Tyler Childers performing at Holyoke’s Gateway City Arts Wednesday night. (photo by Mike Augusti)
HOLYOKE – Gateway City Arts in downtown Holyoke is bringing live music back to downtown Holyoke and doing it in a major way. Gateway City has been consistently adding some great live shows to their every eclectic lineup.
On Wednesday night Gateway City brought up and coming country music artist Tyler Childers to the main stage for a sold out show. Childers is one of a new crop of talented singer songwriters making some noise in the country music scene. This group of artists harkens back to an older school country sound instead of the pop country that dominates the airwaves today. Paul Cauthen, Brent Cobb, Margo Price, Red Shahan and Cody Jinks are just some of the artists that fall in to this category.
Just barely twenty seven years old, Childers is quickly gaining a dedicated following with his distinctive voice, blue collar approach and thought provoking lyrics. Purgatory, his 2017 release is what really started this train rolling. Sturgill Simpson co-produced and lent a hand playing some guitar while also adding some background vocals. The result is an amazing sophomore release for Childers who has toured nonstop since the release back in August of 2017.
With close to a two hour set, tonight’s sold out show gave Childers’ fans exactly what they wanted. Relying heavily on the Purgatory release, the show started out with his most radio friendly hit Whitehouse Road as Tyler and band ripped through song after song. Some other highlights from the Purgatory release were Feathered Indians, Tattoos, Born Again and Honky Tonk Flame.
Childers also added a couple of cover songs, Tulsa Tournaround by Kenny Rogers and Dr. Hook’s I Got Stoned and I Missed It. Some interesting additions to add to the set, but fit perfectly while the band incorporated their own style to the songs.
Standing up there solo, Childers closed the show with the acoustic Lady May, which is also the last song on the Purgatory release. A great way to end the show by showcasing the voice, the guitar and those great lyrics.
When he comes back to the area, make it a point to check out Tyler Childers, he is well worth the drive, time and money!
Keep an eye on shows at Gateway City Arts in downtown Holyoke, they have a great little bistro attached and have a full bar. Check them out at www.gatewaycityarts.com.
Speaking of checking out there are a couple of great shows coming to the area that are worthy of attending. This Saturday the 20th, Ruby Boots and Low Cut Connie are going to be at the Ballroom in Hamden CT. Australian born Ruby Boots is worth it alone, her latest release Don’t Talk About will give you a glimpse as to what she is all about. Simply great songwriting!
Also Quinn Sullivan will be at the Infinity Music Hall in Hartford on October 27th. A Massachusetts native and only 19 years old, he is touring on his 2017 release Midnight Highway. Oh and by the way, he was asked to jump on stage and play with Buddy Guy when he was only 8 years old after Guy heard him pay the guitar Sullivan was looking to get autographed. Guy has taken Sullivan under his wing and taken on a mentorship role. Quinn is an extraordinary guitar player who is just starting to come in to his own. Well worth checking out.
