Josh Turner returned to the Luhrs Performing Arts Center to tour his latest album “This Country Music Thing” on Thursday night. Turner’s opening act, Grace Asbury, got the crowd ready for what was to come.
Asbury played new songs from her debut album that was anticipated to release on Friday called “Couples Therapy.” The album includes seven country songs about struggling love. Asbury sang “Rain In The Desert,” which is a metaphor for the hardships in a relationship; love can survive rain and dry seasons. Asbury closed with her song “Saving You Saved Me.” The lyrics were powerful and went well with Asbury’s vocal range. After Asbury’s set, she told the crowd they could meet her out in the lobby at the merchandise table.
Thunder and lightning noises struck the stage, followed by weather emergency warnings. This stage introduction startled the audience at the first thunderous sound, some people even screaming. Turner opened with his song “Whirlwind,” which was about being crazy in love.
Turner shared the story and inspiration behind “Unsung Hero.” His grandfather was a war veteran, and Turner learned about his time in the service long after he passed away. The lyrics are a tribute to his grandfather and all the other veterans out there who do not get recognized for their service. “We had the privilege of playing this song on the Today show last year on Veterans Day, so that was an honor,” Turner said.
Throughout the show, Turner was the comedic relief cracking jokes amongst his backing band.
Other songs played were “Me and God” and a cover rendition of Hank Williams’ “I Saw The Light.” “I Saw The Light” got the crowd singing with Turner and clapping their hands.
Turner said that he got to perform “Two Steppin’ On The Moon” for NASA astronauts in space. He described it be a once-in-a-lifetime kind of performance that he got to do. It’s catchy beat and title of the song was a perfect choice for a space song.
Turner’s “This Country Music Thing” tour is continuing to tour in the United States throughout the year, into late October.
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