Wade recently opened a sold-out show for Nashville country artist Luke Bryan at Joe's bar, otherwise known as Joe's on Weed Street. Even though the crowd seemed unfamiliar with the majority of his music, he still held their attention the entire time.

Wade has a band consisting of longtime friends Brooks Robinson on drums, Matt Miller on rhythm guitar, Caleb Jones on bass and Gary Wooten on lead guitar. I got a chance to talk with Gary backstage about how Wade's latest release "If We Ever Make It Home" has become a critical success as well as a record embraced by fans and regional radio as one of the top releases of 2008. Gary said that although it's tough to play some places outside of Texas, "we always love to play at Joe's in Chicago." Wade apparently agrees:

Wade and his band played an energetic set from his first two releases, including my favorite of his called "Mood Ring," and also a few tracks from his latest CD. Gary Wooten has a very unique style on the Telecaster, combining a sound that has overtones of slide and steel guitar that leads Wade's voice into the next verse and plays off of the last. Walking around after the show I was told by numerous people how much they enjoyed Wade's music.

After a short break during tear-down and set-up, Luke Bryan came out and played a great set that included all the hits from his "I'll Stay Me" CD, like my favorite off that release, the autobiographical "We Rode In Trucks" and his massive hit "All My Friend's Say." He interspersed the set with lots of rowdy and smart choices in cover songs.

After the show, Wade and the band all came out to mingle with the crowd and sign merchandise for both longtime and new fans. You can click on my name below for more pics and info.

-Jeff Dykhuis, Fan Reporter #001