This writer presented to the Edgar County Fairgrounds, located in the small rural town of Edgar County, to see the one and only country music star Mitchell Tenpenny perform live for the locals to kick-start the annual Edgar County Fair Week! This show was kindly hosted by The Grandstand Concerts and sponsored by local businesses such as Brown Bag Liquors along with chain restaurants such as Arby’s. 

The show was in the air as the weather was uncertain due to the projected storms and rainfall. After hours of waiting, it was determined that the show would, in fact, go on! The dirt track where the stage was set presented muddy, and hay was thrown down to help fans of all ages walk and stand during the show. As the potential crowd entered what would be considered the venue for the evening, they took selfies, grabbed their drinks, then took their spots for the evening. 

The Edgar County Fair Queen, alongside her Little Miss, took the stage to introduce the artists ahead, preparing the crowd for an evening that they wouldn’t forget! 

First to take the stage was Austin Snell. Snell introduced himself as newer to country music, but blessed to have had many opportunities to live out his dream as a performer by supporting artists such as Jason Aldean on tour!  Snell performed many of his originals and even incorporated a mash up of songs from his “iPod,” covering songs from R&B artist Mario, along with so many more. Snell integrated with fans, pointing out a fan’s sign. Austin stated “you put a lot of work into that.” He even acknowledged a fan’s birthday! Austin gave so much energy to his performance and was committed to keeping the crowed engaged.

Shortly after Austin performed, the night sky was hovering Edgar County. Stagehands began to take down and set up different equipment, and fans scurried to grab more drinks. Mitchell Tenpenny was about to take stage. As the lights dimmed and a beautiful sound emerged through the speakers, fans roared! Tenpenny walked on stage from stage right. Grabbing his microphone, Tenpenny encapsulated his fans with songs such as “Woke Up In A Dream” from his newly released album The 3rd and older songs such as “Truth About You.” While Tenpenny performed “Truth About You,” he harmonized with the audience in singing the lyrics as he listened. Tenpenny even took a step back as his guitarist and bassists took the spotlight for guitar solos. As the show went on, Tenpenny engaged the crowed in screaming the lyrics to his song “Bitches.” 

Overall, Mitchell Tenpenny provided Edgar County with a performance they will not forget! 

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