By Dave Parsons
Night two of the Old Washington Music Festival at the Guernsey County Fairgrounds in Old Washington, Ohio, promised to be a highlight of the summer for country music fans. Following the success of the opening night, which featured Confederate Railroad, the second night had an equally impressive lineup. Headlined by the legendary Travis Tritt, with opening performances by Little Texas and Ray Scott, the night was poised to deliver a blend of classic country and Southern rock, much to the delight of the crowd.
As folks filed in all afternoon, on a day that the weather was perfect, a nice array of blankets, lawn chairs and coolers were placed in preparation for the evening’s performances. There was plenty of space for everyone, ensuring that everyone had a good view of the stage, plenty of room to dance, and a sense of intimacy for those that wanted to get a front row view.
Day two kicked off at 5 PM with Ray Scott, a singer-songwriter known for his deep, resonant voice and storytelling lyrics. Ray Scott’s style is rooted in traditional country music, with a modern twist that appeals to both old-school country fans and newer audiences.
Throughout his set, Ray Scott showed off his ability to tell stories through his music. Songs like Ain’t Always Thirsty and Drinkin’ Beer were met with enthusiastic applause, as the crowd connected with the relatable themes. His performance of My Kind of Music, a tribute to classic country, struck a particular chord with the audience, many of whom could be seen nodding along in agreement with the song’s message about staying true to the roots of the genre.
One of the highlights of Ray Scott’s performance was his interaction with the audience. Between songs, he shared anecdotes about his life and career, adding a personal touch to the show. His performance set the stage perfectly for what was to come, warming up the audience and getting them ready for the night’s next act.
By 7:00, the sun had begun to set, and the temperature lowered into making it a perfect summer evening, as Little Texas took the stage. Known for their blend of traditional country with rock and roll influences, Little Texas rose to prominence in the 1990s with a string of hits that helped define the era. Their performance at the Old Washington Music Festival was a nostalgic trip down memory lane for many in the audience, as well as a chance to experience the band’s vibrant sound live.
Kicking off their always energectic show, Little Texas wasn’t even to the chorus of the first song that the audience was on their feet dancing and singing along. The combination of powerful guitar riffs, tight harmonies, and charismatic stage presence made it clear that Little Texas was here to put on a show.
The band’s setlist was a mix of their greatest hits and fan favorites. What Might Have Been had the audience swaying and singing along, its bittersweet lyrics striking a chord with many. God Blessed Texas, one of their biggest hits, was a definite highlight, with the crowd enthusiastically joining in on the chorus.
One of the most memorable moments of the set was the band’s performance of Amy’s Back in Austin, one of their first hits. As time goes on, audiences sometimes forgets the first hits an act had 20-25 years ago, but by the way the crowd responded, this was a group of folks lost in the nostalgia of 90s country.
Throughout their performance, Little Texas maintained a high level of energy, engaging with the crowd and feeding off their enthusiasm. The band members clearly enjoyed being on stage, and their joy was contagious. When the band left the stage, the crowd’s energy was at an all-time high, setting the perfect mood for the night’s headliner.
As the lights dimmed and the stage was set for Travis Tritt, the crowd, which had been steadily growing throughout the evening, was now packed close to the stage. The fairgrounds erupted as he opened his set with Put Some Drive in Your Country, a song that perfectly fits his musical style. The driving rhythm and gritty vocals immediately had the crowd on their feet, and it was clear from the start that Tritt was here to deliver a performance to remember.
The setlist for the night was a mix of Tritt’s greatest hits, spanning his three-decade-long career. Each song was met with enthusiasm from the crowd, who sang along to every word. I’m Gonna Be Somebody, a song about perseverance and chasing one’s dreams, was a particular favorite, with the audience singing the chorus back to Tritt with passion. His performance of Anymore, one of his most iconic ballads, was a powerful moment.
One of the standout moments of the night was Tritt’s performance of Here’s a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares). The song’s biting lyrics and catchy melody made it an instant crowd-pleaser, and the audience responded immediately.
As the night progressed, Tritt continued to deliver one hit after another, each song showcasing his versatility as an artist. From the upbeat, Southern rock-influenced T-R-O-U-B-L-E to the honky tonk sound of The Whiskey Ain’t Workin’, a duet originally recorded with Marty Stuart, Tritt gave these folks what they came to hear.
As the final notes faded into the night, the crowd erupted in applause, showing their appreciation for what had been an unforgettable evening of music. Travis Tritt, along with Little Texas and Ray Scott, had delivered performances that were helping to write the history for the first year of the Old Washington Music Festival. Anticipation for Day 3 was high, and no one could have predicted what was to come.
Photo Gallery : Travis Tritt – Old Washington Music Festival (07.18.2024)
Photo Gallery : Little Texas – Old Washington Music Festival (07.18.2024)
Photo Gallery : Ray Scott – Old Washington Music Festival (07.18.2024)
