Hitting the Bandera scene, prominent country artist, Wade Bowen, performed at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar on Saturday, Dec 2.
Bowen came out rockin’ with his hit, “When I Woke up Today,” capturing a sizeable crowd of palpable fans.
With an unexpected diverse light show, the band indulged the house with a variation of Bowen favorites to compositions with rock and blues influence.
During one edgy compilation, named Whiskey, they incorporated nostalgic guitar riffs from ZZ Top, Zeppelin, Primus and White Stripes. Here, lead guitarist, Nick Gardner, did not disappoint.
In a comical exchange with a fan who was holding up a sign that boasted graduating at the age of 48, Bowen ad-libbed a song congratulating her for graduating from TXDoT then dedicated his next song, “Cowboy Kid.”
Released on Oct. 13, the song is about chasing your dreams.
“We have a thing now,” said Bowen, suggesting the timing of her presence was right on time.
Longtime fan, Gilbert Mares, who traveled from Waco (Bowen’s home town) to see the show, told the Bulletin he’s been following Bowen for over 10 years.
“I started following him when I first heard “Who I Am” mainly because of the lyrics and how I felt connected to the song. Since then, I was a fan,” He told the Bulletin.
Mares added knowing Wade Bowen was a Waco artist made it even better.
“I travel every time I get a chance to see him perform,” he told the Bulletin. “He’s a humble man and really helps out with charities like Bowenfest. He’s definitely a true Texas Red Dirt star.“ Adding that he was ready to buy the guitar sold at the merchandise booth, Mares said, “As long as he signs it! I would love to meet him. This is an experience that you can’t put a price on it, because of what you’re getting out of it.”
Local steak house Trail Boss catered to the band that evening.
GM Ashlee McGee stated, “Trail Boss caters and provides meals for all the musicians that 11th St. has coming in. They are amazing neighbors, and we provide excellent resources for each other to make coming to Bandera extremely enjoyable.”
Bowen shared his sentiments (with the Bulletin) after the show.
“The show in Bandera was awesome!” he said. “There was so much great energy to feed off of from the crowd. Being on the road is one of my favorite parts of the job, so it’s always a good time.”
Saturday’s performance proved that Bowen’s talent of songwriting-to-music interpretation resonates to the masses with a tough melancholy. His tone emits a blue-collar comradery that he is “one of us”.
While telling his tales through song, Bowen’s cool demeanor and country swag sings it like it is.
