Saturday, August 29th, Kegs Canal Side in Jordan, New York, was the place to be when Redferrin rolled through town. Plenty of tailgates and tall boys were the first stop on the way to a night of good music and memories, singing songs inspired by good old No. 7. Payton Sullivan first caught the public's eye as a contestant on Season 19 of The Voice as a member of Team Blake. As the opener, she was supposed to welcome the crowd at Kegs and get them ready for Redferrin. She didn't disappoint, and for some, she might have even stolen the show. She left it up to the fans to choose between Shania Twain and Dolly Parton. Shocker to no one, there was an overall favorite. The crowd and Payton paid a beautiful tribute with I Will Always Love You. There wasn't a dry eye in sight. Dolly has inspired and been a crucial part of not just country music, but music in general. She would have been proud. Rest in peace to the legendary Dolly, mother freaking Parton. Payton played some crowd favorites, such as Garth Brooks' Friends in Low Places, Brooks & Dunn's Neon Moon, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's Fishin' in the Dark, to get the crowd off the somber note before playing some originals. Payton talked about getting married at 19 and how it didn't work out before playing her unreleased song Pretty Little Divorcee, which will be featured on her upcoming debut album. I will say, I was not aware of Payton Sullivan before tonight's show, but just like a lot of fans in Jordan, she gained a new fan. She will be joining Sugarland on their upcoming tour. I highly recommend discovering Payton before she becomes a massive star in the country scene. Up next was the best mullet in the house. Redferrin is a former professional dirt bike racer from Tennessee turned singer-songwriter. The crowd was definitely not stuck to their seats when he came out to his song Stuck and his gold-certified single Jack and Diet Coke. Redferrin told the crowd some of his stories as a songwriter, including writing a song for Florida Georgia Line and Nelly. He talked about their collaboration, Little Bit, before playing his rendition of the song. He followed that up with a song that was written for Morgan Wallen before it was sent back for him to release himself, Miss Summer. Redferrin even wrote a song at the Jack Daniel's Distillery, ironically titled She's Like Whiskey. He is a very accomplished songwriter, even telling the crowd that he enjoys writing songs more than singing them. Some more highlights of Redferrin's set included If I Was California, inspired by Alan Jackson's Chattahoochee; Palm Trees, a song with rap superstar Wiz Khalifa; 3 Day Bender; Pourin' in Nashville; and Mossy Oak. Then came the showstopper, his massive RIAA Platinum-certified hit Just Like Johnny. Redferrin stayed after the show to say hello and greet the fans, who had been singing along with him all night. Overall, both artists break through the traditional country label. Payton Sullivan brings her signature Coastal Cowgirl sound, blending country with island rhythms, while Redferrin combines his traditional country roots with modern hip-hop influences. It was a phenomenal show from one of country music's rising stars and a soon-to-be breakout artist. If you have been debating whether to see either of them live, I highly recommend it.

Review: Tyler Allen

Photos: Roger Johnston