If you’ve ever found yourself tumbling down a late-night internet rabbit hole, perhaps starting with a Google search for “charismatic frontman,” you might eventually stumble upon a name making waves far beyond his Upstate New York roots: PJ Ferguson. He best can be described with a captivating stage presence reminiscent of a sharp dressed Scott Weiland with raw magnetism, blended with Mick Jagger’s subtle, hand-on-hip confidence, Ferguson is a performer who commands attention without a single choreographed move.
And recently, the Washington County native, singer-songwriter, and driving force behind The Tennessee Strange experienced a homecoming that was nothing short of triumphant. PJ Ferguson, originally from Whitehall, NY, returned to the area to play a sold-out show at the exquisitely restored Strand Theater in Hudson Falls, a 402-capacity gem painstakingly brought back to life by Jonathan Newell.
This wasn’t just another gig; it was a moment years in the making. “It’s been a couple years in the making (playing at The Strand Theater), it just had to be the right timing,” Ferguson revealed during a pre-show interview. “We just put out a record a couple weeks ago. So this all ties in with that experience in Nashville.”
His connection to The Strand – and its owner, Jonathan Newell – runs deep. “To come back to here is special because number one, Jonathan, is a music first person. Everything about this place is music first and I believe in that mission statement,” Ferguson passionately stated. “So honestly, to have a place like this of my own, that would be like a labor love would be a dream come true. When I see what he’s doing, I instantly want to be a part of that.” It’s clear that for Ferguson, The Strand isn’t just a venue, it’s a beacon for the power of live music, a mission he deeply resonates with.
The sold-out performance with the majority of his family in the front row, also served as a celebration of The Tennessee Strange’s debut album, Don’t Ya Know, It’s All a Show. Released just weeks prior to the show, the record was produced by the acclaimed Rocco Guarino (known for his work with Velvet Revolver and Scott Weiland – a connection that subtly fits the frontman’s stage presence).
“The new record… it’s been again about two years in the making,” Ferguson shared, “produced by Rocco Guarino and that’s a huge inspiration for my music and my performance and all that, so, yeah, honestly, it’s the first record I’ve ever put on vinyl. So it’s pretty exciting.” The excitement was palpable, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the evening.
From the moment the lights dimmed, the audience knew they were in for something special. The show kicked off with an explosive rendition of “Roll You Up a Reason” from the new album, immediately setting an electrifying tone. Throughout the 18-song set, The Tennessee Strange expertly wove in a mix of their powerful originals, including fan favorite “Don’t Tell Me What to Play.”
But it was an unexpected venture that truly highlighted Ferguson’s vocal prowess and the band’s musical daring: a surprisingly lead into a few versus of “Laid” by James. A track, rarely attempted by other bands due to its unique and demanding vocal range.
Music and family have always been cornerstones of PJ Ferguson’s life, with constant encouragement from friends and family fueling his journey from an early age. This homecoming was a beautiful testament to that support.
While Ferguson was undeniably the magnet of the night, there was another, more subtle homecoming unfolding on stage. Sitting in on drums was Josh Morris. A Queensbury native now living in Nashville, Morris – known for his work with Albany indie rock band Hasty Page – is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer/songwriter in his own right. His presence added another layer of local talent returning to shine on a familiar stage.
The return to Washington County might feel like a full circle to many, but from the explosive start of Friday’s show, one thing was clear: this circle continues to expand, carrying PJ Ferguson and The Tennessee Strange onward, with no stop in sight. Keep an eye, and an ear, on the group – they are just getting started.
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