Aaron Watson brought Jack Ingram and Ryan Beaver to NYC's Gramercy Theatre for a special Texas Independence Day celebration.
Despite a fierce nor’easter that pummeled the east coast, knocking out power and bringing most forms of travel to a halt, the die hard country music fans in New York City weren’t going to let that stop them from packing Gramercy Theatre to see Aaron Watson perform.
Aaron Watson at Gramercy Theatre / Photo by Shawn St. Jean
Over the course of his twenty year career, Watson has always stayed true to his roots. He’s been open about the fact that he’s not looking for fame or stardom – he’s just using his talents to provide for his family. It’s that ‘every-man’ image that his fans find so endearing and special. So it seemed very appropriate to have him start his performance with These Old Boots Have Roots, from his latest album Vaquero.
So I march to the beat of my heart pounding like a drum, Let ’em run me down, but I’ll stand my ground, No I won’t forsake or forget where I come from.
Throughout the evening as Watson moved through his set, he took time to chat with the crowd; everything from funny stories about his wife (at one point his phone started vibrating in his pocket while he was performing when his wife was texting him) to the meaning and inspiration behind his songs.
Aaron Watson at Gramercy Theatre / Photo by Shawn St. Jean
One of the highlights was getting to see Watson perform his current single, Run Wild Horses. Introducing the song Watson said, “They say that country music is three chords and the truth, but Run Wild Horses is just two chords and sexy.” As the audience laughed he admitted that his wife rolls her eyes whenever he says that.
Watson’s set included several songs off his prior album, 2015’s The Underdog, which was the first album ever by an independent male artist to debut at Number 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart. He finished the night with his previous single, and first major radio airplay hit, Outta Style.
Ryan Beaver with Jack Ingram opening for Aaron Watson at Gramercy Theatre / Photo by Shawn St. Jean
Opening for Watson were fellow Texans and incredible storytellers, Jack Ingram and Ryan Beaver. Ingram’s set included a moving performance of Tin Man, which he co-wrote with Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall.
For Cream Ridge, NJ native James (Skeeter) Farrell, the concert was about a lot more than just having fun with some friends. Farrell decided he was going to use the show as a chance to propose to his girlfriend Christina. Watson’s music has had a significant impact on Farrell, fundamentally driven by how relatable Watson’s lyrics are. “It’s more than just music to me,” explained Farrell. “I can feel the emotion and heart he puts into every single line of every song. I feel like I know him on a personal level just by the time I’ve spent listening to his music.”
Photos courtesy of James Farrell
As Watson performed That Look, Farrell asked Christina to dance. During the last verse he reached in to his back pocket and pulled out a ring. “I got down on one knee and asked her if she would spend the rest of her life with me,” explained Farrell. She said yes, and the crowd erupted with cheers and applause. Watson had them come up to the front of the stage to congratulate the couple and took a photo with them.
“It was an incredible experience neither of us will ever forget,” said Farrell. “Aaron didn’t have to acknowledge us but he did and I am forever thankful to him and his band for giving us a memory that will last forever.”
Check out our exclusive photos from the show below:
Aaron Watson
Jack Ingram
Ryan Beaver
For all of the latest news and updates on Aaron head over to aaronwatson.com and follow his social media accounts: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube
Were you at the show in NYC or have you seen Aaron perform live elsewhere? Let us know what you thought of the performance in the comments section below!
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