Nashville and CMT brought some country music to Worcester, MA on Thursday, November 3rd at the Palladium. Runaway June, Midland and Jon Pardi played for a sold out crowd on the Lucky Tonight Tour.
Runaway June opened the show and captivated the audience with their three part harmonies and acoustic guitars. They had a short set but had everyone singing along. They played their newest single ‘Wild West’ as well as their popular song ‘Lipstick,’ among others. By the end of their set, Runaway June had made a room full of new fans.
There wasn’t much downtime between acts and Midland soon came out to perform. The crowd immediately took to them as they played songs off of their debut album ‘On the Rocks’ that was released in late September. ‘At Least You Cried,’ ‘Altitude Adjustment’ and ‘More Than a Fever’ were some album tracks that they performed and the audience knew every word. “This is a beautiful place and a beautiful crowd,” they said as they played a Tom Petty cover of ‘American Girl.’ Midland involved the audience in every song and turned the Palladium into a big karaoke bar. “Country music has the best fans. We work hard and are far away from home. We’ve been trying to do this for 10 years and it is so worth it. We’ve been home about 22 days this year but this is the greatest gift.” Their appreciation and their love of country music shined through in their set and the crowd exploded when they began to play their debut single, ‘Drinkin’ Problem.’
Runaway June and Midland set the tone for the audience when Jon Pardi took the stage. The crowd was warmed up and ready to hear more country music. Pardi came out hot singing ‘Paycheck,’ ‘Up All Night,’ and ‘Missin’ You Crazy.’ His energy and dance moves invigorated the crowd as he said he was just getting started. “Everytime we come to Massachusetts you’re always our loudest crowd. There hasn’t been a country concert in this venue in a long time and you’ve sold it out. Thank you.” ‘Cowboy Hat,’ ‘When I’ve Been Drinkin,’ ‘What I Can’t Put Down’ and ‘Heartache on the Dance Floor’ were other smash hits that Pardi included in his set. “It’s been a rough year for all of us… I could be tired or I could be wired but I’ll always show up and play for you guys,” Pardi exclaimed to the crowd.
Jon also performed his new single ‘She Ain’t In It’ and said its the most different song he’s ever put to country radio but that he can’t wait to give it a life of it’s own. There were many times throughout the set that Pardi lifted his microphone to the audience and let them sing the words. Whether it was a #1 song on country radio or a deep album cut, Worcester country fans knew every word. “I’ve probably said thank you a million times but its not enough…. let’s see if Worcester has any dirt on their boots.” Jon Pardi sang his last song with the help of every voice in the audience. The energy and passion the Lucky Tonight Tour had shook the roof of the Palladium and will hopefully have them booking more country acts in the future!