Granger Smith and Smithfield Entertain Fans at Irving Plaza
Last night, Granger Smith fans came out in droves to support the singer at Irving Plaza. Plaid-wearing country fans packed out both floors of the famed NYC venue to catch Granger Smith, his alter-ego Earl Dibbles, Jr., and opening act, Smithfield on the first night of the “Don’t Tread On Me” Tour.
Rising country duo, Smithfield, took the stage to warm up the eager crowd. Singing songs from their 2015 self-titled EP including the first song that Sirius XM The Highway played “Nothing But the Night”. Mid-set, they hyped up the crowd with their medley of cover songs including Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me A River”, Shania Twain’s “That Don’t Impress Me Much”, and even the classic Goo Goo Dolls song, “Iris”. Closing out the 45 minute set with their latest single (slated to head to country radio this week) “Hey Whiskey”, Smithfield’s harmonies and incredible on-stage chemistry was the perfect way to kick off the night. Check out an exclusive acoustic performance of the song during our New York Country Swag Session.
With this being both the first show of the tour and of 2018, Granger Smith was primed for an energetic night. Opening his set with “Gimme Something”, it was instantly apparent how equally happy he was to be on that stage and his fans were to hear him sing. He spent the entire night fist bumping and high fiving the lucky fans who waited online in the bitter cold to be front row. Throughout the set, he alternated between songs from his latest album When the Good Guys Win and from his earlier albums such as Remington.
Taking a moment to slow things down, he grabbed a stool and sat on the edge of the stage to chat with his audience. “This is my first full band show in New York City and it’s an honor that we get to play here and that you guys come out to see us,” he says. “We get to see a lot of cool places but it comes at a price, we miss birthdays, weddings, funerals, being a dad and a husband it’s hard and sometimes I have to ask myself if it’s worth it? Then I come out here on a Thursday night in New York City and I see your faces and see you reacting emotionally to these songs and that tells me it is definitely worth it.” He then sang one of the most powerful songs on his newest LP, “Everybody Lives”.
The night wouldn’t be complete without Smith transforming into his alter ego, Earl Dibbles, Jr. “NYC is officially Yee Yee nation tonight,” Smith yelled as he appeared on stage dressed in his signature overalls, boots, tank top and trucker cap. He rolled a cooler out on to the stage and cranked the end of the party up a notch. Singing “Don’t Tread On Me” and “If The Boot Fits” to close out the night, Smith proved he is a mega entertainer. Fans that will catch this tour in the future are in for a fun, high-energy filled set. Click here for the rest of the tour dates and ticket information.
Days before the show, New York Country Swag hosted a special Meet & Greet contest for our followers. We gave one lucky winner a pair of Meet & Greets for Granger Smith before the show. Congrats to our winner & thank you for supporting New York Country Swag! Make sure you’re following us on instagram for contests, ticket giveaway & more!
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