Friday night was all about chill– chill for the weather, but even more chill for Junior Brown.
The famous country star graced the outdoor stage at the Lawrence Arts Center, and it was all the fans could do to not salivate over every maneuver. It used to be that you couldn’t turn on CMT in the 90’s without seeing Junior Brown pop up. Since then, like a fine wine, he’s only gotten more alluring with age. That deep, sexy, drawled baritone was a stark contrast from his lightning-fast fingers that worked at a constant steady speed on his guitar. One hand would feverishly pluck and slide away while the other drop-tuned on the spot. The man is far above any normal instrument, having invented the guit-steel guitar back in the 80’s to keep up with his talents. This was an absolute treat, and he couldn’t have possibly oozed more coolness if he tried.
He was joined by badass harmonica madman Sop Choppy, the always-suave Young Manchego, and the band with the kinkiest name in the region, Twang Daddies.