There was a time when an artist’s relationship with local radio stations was an important part of an overall marketing strategy. The local disc jockey and program directors often made decisions about airplay based on whether they had seen the artist live.
While rock stations long abandoned their role as hit makers, country music has held on to that time honored practice, promoting shows for artists that grace their airways.
Such a show occurred at UB on Wednesday, featuring a fantastic combination of emerging country music artists in a format not unfamiliar to country music fans. That format features a sparse stage filled with all of the artists taking turns performing acoustic renditions of their popular songs.
Located in the center was Thompson Square, the husband and wife duo featuring Keifer and Shawna Thompson. This was the third time I have seen them in the last year, and the third different configuration (the first time I saw them they were with a full band, the second a duo and this performance was as a trio with a second acoustic guitarist added).
Thompson Square is still known for their breakout hit , “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not,” and in spite of being around for ten years, the first time I saw them they played the song twice in one night, once during the set and again as an encore. While it is their most recognizable song, it is not their strongest number and I suspect that after they have a few more hits under their belt this will be a song that will be played early in their set.
Musically, Thompson Square’s “Let’s Fight,” and the moving ballad “Glass” are great songs; performed acoustically, they work remarkably well. As I watched the duo perform I couldn’t help but wonder about their future. Inasmuch as I can envision them headlining arena’s backed by a huge band and a multimedia show, their chemistry really shines through in a small setting. In addition to incredible musical talent, the couple is funny and engaging in a way that is reminiscent of husband and wife entertainers like Burns and Allen or Sonny and Cher were at the height of their popularity.
That evening Thompson Square were flanked by two great entertainers, Hunter Hayes and JT Hodges. Every time that Hayes performed, young ladies let out a Beatlemania like shriek. It would be all too easy to write him off as a heartthrob, but from the perspective of this reviewer the “kid” has a great deal of substance, and is a talented songwriter, which is evidenced by the fact that Rascal Flatts recorded one of his songs, “Play,” on their last album. Hayes wrote the song when he was sixteen, (he performed a solid version of it at the show as well).
JT Hodges style contrasts Hayes, and he gave the young singer plenty of good natured ribbing throughout the evening including holding up a sign that a fan left on stage about wanting Hayes to go to the prom with her. Of the three, Hodges was the best storyteller. He’s the type of performer that excels in an intimate setting, but his songs are strong enough that I imagine he puts on a good show with a full band as well.
In an era where ticket prices are skyrocketing and even some of the larger country acts show’s become huge spectacles, intimate shows like WYRK’s Acoustic Series are a real treat, and the station deserves high praise for putting on these types of shows. And not only did the artists put on a great show, all three of them stayed after to sign autographs for the fans. That shows that in addition to be great musicians, they are great people as well.
Thompson Square Set List:
Lets Fight
Getaway Car
I Got You
Glass
As Bad as It gets
One of Those Days
Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?
All Photos by Gus Griesinger
We would like to thank Dave Wedekindt from UB and Karen Konecko from Town Square Media for allowing BackstageAxxess.com to review the show.
