JACKSON, Wyo. — As part of the Teton County Fair concert, Grammy-nominated country and blues singer and songwriter Charley Crockett performed to a sold-out crowd on Wednesday, July 23, at the Fairgrounds’ Rodeo Arena.
According to Teton County, over 2,000 people filled the stadium seats and the grounds of the Rodeo Arena on Wednesday night. The opening band, Rattlesnake Milk, warmed up the crowd with their unique blend of country, punk and rock music. Originating in Texas, Rattlesnake Milk has been described as having a “dark side of country” or “underground” sound.
When Crockett graced the stage, the crowd erupted in cheers. Crockett and his band, The Blue Drifters, performed a mix of popular songs from his albums, “Welcome to Hard Times,” “The Man From Waco” and “Lil’ G.L.’s Blue Bonanza,” along with a variety of crowd-pleasing covers.
The band’s performance style of blending one song right into the next kept the energy rocking and the fists pumping. Known for his “Gulf & Western” sound — a blend of country, rock, folk, calypso and pop — Crockett brought his signature moves into his performance. He often plays his guitar up high, close to his face, and looks down the neck like it’s a gun barrel.
The bellowing sound of the trumpet in many of his songs was a crowd hit. Crockett howled into the microphone that all great county artists should know how to play the blues, and he then rocked out with a bluesy jam that was similar to his well known song, “Travelin’ Blues.”
When the band took a short break, Crockett remained on stage singing his folk-like stories with only his guitar as an accompaniment. Throughout the show, he could switch seamlessly from electric to acoustic guitar.
Considered a country rebel, Crockett told the crowd that he prefers not be to classified in any one genre. He thanked Jackson Hole for letting him feel comfortable enough to let loose and be himself.
