The CMT Music Fest Main Stage sits perfectly at the bottom of a HUGE hill that fans carefully make their way down after coming through the gates... and on Friday the fans that came in early for some live country music were treated to Kansas Stone opening things up - and then Brothers Osborne playing the last set of the day before the rains came down.
Kansas Stone
Brian and Matty were the first act of the day to hit the main stage, and they didn't disappoint us, the fans, or themselves. With the full sound of 5 guys on stage, Kansas Stone's guitar driven country poured through the speakers and caught the attention of all of those fans on their way down the hill.
The boys did a great job of doing what they do, and not pretending to be any different. Their long hair (we'll get Matty a hair tie for his next set on a breezy day) and rock influences were a lot of fun to kick off a day, and the addition of the Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air theme song got a lot of people's attention as they stood in line for their first beer.
Songs like Country 101 (title track from their new EP), Hand In Mine, and a pretty cover of Chris Stapleton's Fire Away were a little more in line with what you can and should expect from May's CMAO Artists of the Month when they come to a stage near you!
Brothers Osborne
Although it wasn't the plan, Brothers Osborne were the last act of the day on the CMT Music Fest main stage... but you know what - they did not disappoint, and showed that they're on track to booking the headlining spot soon!
The afternoon/evening crowd had very much started to come together for Brothers Osborne in anticipation of some of their biggest radio hits, and they got 'em, and more. Greener Pastures was a great way to kick things off, making me think to myself (and maybe even say to myself) "That Voice!"
The Brothers Osborne kept the party going from there with Rum, The Shape I'm In, Loving Me Back, and Whiskey River all getting great toe tapping action. And the singing along came too when the boys played Hank Sr.'s Hey Good Lookin' (100% awesome), 21 Summer and especially Stay A Little Longer, which got the biggest pop of the day from the main stage crowd.
Like we said, Brothers Osborne are on their way to late night headlining spots - and they'll deserve it when they do. This is big league talent, outstanding musicianship (holy guitar work), charisma for days - and a whole lotta fun!
