New Year’s Eve at the historic Cain’s Ballroom has become a tradition for many fans of red dirt music in and out of the state of Oklahoma. For some, it is a musical crusade to end a year full of live show experiences. For others, it is an opportunity to see world class musicians playing the best music the industry has to offer on a very special evening. The lineup for 2019 was missing a band that is very special to many of us, in our hearts they will forever pay no rent. Although they could never be replaced, the Cain’s Ballroom booked an evening with three big time acts to play in the timeless honky tonk. The bill was headlined by Colter Wall and The Scary Prairie Boys with special guests Mike and the Moonpies and Jesse Daniel.

Jesse Daniel | All Photos By Melissa Payne

From a small town in the San Lorenzo Valley in California, Jesse Daniel and his band took the Ballroom stage in front of an early arriving crowd. Earlier in the day, Daniel was on the local morning news program, Good Day Tulsa, to talk about his music and promote the show. He played two tunes and you can catch them here: https://bit.ly/2QmLRyg, https://bit.ly/2SZkNqq. Joining Jesse on stage with his band was his longtime girlfriend, Jodi Lyford, who provides the perfect harmony with her “Long Legged Guitar Pickin’ Man.”

Jodi Lyford | All Photos By Melissa Payne

Jesse Daniel’s set included tunes from his debut, self-titled album that was released in May of 2018 as well as tunes from his upcoming sophomore record, set to be released early this year. Tunes played for the Cain’s crowd included “California Highway,” “Big Fish,” “Soft Spot (For the Hard Stuff),” and “SR-22 Blues,” from the 2018 release. Daniel and his crew also sampled tunes that will be on the upcoming album that included “Champion” and “Bringing Home the Roses.” Jesse Daniel is an artist that you need to know and we can’t wait to hear the upcoming record. For more about Jesse: jessedanielmusic.com.

Mike and the Moonpies had one of the best years of any country music band in the land. They probably win the award for the ballsiest band as they recorded their album, Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold, at Abbey Road Studios in England with help from the London Symphony Orchestra. Who the hell does that? Mike and the Moonpies did it and it is brilliant. The album was the follow up to their 2018 break-out album, Steak Night at the Prairie Rose. New Year’s Eve would mark the debut of Mike and the Moonpies on the big stage of the Cain’s Ballroom.

Mike and the Moonpies | All Photos By Melissa Payne

Mike and the Moonpies can throw down a set that is worthy to headline any honky tonk venue, big or small, and/or festival in the country. Their debut performance at the Cain’s Ballroom did nothing but reinforce the notion that this band is one of the hottest acts in the industry today. The Austin, Texas band played “Beaches of Biloxi,” “Might Be Wrong,” “Road Crew,” and title track from the album, Steak Night at the Prairie Rose. Also performed in the set was “You Look Good in Neon,” which was originally released as a single, but later appeared on the most recent album, Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold. “Danger” and “Cheap Silver” were also included in the set. For more about Mike and the Moonpies: themoonpies.com

The first time that I saw and heard Colter Wall was on March 26th, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He opened for Margo Price on her “Born to Ramble Tour” at the very small venue, ACM @ UCO Performance Lab. His set proved to be a “holy shit” moment from the first chord to the last. His deep, low vocals commanded the attention of the crowd. His old, late 30s, mahogany Martin guitar provides a heavier, deeper sound when tuned down a step. Combine those elements with his ability to tell a story and you have Colter Wall.

Colter Wall | All Photos By Melissa Payne

The Canadian born singer/songwriter made his Cain’s Ballroom debut May 22nd, 2019 in tornadic fashion. This time around, the only storm that was a brewin’ was inside the packed venue. Jesse Daniel and Mike and the Moonpies set the stage for the grand finale. The end to a year and decade. A countdown to 2020 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the Cain’s Ballroom with Colter Wall.

Colter Wall’s set included tunes from his 2015 EP, Imaginary Appalachia, his self-titled 2017 album, Colter Wall, and his 2018 full length release, Songs of the Plains. Crowd favorites had the Ballroom floor shaking with “Thirteen Silver Dollars,” “Motorcycle,” and “Sleeping on the Blacktop.” “Me and Big Dave” and “You Look to Yours” had the crowds attention. Colter and the band also played the Bob Wills and Tommy Duncan written tune, “Take Me Back to Tulsa” in the “Home of Bob Wills,” appropriately. But, the highlight of the set came during the countdown to midnight. A formal countdown didn’t happen, but during “Kate McCannon” the Cain’s disco ball and lights began to spin, the crowd was toasting and singing along. What better way to end and begin a new year, than to be in the middle of one of the best murder ballads of all time. Colter Wall had some tough shoes to fill for the New Year’s Eve party at the Cain’s Ballroom. He did it.

For more about Colter Wall: colterwall.com