Justin Moore brought his tour to Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards in Lafayette on Saturday, July 26. Fans gathered early despite hot and humid weather as they eagerly awaited the Arkansas native’s performance.
As the evening rolled in, the packed crowd and stage lighting set the perfect scene for a country night. Justin arrived with the confidence of a seasoned showman- casual, down-to-earth, and charmingly Arkansas. Opening up with his hit song ” Bait A Hook,” the band kicked things off with heartfelt acoustic vocals, and crisp steel guitar tones.
Opening the night was Texas native Austin Michael. Austin is a rising star in the country music scene, known for his soulful vocals, authentic storytelling, and modern twist on traditional country routes. He grew up surrounded by music and began performing at a young age, drawing inspiration from legends like George Strait and Garth Brooks, while infusing his sound with contemporary influences like Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs. With a natural stage presence and a voice that resonates with heartfelt emotion, Austin has built a loyal fan base both online and on the road. Fans sang along passionately as he performed a rendition of Toby Keith’s “Should’ve Been A Cowboy”.
Following Austin’s performance was Country-Pop artist Brian Michael. Born in Manlius, New York, Brian grew up with roots in a small-town household impacted by family hardship, including his father’s struggles with addiction. Country music became his refuge and ultimate calling. He entered the stage with high energy, dancing and jumping to the beat of his songs as he hyped up the excited crowd. Brians versatility made it easy for him to blend sounds of country, pop, and even hip hop, as fans sang along and seemed to know the lyrics to all of his songs. The crowd grew larger as Brian and the band finished their energetic performance. The anticipation of knowing Justin Moore would soon be entering the stage left fans intrigued throughout.
Moore delivered exactly what the fans expected; a polished and personal performance, blending his most beloved singles with thoughful tributes and solid cover surprises. Fans sang along with drinks in the air, many holding up signs, as Moore delivered a heartfelt rendition of his hit ballad “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away.” He also included The Beatles hit song “I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends,” which added an unexpected feel to the night. Between songs, he paused to engage the crowd, thanking the fans for nearly two decades of support, after dedicating his song ” The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home” to service workers, first responders, and veterans. Moore would end the night with an encore rendition of his song “Why We Drink.” The band continues the tour as they make their way down south with their next in Indiana on August 1, followed by perfomances in Mississippi and Alabama.
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