Cody Jinks brought his tour to the EFCU Amphitheater in Syracuse on Sunday, August 17th. Fans settled into the warm summer evening welcomed by a sunset, and a cool breeze coming off of Onondaga Lake. With anticipation humming through the crowd, the fans were more than ready for the Texas native, as they eagerly entered with signs, cowboy hats, and detachable beards.
Kicking off the night was Tanner Usrey; a rising voice in modern country music who brought soulful lyrics and heartfelt emotion to the stage. Tanner commanded attention from the start, intriguing the crowd with stellar vocal range and smooth style. Known for his intense stage presence, Usrey entered with the confidence of a seasoned professional. With songs such as “Beautiful Lies,” and “Gasoline and Adderall,” fans cheered and sang along as it was apparent they were familiar with his lyrics. Tanner stopped to address the crowd in between songs as he admitted that his music career was inspired by a high school concert by Wade Bowen and Brandon Rhyder, sparking his decision to learn guitar and pursue music seriously.
Usrey’s sound fuses Influences from classic country icons like George Strait, as well as rock legends such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Rolling Stones. Signing with Atlantic Records marked a turning point in Tanner’s career as his 2023 single “Take Me Home” surpassed 10 million streams, solidifying his rising status in country music.
Tanner’s performance wasn’t just a set, it was a statement. His raw vocal power, authentic storytelling, and deep connection with the crowd was just what the fans came to see. Usrey closed out his set with a rendition of Ozzy Osborne‘s “War Pigs,” as the fans cheered loud at the surprising yet well known song choice. His chaotic energy, electric atmosphere, and gritty presence set the tone for a perfect opening act that exceeded the crowd’s expectations.
Following Usrey’s performance, fans remained standing as lights went dark and fog filled the stage. The eagerly awaited Cody Jinks entered with his signature cowboy hat and sunglasses. He addressed the crowd with his hands raised then quickly dove into his first song “Outlaws and Mustangs.” Fans were intrigued from the start as the Texas native immediately delivered strong vocals, rustic charm, and just the right amount of outlaw swagger. Ranging from young listeners to diehard country veterans, fans seemed united by a shared love for Cody Jinks’ unapologetic style. The venue felt like the perfect intimate fit for his raw storytelling and emotionally charged lyrics.
Known for his no-nonsense, down to earth vibe, his guitar work was tight, and the band was in perfect sync. Every song felt like it had been lived and breathed by Jinks, and that authenticity made the performance feel personal. During his song “Must Be The Whiskey,” the crowd’s voice meshed with Jinks in a moment of pure country-rock harmony. Cody stopped to acknowledge the crowd in between songs and made it clear that while his fame has grown, he’s still the same guy who started in honky-tonks and backrooms.
Cody isn’t just another country artist, he’s an authentic storyteller who thrives on connection. His performance was the perfect blend of grit, strong musicianship, and genuine intimacy. Jinks’ success as an independent artist comes from a combination of fan support, a strong work ethic, and a powerful commitment to his craft. Between his lyrical storytelling, and his outlaw gritty demeanor, this concert delivered it all. Jinks closed out the night with an encore of his song “Loud and Heavy.”
The band continues their tour with five shows in Texas followed by performances in Iowa and Indiana.
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