Country music fans, it's time to come together for a night full of Southern drawls and line dancing. This Friday, Legends is featuring JerrodNiemann in concert, and since I know we are a minority, we need to show all the support we can.
In case you are unaware, Niemann is signed to a record label co-owned by the country heartthrob Brad Paisley and has appeared in the top 40 country music charts for three of his songs. Appearing on radio stations and playing shows all over the country, notably at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry, Niemann is following the footsteps of some serious stars. This is our opportunity to show off our country music pride by singing along with this upcoming star, so here's your chance to get a head start on learning those lyrics.
Part of Niemann's appeal is the fact that his music resembles that of Garth Brooks, one of my absolute favorite country music artists. In fact, Niemann and Brooks have collaborated in the past, co-writing songs like "Good Ride Cowboy" and "Midnight Sun." The songs are catchy without being poppy and mainstream, and they all have their unique rhythm unlike some country stars these days (I'm looking at you, Taylor Swift). His most popular song, "Lover, Lover," could even be mistaken for a Zac Brown Band number, only by a country music rookie of course, because of its simplistic layers and natural, nearly-a capella vocals. The stripped-down yet catchy song shows off Niemann's natural talent as well as featuring subtle yet impressive guitar picking.
Another hit, "Down in Mexico," has a very Jimmy Buffet-esque vibe, with tambourines, ukuleles and lyrics about girls, drinking and beaches. It's the perfect song for the anticipation of summer, and Niemann will put you in a happy mood, even if just temporary, while you picture warm beaches and summer sun.
In the past, Niemann has toured with Love Like Crazy singer Lee Brice and country megastar Miranda Lambert. His concert at Notre Dame is just one stop on a summer-long tour, sandwiched between shows in New York and Fort Wayne, Ind.
With the intimate setting of Legends, you will be able to experience JerrodNiemann up-close and personal without having to pay ridiculous venue prices or deal with obnoxious 40-year-old country music fans drunkenly attempting to sing along (if you've ever been to a Rascal Flatts concert, you know what I'm talking about).
Come out to Legends this Friday at 10 p.m. for a guaranteed good time, surrounded by country music lovers - all you haters, just stay home or at least keep your mouth shut if you decide to come. It's about time Legends gave us a well-known country artist to sing along to lyrics about drinking (try Niemann's "One More Drinking Song"), beaches and the country.
Directly following the concert, Legends goes country, equipped with not only non-stop country music but also a mechanical bull. If that doesn't convince you, I don't know what will. So grab your cowboy boots, throw on some "jorts" and a plaid shirt, don that dusty cowboy hat and grab a partner to take to country night at Legends, y'all.
Contact Maddie Daly at mdaly6@nd.edu
The views expressed in this column are those of the
author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
