By Roman Sobus
I visited one of my favorite small venues, Tuesday evening on a short notice request to cover an up and coming artist by the name of Chance Pena. I’m embarrassed to say that due to a tight schedule, I did no research on the artist and only checked door time to arrive early and secure a spot close to the stage. Arriving fifteen minutes before the doors were scheduled to open, the line for entry stretched outside the door! I made it inside rather quickly and secured a spot toward one side of the stage as the room filled rapidly behind me.
Opening the evening was a young Michigan singer/songwriter named Hayd. He confidently entered the stage, guitar in hand, looked into the crowd and noted jokingly that eighty percent of the audience were “girls”! Setting up, he recounted about getting his vehicle towed at a previous performance on the tour and the difficulties of getting it returned.
His short 30 minute set had his fans singing along and staring big-eyed toward the stage! Before leaving, he took a few selfies with fans.
Chance Pena was next. He is a 22 year old Tyler Texas native out to live the dream! An extremely talented, singer/songwriter, with a sound reminiscent of a young Johnny Cash. He mixes storytelling in a soothing voice, with a hint of a southern drawl.
Opening with “Upside Down”, followed by “Sleep Deprivation” he rolled through the 19 song set to the delight of his fans. I will not be surprised to see him in the near future headlining a large venue or in a conspicuous spot at some major music festival. Give him a follow, stream a few songs and I know you will be hooked!
