OCALA, FL (352today.com) – “How many people were at our first K-Country Acoustic Concert,” asked Mr. Bob, K-Country’s veteran morning show host and program director. Just a few hands shot up.
Then he asked how many were attending their very first K-Country Acoustic Concert. More hands were raised.
Whether it was your first or 21st, K-Country’s acoustic concerts have continuously sold out almost immediately because listeners know just how special they are. Words like, “fantastic,” and “amazing” were heard throughout the show as four performers sang their hearts out at the Circle Square Cultural Center in Ocala Monday night.
PHOTO GALLERY: K-Country Acoustic Concert 2023
What some didn’t know was why the concert started a little later than planned. Florida Georgia Line‘s Brian Kelley (BK), an Ormond Beach native, got stuck in quite a mess on the Florida Turnpike on his way to the show from the Orlando International Airport. Apparently, a semi-truck was on its side holding up traffic. He and his management kept the K-Country staff up-to-the-minute on his ETA (estimated time of arrival).
Meanwhile, 23-year-old Conner Smith took to the stage for a quick run-through of his set list while Josiah Siska and Dalton Dover grabbed a bite to eat in the green room behind the stage.
The collective sighs of relief upon BK’s arrival were clearly audible. After meeting with backstage pass holders, the performers gathered behind the curtain while Mr. Bob and I welcomed the audience.
Next, longtime K-Country midday host, Lewis Stokes came out to say hello and revealed nothing about the surprise he had in store for later in the evening.
Howard Tuuri, president/general manager of K-Country and 352today’s parent company North Central Florida Media, thanked sponsors before turning the mic over to music director and afternoon host Big Red. He introduced each artist, giving them time to find their designated stools on stage while they received enthusiastic applause.
One of the most well-received songs of the evening was “I Wouldn’t Be Here,” a song Dalton Dover wrote to honor his mom. “I wrote ‘I Wouldn’t Be Here’ for one of the most important people in my life, my momma,” Dalton shared. “She’s my best friend, the greatest Mimi to my babies, and the wisest woman I’ve ever met. I’m so grateful that I get to call her mom.”
Josiah Siska was full of energy and compared, by some, to Waylon Jennings with his unique brand of outlaw country and good humor. Fans were treated to Josiah hopping off stage and serenading them a little more up close and personal during his tongue-in-cheek tune, “3 Tequila Floor.”
Conner Smith, a songwriter since he was just six years old, got everyone’s blood pumping with his hit “Creek Will Rise,” giving Yellowstone vibes with his rustic sound.
While BK didn’t include any tunes from his former duo, Florida Georgia Line, he did introduce the concertgoers to who he is as a solo artist, ending the evening with his single, “See You Next Summer,” Then, the surprise from Stokes who came from backstage wearing swim trunks emblazoned with BK’s face, the initials ‘BK’ on his bare chest in electrical tape, and his signature cowboy boots. Lewis placed leis on each of the performers’ necks and tossed glitter-filled beach balls into the crowd.
If you missed the 37th K-Country Acoustic Concert, no worries. There will be another in the Spring of 2024. In the meantime, check out the stars behind K-Country’s Songwriter’s Showcase at the Ocala Civic Theatre on November 3 featuring Adam James, who has written for Kenny Chesney, Dierks Bentley, Cody Johnson, and Zac Brown Band; Brett Tyler, who has written for Blake Shelton and Luke Combs; and Colton Venner who has penned songs for Luke Grimes, Tyler Halverson, and Logan Mize. Tickets are available now and can be purchased here.