I knew more about Dwight Yoakam‘s reputation as both a musician and an actor than I did about his music itself, but I was as excited to see him perform for the first time (on the heels of an excellent new album, Second Hand Heart) as I was to see my first show at Indian Ranch!

Indian Ranch

Dwight Yoakam

I was impressed with both! Indian Ranch is an unusual venue. Set on Webster Lake in central Massachusetts, it is a combination campground and music venue. This show was accompanied by a light drizzle through much of the show, but that did not dampen anyone’s spirits even though some were in uncovered areas. I look forward to returning on a day with better weather!

To say that Yoakam is impressive is an understatement. He has been making music for more than thirty years; some artists are content to rest on their older music, but not Yoakam. His new album has garnered fantastic reviews which, judging by what I heard at this show, are more than well-deserved. When he told the audience that he would play old and new songs, he received some boos, but hopefully by the time the show ended those who came to hear his old music were excited by the new music.

Dwight Yoakam

His voice seems untouched by time; he still has those honeyed tones that deliver his love songs oh-so-tenderly.

Dwight Yoakam

His band is superb (so far, I have not been able to discover their names). One of them, almost hidden in the recesses of the stage, played more instruments than I could count – pedal steel, fiddle, harmonica, and more! All were dressed in black and white, contrasting nicely with Yoakam’s light blue.

Dwight Yoakam band

As Yoakam promised, the setlist included both old and new music, although the old music brought people to their feet at times. He played his version of Johnny Cash’s ‘Ring of Fire’ and that was incredible! A bit slower in tempo, the song showcased Yoakam’s mellifluous voice and I almost like it more than the original (and if I listen to it a lot, I might grow to like it better).

Dwight Yoakam

Known for wearing interesting boots, on this night his bright blue boots had playing cards on them! Even though that did not match the music notes embroidered on the back of his jacket, they were a perfect match!

Dwight Yoakam

I look forward to delving into Yoakam’s catalog and getting to know the songs so next time I see him, I can mouth the words along with the rest of his fans!

Dwight Yoakam

Opening the show was Jay Taylor. Based in Nashville, he brought a more traditional style of country music to the stage and I liked him.

Jay Taylor

I want to see him again in a smaller venue where people have come to see him specifically.

Jay Taylor band

This show was a wonderful introduction to an artist I had never seen as well as to a venue I had never been in. The venue is known for bringing country acts to the Boston area, but they are adding some non-country acts to their schedule (Beach Boys, Three Dog Night, and Buddy Guy in 2015). Check out Indian Ranch! Next show, I’ll take some photos of it.

Ticket courtesy of Indian Ranch; all opinions are my own.