Lainey Wilson Brings The SOLD-OUT “Country With A Flare Tour” To DC
Venue: The Fillmore Silver Spring
Silver Spring, MD
History Maker. Memory Maker. Music Maker. Those are just a few words I would use to describe one of country music’s biggest rising names, Lainey Wilson. What’s up, everyone? Derek here, a.k.a. The Photographic Ginger and I’m back again with another incredible night of music in our nation’s capital.
Whether you’ve been a fan of her music for years, you’re a fan of the role she plays on Yellowstone, or you were introduced to her via the multiple songs she features on alongside some of countries biggest names. No matter how you’ve become familiar with her talent it’s hard to argue she’s becoming a true country music star. In fact, she recently celebrated a historical milestone. In January 2023 she became the first female country artist in over a decade to have two songs simultaneously in the Top 10 of Country radio in the US. Those two songs are “Heart Like A Truck” and her collaboration with HARDY for “wait in the truck.” So it’s no surprise her most recent tour has completely sold out every city she’s visited.
Getting the show started though were two acts who you’ll want to keep an ear out for over the coming weeks and months. Both Meg McRee and Ben Chapman are carving their own spaces in the country music community and both just happen to be releasing new music very soon. Maybe even by the time you read this.
As I arrived at the venue Meg McRee was already serenading a room filling with people as she performed many songs off her upcoming album Is It Just Me?
It was clear that she was a true songwriter as each track shared carefully planned lyrics and offered perspective and stories in short three-minute windows.
In a rare turn of events as Meg McRee finished out her set she invited Ben Chapman on stage along with his band to perform a song of their own which seamlessly led to Chapman kicking off his own set.
He and his band provided a jam session-type vibe mixed with a little bit of honky tonk.
Some songs that truly highlight that honky tonk vibe most are “10 Feet of Regret” and “Make the Night Better,” while other songs like “Georgia Dreamin” slow things down and really showcase the vocal styles of Chapman.
If you find yourself listening to his music and hearing a female voice and you’re curious who it is, well it just so happens to be his life partner… Meg McRee.
Following the two opening acts, it was time for the main event as the venue was filled completely with fans ready to hear and experience the talent of .
As the lights dimmed the drums rolled and it was time to bring the country to the DMV. As Wilson walked onto the stage the fans began to roar with excitement and with that, we were off on a musical journey through country music through the eyes of Wilson herself.
Her set began with a full-on dance party as she began to perform her song “LA” as she danced back and forth across the stage. If you’re familiar with the song you know there is a good moment to stomp your feet and clap your hands as the bass hits and the crowd did just that. Taking us deeper into the set were songs off her latest album Bell Bottom Country as she played “Smell Like Smoke” and “Road Runner.”
Shortly after, she took a moment to reflect on an opportunity that put her in front of so many new fans as she told us about her debut acting role as Abby in Yellowstone, a character very similar to Wilson herself and the vessel in which she introduced the world to the song “Watermelon Moonshine”.
As the evening continued it was constant joy, dancing, and good music and we grooved to some personal favorites with “Hillbilly Hippie” and “Grease.” But if there was ever a moment to celebrate it was when she began to perform the two songs that, at the moment, simultaneously sat within the top 10 of the country music charts “wait in the truck” with HARDY and “Heart Like A Truck.”
They’re songs that hit all the right chords and connect deeply with the country music community and the chorus for “Heart Like A Truck” is one that you can’t help but sing along with thanks to Wilson’s incredible vocals.
As the night began to come to a close, the tempo began to slow down a little as we were treated to songs that continued to describe who she is as a person and provide lyrics that are relatable to so many. Songs such as “Rolling Stone” speak of the need to keep going and not be ready to settle down. Another song is “Things A Man Oughta Know.”
Then as it was time for an encore she invited Ben and Meg back to the stage as we all jammed out to Wilson’s version of “What’s Up,” originally written and performed by 4 Non Blondes. She then ended the evening with a fan favorite “Dirty Looks” a song that plays to both sides of the phrase.
The Country With A Flare Tour continues to make its way across the country through March 31st and if you’re lucky enough to have a ticket you’re in for a “damn good time.”
If you happened to capture any shots of the night, feel free to tag us on social media at Shutter 16 Magazine and throw in #Shutter16 and #TwitFromThePit for the world to see.
