Written by Dave Clements

Sometimes the best laid plans work out perfectly other times not so much. Sometimes you are the bug, sometimes the windshield. Sometimes the dog, sometimes the fire hydrant.
This past Friday night was some of both. Let me explain…
I applied for a photo pass and review tickets weeks ago to shoot and review the first of two Cody Johnson shows at the wonderful Woodlands Pavilion.
Somehow I was approved for the tickets but my photo pass request got dropped and I didn’t realize it until it was too late. As a result, I wasn’t going to review the show since I wouldn’t be able to provide photos to you the reader to go with the review.

Miraculously a day later someone came to my rescue and got me approved for a photo pass so…show back on the books!
I then heard they sold my review tickets…show off the books.
Then I get a notice that they found new tickets for me so…show back on!
I-45 traffic at a standstill, not going to make it on time…. show (maybe) off.
Traffic subsided finally, made it!

Note: It occurred to me that Johnson is a Huntsville boy. And when I tell you he has a lot of fans, especially in Huntsville, it was evident that every last one of them were headed exactly to the same destination at the same time I was. Sure glad they wanted to get there on time as much as I did!
But then when I finally got to the venue I read that no photography would be allowed for the two openers, Braxton Keith and Ashley McBryde. Show on, but no pictures for either?! What a bummer…
Note Two: I was however still going to be able to photograph Cody so all was not lost.
It was a beautiful Fall night and I had a great seat so sitting down and enjoying these two performers warm things up for the crowd was not a difficult task. Still, I would have MUCH preferred to have had my camera in my hand.

Braxton Keith was first and this is a performer you need to check out. I recently had an opportunity to see him at the Dosey Doe Big Barn at a Kyle Hutton Real Life Real Music Show and this kid from San Antonio is going to sky rocket. He already has a very powerful following and it is only going to get bigger. Do not be surprised if in a few years he is headlining this Woodlands Pavilion.

Next up was Ashley McBryde. I hadn’t seen Ashley before but was glad to finally have the chance. She did a very nice job even though I think Tracy Byrd, who has her slot the second night is a much better fit with Johnson. That is no criticism of McBryde who has nice vocals, a terrific backup band and can play to her audience nicely…and did!

At nine sharp CoJo (as he is often called) took the stage and immediately made it clear in nanosecond who the people in attendance came to see – THE Cody Johnson. The guy who was told you can’t make it in Nashville as a Country artist if you are playing Texas music. Hmmm, you wanna bet??!

This guy was only the third artist to sell out his Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo opening night performance (along with Garth and George) with over 70k in attendance.
Cody is a force to be reckoned with! He is high energy and can move a crowd at will. This is the third time I have seen him and as terrific as he was the first two times he was beyond special this night. He came to give his all and he did. As part George Strait, in his Johnson Collection Wrangler Jeans, and part Garth Brooks doing all the things that Garth routinely does (and we, the fans, love!) … add these together plus the unique CoJo mojo only he can bring and you have a super star in the making! It is only a matter of when, not if.
This evening Cody started with Me and My Kind, Dance Her Home & With You I Am… before the night was over he had played 18 songs and I’m guessing if you could have interviewed his fans they would have told you that wasn’t nearly enough for them. Cody left them and this reviewer wanting more….way more!

One little sidebar, Cody made his Mom, who turned 60 on Friday, come out and everyone sang her Happy Birthday. He didn’t think she thought that was a good move on his part…but she was a good sport and did take a bow before leaving the stage so it’s likely all is well.

Before closing I would like to share (if you will indulge me) that I have a special fondness for Cody as he agreed to be in a coffee table book project I have going with my friend Kevin Black, Clint’s brother. Cody, thanks for supporting the children that benefit from the project.
If you want to learn more you can go to www.raisingahand.com and Cody is in both Volume Two and Volume Three of the three book set.

Now let me end with …help keep live music alive. Go to a show or two every chance you have and encourage others to join you!