Story and photos by Mary Jane Farmer
Kind, sweet, fun, respectful, entertaining, professional, gentleman, charismatic, more-than-just-a-musician, Chris Janson absolutely took the Grand Theater fans by the same passion he threw out there, Nov. 12. He did this with, of all things, only three musicians and very little, comparatively speaking with other Nashville music icons, distracting video behind him.
Janson, known mostly for his “Buy Me A Boat,” which went into the top on most country music charts last year, is also a prolific songwriter, accomplished harmonica player, will also be known now for his having penned “Holdin’ Her” about his wife, Kelly, also his co-manager.
Chris told stories along with singing his songs, and maybe the most famous of those stories is his love for Kelly. He’s very vocal about how marriage to her has changed him 100% for the better, talks about his two ”bonus” kids she brought to the marriage, and about the two they’ve had together. He also said, proudly, that he’s been eight years without a drink, a definite plus in his life and his career. The whole story is in the lyrics to “Holdin’ Her.” It’s real and it’s heartfelt.
Yeah, he writes and sings and performs a lot of today’s Nashville country, but he also cut loose with some very on-point Merle Haggard songs as well as a couple of other classic country. “Do you mind if I sing you a new song?” He played a couple he had just written, and that band was right on with him.
And speaking of eagles, Chris once had his back turned to the crowd when he started waving his arms, slowly and rather tenderly. He turned, talked to the crowd and soon had them flapping their arms, Eagle style. Now, isn’t this fun?, he asked them, and the crowd kept soaring through the song.
Janson called a bevy of kiddos to the stage toward the end of this concert, and had them singing along. Great fun!
The band — a lead guitarist, bassist, and drummer — provided solid and complementary music background to his lyric, voice, and style.
Chris Janson will be part of the 10-Man Jam at Billy Bob’s Texas on Sunday, Dec. 4, starting 
around 4 p.m. Joining him will be Granger Smith, Joe Nichols, Casey Donahew, Jon Pardi, and others.
Keep an eye on the Live Music Calendar here on SceneInTown.com and/or also on ChoctawCasinos.com for upcoming concerts at the Grand Theater and Gilley’s at the Durant facility and for live music at all the other Choctaw Casino locations.