Josh Turner Goes Haywire in Washington State

It was an a-typical night in western Washington. Normally cold and wet this time of year, another spring-like evening was the perfect backdrop for listening to some good music as Josh Turner's Haywire tour made a stop at the Snoqualmie Casino in North Bend. Less than two years old, the casino has already earned a reputation as an outstanding entertainment venue.

Haywire, Josh's fourth studio album, debuted on Billboard's Top Country album chart at number two and the Billboard 200 at number five. It has already seen a number one single in Why Don't We Just Dance and a second single is on the way.

Born and raised in a small South Carolina town, the 32-year old singer entertained the sold-out crowd with all of his hits, of which there are many. His first album, Long Black Train, spawned three chart singles including the title track and was certified platinum by the RIAA. The momentum continued with his second release, Your Man. The multi-platinum seller debuted at number one on Billboard's 200 and Top Country Album charts, producing 2 hits and earning Turner two Grammy nominations. Everything is Fine was released in 2007 and though it sold a noteworthy 84,000 copies in its first week, it didn't do as well as its predecessors, only earning gold certification along with three hit singles.

Inspired by his own high school experience and the lack of funding for music study in the small school, Josh and his wife, Jennifer, started a scholarship for college students who want to peruse a career in the arts. A graduating senior from his alma mater, Hannah-Pamplico High School in South Carolina, was the first recipient of the scholarship in 2009. It is administered by The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and in addition to direct donations is funded by the purchase of specially designed bracelets at Turner's shows and through his website.

Easily compared to Randy Travis and Johnny Cash, Josh's velvety baritone voice is always a pleasure to hear. His songs range from devout religious tunes like Long Black Train and Me and God to the poppy Eye Candy and quirky Loretta Lynn's Lincoln. Inducted into the Grand Ol' Opry by Vince Gill in 2007, Josh is the second youngest member after Carrie Underwood. He has even taken a foray into film, portraying George Beverly Shea in the Billy Graham biography, Billy: The Early Years. Shea was the music leader on many of Graham's crusades.

The short set at the Snoqualmie, just over an hour, was chock-full of music introducing many tunes from the new album. There was nothing overly remarkable about it, unless you count the perfect performance of Turner and his band. There was no elaborate light show or fancy special effects, just song after song of pure bliss.

The tour continues with shows in California before moving to the eastern United States.