Radio Company at Sagebrush was the band’s latest concert instalment and it was a feast for the senses. Jensen Ackles and Steve Carlson played two sold-out shows in Austin Texas on back-to-back evenings of August 19th and 20th 2024. I was in attendance for both shows and their performances held some variation. Common to both nights were the high energy, the burgeoning expectation of their adoring fans and the challenges presented by high temperatures and cloying humidity. For those made of stern enough stuff to endure the heat, the second night personified a party-vibe that strayed slightly from the night before. I’m guessing the first performance helped the band find their bearings, while the subsequent concert allowed the musicians to lean into their own enjoyment and they let their hair down.
Not only were Ackles and Carlson having fun with each other on stage, they were playful and inclusive with their entire audience. Both gentlemen were loose, funny and uninhibited in their on-stage performances, and would often turn to the crowd to belt out the next line of a song. At times, the crowd actually continued to sing lyrics that the boys stumbled over, and we got to witness their witty banter. Seeing Ackles giggle with delight at the crowd was pretty charming. Their pleasure infected everyone. They enjoyed their fans as much as their fans enjoyed them.
Everything about Radio Company at Sagebrush, felt interactive. It was as if the stage had two tiers. The upper tier was for the band, while the lower tier was the whole crowd singing back to them. I’m a seasoned concert goer, and I don’t recall witnessing anything like this before. I was at their Nashville performance, and it too had an intimate feel, but this was on a whole new level. Their fans sang every word to every song, with love, zeal and unbridled enthusiasm. It is a true testament to how much a band’s music is loved when your entire audience is singing every word right along with you.
A Rock Vibe with Country Color
I would call Radio Company’s sound as a rock-n-roll vibe with country color mixed in for good measure. Both Ackles and Carlson have got the voices to take us there. I’ve written previous articles about the musical talents of Radio Company, and those first-hand observations still hold true today. Ackles demonstrated his deep resonant baritone, delivered strong and clean. When the heat got to him, he took a beat to catch his breath and delivered the goods. Consistent once again, as the consummate performer. He had some fun with it too. Carlson’s voice is just as glorious but has an ever-so-slight raspy edge to it that fans find magnificent and endearing in equal measure. On top of his singing talents Steve had to perform instrument changes like a runway model changes outfits, and he was subject to a litany of verbal pokes and prods by his partner-in-crime. The crowd joined in on occasion, which added to the good-natured fun on display.
To round out Radio Company’s musical talents, I have to chime in on their adept ability at harmonizing. Their singing together has no hint of duelling undertone and is always complimentary to the extreme. They play off one another beautifully.
I have always believed that live music is something that must be experienced, and Radio Company at Sagebrush was no exception. Live performances are a true act of love and generosity from a musician to his or her audience. As intimate as a dance between two lovers, a musician etches indelible marks on the soul of each fan, while gifting song and sound to the multitude. There is an ebb and flow of untapped energy, as they drop into their own performance. Their muscle memory takes over. They unleash their talent and skill as they delight in the wave of joy they give so openly. To witness an artist perform and feel the same pleasure they bestow upon their fans, is a sight to behold and should not be missed.
These two shows were a treat for the eyes, a treat for the ears and a balm for the soul. It was a kind of heaven with the heat piped in directly from hell, to round out the experience.
The Band
Radio Company at Sagebrush pulled from a deep well of talent on stage for both of these evening shows. Thirteen gifted creators shared with everyone in attendance, and those artists are as follows:
Radio Company Music
Radio Company at Sagebrush was not about promoting new music. These shows were entirely about paying homage to the music they have already created. Not only were their greatest hits played to perfection, but it seemed obvious to me that these concerts were more about those who openly support their work, then anything else. Full stop, from start to finish, these treasured interactive performances were a true demonstration of joy and a salute to the fans who love them. Radio Company’s set lists for shows one and two, say it all.
