at the Cain’s Ballroom was a perfect representation of what Flatland Cavalry and their fans are all about. 

Flatland fans of all ages crowded the rail and sang along throughout the entire set. From “Honeywine,” with its third verse that was used to propose to Cleto’s now fiancée, Kaitlin Butts, and “Coyote (The Ballad of Roy Johnson)” to “Back to Me” and “Ain’t Over You Yet,” you could hear and see the crowd singing along to their favorites.

The set included a nice mix of songs from both of Flatland’s albums and even added a homage to both Cain’s and The Turnpike Troubadours with a cover of “Easton and Main.” This band that originally hails from Lubbock, has quickly found themselves among the elite Red Dirt and Country bands on the touring circuit.

It didn’t escape me that Cleto was wearing a denim jacket this night with The Panhandlers logo on the back. If you somehow haven’t heard the news, Cleto Cordero, William Clark Green, John Baumann, and Josh Abbott have formed a sort of super group called The Panhandlers. Checkout their single, “No Handle,” here:

Flatland Cavalry is one of our favorite bands on the touring circuit. Go see these guys and prepare to be entertained as they provide an energetic, passionate, and professional set that keeps getting better and better every time we see them. It won’t be much longer before they are a household name and will be at or near the top of major festivals all over the land. Learn more about Flatland Cavalry: flatlandcavalry.com

 Photos and Article By Melissa Payne:

melissapaynephotography.com