Honky Tonk Tailgate Party 2009

Last year's Honky Tonk Tailgate Party was a whole lot of fun and this year it's turned up a notch. It's often said that until there are problems you can't tell who can really perform and who is just up there. These guys can perform!

This year's lineup is Trent Willmon, Jeff Bates and Mark Wills - and on the second night of the tour in Star City Arkansas there were challenges. All afternoon it poured rain but loyal fans simply broke out umbrellas and rain gear. The show was set back an hour due to the rain, and as Trent Willmon took the stage there was an issue with the microphone cutting out - but a professional just keeps going and that he did. Through a set that included his hits "Beer Man", "Cold Beer and a Fishing Pole" and "On Again Off Again Tonight" his determination matched those of the fans sitting in the rain. The show WOULD go on and we WOULD have a good time!

Jeff Bates then took the stage with an awesome tribute to Conway Twitty with "Love to Lay You Down" as well as his own hits such as "Long Slow Kisses" and "The Love Song". Among the other highlights was the crowd favorite "Don't Hate Me For Loving You" which spent 8 weeks at #1 on CMT Pure country and current single "One Thing." With a loyal following in his own right Jeff brings top entertainment to the show.

Not to be outdone Mark Wills hits the stage with his new single "Entertaining Angels", "Crazy White Boy" and familiar hits such as "Don't Laugh At Me" and "I Do (Cherish You)". The one thing for sure with any of these three is you will have as much fun as you want to have. Mark Wills kicks it up a notch with "High Low and In Between", a bluegrass favorite, and "Nineteen Something". The interaction with the crowd is as entertaining as the song itself. Whether it's finding a "non-country" fan in the crowd or having fun with fans. In Star City after a joke someone yelled he was mean and he responded in fun "yes I am...I'm a daddy! of GIRLS!!" to which the crowd cheered. There are no two shows alike due to the ability of each of these three outstanding entertainers to improvise.

As his set winds down they aren't done yet as Trent and Jeff come back out on stage for an awesome cover shot that gets everyone on their feet with "Bobby Sue". If you come to see one favorite it's a treat but for those who like all three entertainers this is country music at its finest. From there it rolls into "Take It Easy" where in Star City Mark and Trent changed hats - one of the few chances to see Mark with a western hat on! "Rambin' Man" follows as all three make contact with fans as much as possible and after the show they stay as long as possible to meet and autograph anyone who is willing to have a little patience to wait and have fun with the other fans in line as well.

This show will be touring from coast to coast and as far as Japan this year. If you love country music go see this show! The economy is bad for many but this is a low cost or sometimes no cost show that is well worth the time.