The Venue
The venue played such a pivotal role here. Radio Company’s Nashville show was at the Analog @ Hutton, which swings in close to what would be classified as a cocktail lounge. Steve and Jensen were in tailored suits and their performances, by comparison were reserved.
None of that at Sagebrush.
This time fans were treated to something entirely different; a down-home Texas honky-tonk saloon, whose vibe was drenched with southern charm and generous hospitality. From the boot-worn tile floors, the barrel tables up front, the strings of Christmas lights that adorned the walls, and, as if to thumb their nose at formality, chandeliers hanging over the wooden dance floor.
Sagebrush dared anyone within its walls to defy its purpose. Its very essence permeated the air. Their vibe was undeniable, and it demonstrated that they were all about music, dancing, and foot-stomping joy. If you looked closely enough, you could see the ghosts of two-stepping dance partners making their way out to the backyard that’s peppered with picnic tables, and sun-scorched grass. The only thing I didn’t see were tumbleweeds. I’ll pretend they were there in my mental imaginings of a place I fell in love with on sight.
And to top off Tuesday evening, we sat out in front of Sagebrush, and from the Mexican food truck, we had the best chicken quesadilla I have ever tasted.
I laughed when I got back to my hotel. The hem of my pants were caked with Sagebrush dust and patron sweat and spilled drinks. It was kind of glorious.
The B-Side
What I described above was the best that Sagebrush offered all of us. The B-side was something a little different. I would be remiss if I did not mention the difficulties that this venue presented for fans. If you were fortunate enough to be in the first five rows at the stage, you were lucky, otherwise all you could see were singing heads. If you were there to just hear the music, it didn’t matter where you found yourself, but if it was important to you to see the guys, you had many hurdles.
To be in such close proximity of so many people in the oppressive Austin heat, was a difficult challenge and one that many could not endure for two consecutive nights. Many tickets went back on sale for the second gig by those who needed to opt out, but thankfully had the benefit of Stage-It to provide attendance from the comfort of an air-conditioned location.
For those who could endure, they were destined to suffer the aforementioned high temperatures, cloying humidity, the claustrophobic closeness of the crowd, having to stand for many uncomfortable hours, and a few “difficult” fans who imbibed too freely. But, in defence of Sagebrush, with the exception of the heat and humidity, these are common challenges that all frequent concert goers are familiar with.
The Opening Acts-Louden Swain
On Monday August 19th the opening band for Radio Company was Louden Swain, a group out of Los Angeles, California consisting of Rob Benedict, Michael Borja, Billy Moran and Stephen Norton. All four of these remarkable musicians share a creative and committed bond that began in 1997 and stands firm today.
True to form, this talented band worked their magic to key up the crowd for Radio Company, just as they did in Nashville in 2022. These gents have a considerable fan base all their own and a good percentage of them were out in full force for the show. To be expected, Louden Swain delivered high energy and great music synonymous with their spirited stage presence.
Louden Swain’s set list: King of Silverlake, Trigger Finger, Letter, Worlds Collide, Guilty One, Wave, Pop Tart Heart, Amazing and Mamma’s Jam.
The Opening Acts-Jonathan Tyler
On Tuesday August 20 the opening band for Radio Company was Jonathan Tyler. Tyler can be best described as a Texas-based roots rock singer, songwriter, musician and producer. Formerly of the band Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights, Tyler continues to creatively and commercially produce music. He has released four full-length albums, the last of which being Underground Forever, released in 2022.
I’ve never seen a Jonathan Tyler live performance, so this was a special treat for me. The band did a fabulous job tuning up the crowd for Radio Company.
Jonathan Tyler’s set list: River Bottom, Disappear, Honey Pie, California Sunshine, Old Friend, Rebel in the USA, Moon & Stars, Magic Sam’s Boogie, Gypsy Woman and Hot Sake.
In Closing
These concerts were something for the memory books and the only thing left to do now is to manifest their next instalment. I vote we go for a bigger venue.
Original source article published on TWE Daily.
