The Appalachian Fair in Gray, Tennessee, is now in its 96th year.  Throughout the years, this fair, along with WXBQ Radio and a number of sponsors, have brought us some of the best entertainment the industry has to offer. That tradition continued last night when Walker Hayes took the main stage, keeping the sold-out audience standing on their feet with huge smiles on their faces.

Newer Walker Hayes fans know him for songs  “Fancy Like” and “AA”.  Those of us who have been following his career over the years (many years), were first drawn to this artist when he gave us “Wait For Summer”, “You Broke Up With Me”, “90’s Country”, “Don’t Let Her”, and my personal favorite, “Craig”. Back in 2009, Walker gave us a short acoustic set when he opened for Eli Young Band. I liked that set enough to keep an eye on him over the years. He has grown so much musically since that night 13 years ago.  (Photo at left from 2009 Appalachian Fair).

He loves his fans, proving that with a pre-show meet and greet, and a lot of interaction with the audience during the concert.  We are fortunate to have a long runway (or catwalk, if you prefer), and Walker used every inch of that runway to get up and personal with his fans.  Shaking hands as he danced from end to end singing his songs.  And, having a very young audience member join him on stage to dance to “Fancy Like”. It seems fan-friendly artists are few and far between.  To fans, that is very important – and it seems it is also important not only to Walker Hayes, but his entire crew.

We heard 17 Walker Hayes songs last night.  Along with the help of his band, Luke DeJaynes, drums; Mark DeJaynes, bassist; and Nick Satmutie, lead guitar, the entire evening was more than just a concert – it was a show.  We were entertained from the first mist of fog to the person walked off that stage

Songs included in last nights show were, “Drinking Songs”, “Country Stuff”, “Beautiful”, “Dalorean,” “Dollar Store,” “You Broke Up With Me”, “That Dog’ll Hunt”, “U Girl”, “90’s Country”, “Craig”, “Halloween,” “Ya’lll Life”, “Back Sheep,” “Break the Internet”, “AA” and “Fancy Life”.

A lot of country music fans assume that all country singers are songwriters.  Most are, I’m sure.  And, Walker certainly fills the writer pair of shoes as well.  He co-wrote songs for Rodney Adkins and Colt Ford, and of course was very much involved in the writing of his o9wn music as well.

Walker is a talker, and that’s a good thing for fans.  He spent a little of his show time sharing stories about his wife, Laney, and he couldn’t do that without mentioning their six children. We heard a little about his struggles in  his early struggles early on in the music business.  We know he likes Dollar Store, and used to work at Coctco.  If you didn’t really know Walker Hayes before you went in to the show, you felt like you did when you left.  when artists are willing to share their love for Jesus Christ during their show, it brings a very special kind of smile to most people listening.  Walker had a wonderful story to share about that.

I can’t do any article about the Appalachian Fair without mention the folks at WXBQ Radio.  This ACM and CMA award-winning radio station are always on hand at the fair.  The on-air staff is always ready to bring the artists out on stage – and, they support all of our country favorites.

I think the best way to close this article out will be with more pictures  random shots from a great show.  If any of you out there like Walker’s music, but haven’t had the privilege of seeing him live — you really need to get that on your ‘to do list’.  He is already on my ‘things you gotta see again’ list.

Make sure you don’t miss any of the tour dates, or news about Walker, by keeping up with his social media links.  The place to start is his website.  And, you can also follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

 

 

countryConcert InfoReviewToursWXBQ" "Luke DeJaynes,"Fancy Like",appalachian fair,Beautiful,facebook,Mark DeJaynes,Nick Saatmutie,Walker Hayes,WXBQ
The Appalachian Fair in Gray, Tennessee, is now in its 96th year.  Throughout the years, this fair, along with WXBQ Radio and a number of sponsors, have brought us some of the best entertainment the industry has to offer. That tradition continued last night when Walker Hayes took the...