Whiskey Myers – The Armory – Minneapolis MN – May 9th 2024

Whiskey Myers liv eat The Armory in Minneapolis MN with openers Promise of the Real and Lukas Nelson.

Review and photos by Kyle Hansen

On May 9th, 2024, Promise of the Real performed in Minneapolis, MN, at the Fillmore. The band, led by Lukas Nelson (son of Willie Nelson), has garnered a reputation for its high-energy performances and musical versatility, blending country, rock, blues, and even some hints of jam-band spontaneity.

While I don’t have a specific review for that particular show, I can give you a general sense of what you might expect from a Promise of the Real performance, especially in a venue like the Fillmore, known for its intimate atmosphere.

Key Aspects of a Promise of the Real Show:

• Musical Range: Expect a setlist that spans their own original work (from albums like Promise of the Real and A Young Man’s Country) alongside dynamic renditions of Willie Nelson songs, as Lukas often taps into the legacy of his father.
• High Energy: The band’s performances are typically fueled by raw energy and improvisation. They frequently expand songs with extended jams and instrumental solos, making each show a unique experience.
• Strong Musicianship: Lukas Nelson is an exceptional guitarist and vocalist, and the band’s tight rhythm section and skilled musicianship often drive the performance to exciting heights.
• Audience Connection: Promise of the Real has a reputation for engaging with the audience in a relaxed, almost conversational way, making the concert feel more like a shared experience than a traditional performance.
• Setlist Variety: Fans can expect a mix of crowd favorites and deep cuts, possibly with covers, such as Neil Young tunes (the band has played with Young and was part of his backing group for some time).

Overall, their live shows are known for their authenticity and ability to blend personal musical expression with the legacy of roots music. Given the Minneapolis music scene’s diverse and appreciative audience, it’s likely the show resonated with both longtime fans and newcomers.

If you’re looking for a more detailed review of the May 9th show, fan forums or social media could provide first-hand accounts from attendees!

Whiskey Myers performed at The Armory in Minneapolis on May 9, 2024 as part of their tour supporting their latest album Tornillo (2023), a powerful mix of Southern rock, country, and blues. Given the size and acoustics of The Armory, this concert was likely a memorable one for fans, combining the raw energy of Whiskey Myers’ live shows with the impressive venue setting.

Whiskey Myers Concert Experience

Whiskey Myers has a reputation for delivering high-energy, down-to-earth shows that blend Southern rock grit with emotional depth. Their style is a mix of anthemic rock, heartfelt country, and some bluesy moments, with lyrics often reflecting themes of life, struggle, and personal reflection.

Key Elements Likely Present at the May 9th Show:

1. Powerful, Soulful Performance: Whiskey Myers is known for their intense live shows, often getting the crowd involved and feeding off the energy in the room. The band’s frontman, Cody Cannon, has a voice that can go from gritty and raw to soulful and melodic, making for a dynamic performance.
2. Setlist from Tornillo and Older Hits:
   • Expect to hear several songs from their 2023 album Tornillo, which features tracks like:
     • “John Wayne”
     • “Lost in the Madness”
     • “Antioch”
     • “Tornillo”

   Alongside newer material, Whiskey Myers is known for playing fan favorites from their earlier albums, such as:

   • “Ballad of a Southern Man”
   • “Bury My Bones”
   • “Houston County Sky”
   • “Stone”

   The balance between newer tracks and classic songs creates a sense of connection with both long-time fans and those who may have just discovered them through Tornillo.

3. Extended Jams and Improvisation: Whiskey Myers often adds an element of improvisation to their shows, with instrumental jams that build into powerful climaxes. Their musicianship is tight, and the rhythm section (led by drummer Jeff Hogg and bassist Jamey Garner) is particularly strong, providing a solid foundation for the band to stretch out during solos.
4. Southern Rock Energy: Whiskey Myers’ shows are often filled with the energy of Southern rock, blending classic influences like Lynyrd Skynyrd with a modern edge. The Armory’s acoustics would have allowed their guitars to cut through the space, especially during the electrifying solos from guitarists John Jeffers and Gary Brown.
5. Audience Interaction: Cody Cannon is known for his charismatic presence and down-to-earth, relatable vibe. He often engages the crowd with humor, personal anecdotes, and a sense of camaraderie. There’s a family-like atmosphere at a Whiskey Myers show, where fans and the band feel like they’re part of the same experience.
6. Emotional Highs: Whiskey Myers’ ability to shift between raucous rockers and slower, more heartfelt ballads is one of the things that sets them apart. A song like “Stone”, with its introspective lyrics, is likely to have had the crowd in a reflective mood, while songs like “Broken Window Serenade” or “Love You Like I Used To” are crowd favorites that bring energy and sing-alongs.

The Armory Venue Experience

The Armory is a beautiful, historical venue in downtown Minneapolis, known for its incredible sound system and ability to create an intimate experience despite its size. With its large, open space, the venue is ideal for a band like Whiskey Myers, allowing their rock-driven sound to fill the room while still maintaining that personal connection with the audience.

The venue’s acoustics, paired with Whiskey Myers’ live performance energy, likely made for a memorable night of Southern rock, country, and blues. Fans in the audience were likely treated to an emotional rollercoaster, with the highs of raucous anthems and the lows of somber, soul-searching moments.