Chase Rice’s JD & Jesus Tour rolled into the always amazing Danforth Music Hall in Toronto on Saturday night and lets just say, the South was rockin’ the Great White North. If you have been reading the site the last couple month’s you may have noticed that the Cadillac Three have caught my eye as of late. So to have the boys playing the direct support spot on the tour was a win for me. Along with having waited almost 2 years since seeing them last play on Canadian soil when they graced the stage of the storied Horseshoe Tavern on one of Bookie’s New Music Nights they also performed one of if not the best Mason Jar Session yet. But let’s not get to far ahead of ourselves.

The night kicked off with an absolutely AMAZING new artist signed to Big Machine Label Group by the name of Tucker Beathard. As soon as I heard the last name I was intrigued, cause I had heard a couple songs before written by a fella by the name Casey Beathard who turns out to be Tuckers Dad. So let’s just say the apple didn’t fall far from the tree on this one. I am not one for floating a list of song titles by you but man this kid can wail on a guitar and has a voice that isn’t your standard cookie cutter sound. With a slight rasp that makes me think if you were to bring Jaren Johnston voice with someone like Thomas Rhett you would come out with Tucker Boatyard. Now being my first time hearing & seeing him there were no preconceived thoughts on what to expect. And well to simply put it. Tucker is well on his way away. There were a couple stand out songs during his short 30 min set. I believe one of the songs was called Wine Glass and the other which he mentioned will be hitting radio soon by the name of Rock On. I just so happened to do ya a favor and have a link here to his Spotify playlist and after listening through a couple of times myself. I am sure you won’t be disappointed.

Tucker Beathard kicks things off in Toronto – Photo: Scott Burns Images

Tucker Beathard performs at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto – Photo: Scott Burns Photography

Next up, Nashville’s own The Cadillac Three. Not really sure how to describe the music other than down and dirty rockin’ country. With one of the coolest slide guitar players in the country paired with the one hell of a drummer and lead singer that has a voice that actually requires no music backing the absolutely amazing vocals of Jaren Johnson you know they are gonna rock. And boy did they. From the opening riff to the closing sing along these boys delivered. Having not been back to Toronto in almost 2 years it felt amazing to hear these guys shred the stage and melt faces.

The Cadillac Three – Danforth Music Hall – Photo: Scott Burns Images

For three fellas from Nashville to be rockin’ a sold out crowd 700 plus miles from home (and from the sounds of the singalong) more than half were there to see the Whiskey Jam’s very own. Personal favourite’s from the set…. All of it. No seriously, the jam-packed 45 min set was likely the best 45 min of live music I have seen in a very long time. They really do know how to ignite a crowd and keep the pace movin’ and would be a perfect fit for the Boots and Hearts Kickoff Party! The boys left the crowd wanting more there is no doubt about that. I spoke to a couple radio folks at the show and they to were amazed at how awesome the performance was. While standing in the lobby before their set I asked a young lady if she liked The Cadillac Three? Her response was she hadn’t heard of them. Fair enough, without much radio play in the GTA it sometimes is difficult to hear new music. However, after the set she actually hunted me down to say she would pay $100 to see the band perform again without a doubt. Cadillac Three are truly amazing artists and not an act that I would really want to follow that’s for sure.

Jaren Johnson of Cadillac Three Rockin’ The Sold Out Crowd in Toronto – Photo: Scott Burns Images

Neil & Jaren of Cadillac Three rockin’ The Danforth in Toronto – Photo: Scott Burns Images

Kelby of Cadillac Three puttin’ on a party in Toronto – Photo: Scott Burns Images

One hell of a song….#WhiteLightning by @thecadillac3 #CrankItUp these guys rock! pic.twitter.com/GJYWY22HHU

— Sound Check Ent. (@SoundCheckBlg) January 10, 2016

However, taking the stage next was the Boots and Hearts bound Chase Rice and he seemed to stand his ground with a solid 70+ min set. When Chase took the stage, the ladies let him know that they were there to see him. With the odd pair of ladies panties making their way on stage it really is a testament of how much these fans loved Chase. He hit the stage with light’s slamming the stage and a real high energy feel that can be found at most country concerts these days.

Chase Rice @ The Danforth Music Hall in Toronto – Photo: Scott Burns Images

Along with the extra electricity of the ladies screams only heightened the whole feel of the show. The fact that Chase is headed to Boots and Hearts later this year and after seeing Saturday nights set we know that B&H will welcome him with open arms. And will be an absolute perfect fit for the Boots audience. Chase has written some really big songs and he sang a couple of those for us tonight. The one I am sure most were surprised about is Cruise because you could see the eyes in the audience light up and it brought a whole new level. Bring a lucky fan up on stage to have a song sung to you is also one hell of an experience that Chase was able to give one fan and I am sure they will never forget it. It was a hell of a night in Toronto with Tucker Beathard, The Cadillac Three and Chase Rice and we have our fingers and toes crossed that Cadillac Three along with Tucker get announced to Boots And Hearts or Lucknow Music In the Fields. If you were at the show we would love to hear what you thought!