Dustin Lynch
Article by Brittany Ormiston
“Tonight we bring the cowboy back to life” rang through the speakers of Everwise Amphitheater in Indianapolis. Country artist Dustin Lynch climbed the steps to the stage platform while wearing an Indiana Pacers jersey, and his signature cowboy hat. The crowd went wild as he performed ‘Killed The Cowboy’ with lightning bolts crackling on the screen behind him. He tossed his acoustic guitar to the tech, and grabbed his microphone off the stand. “Indianapolis what’s going on?! Let’s get this party started,” Dustin shouted while descending the steps.
The crowd was locked in to Dustin and his band from the get-go. With a swirling galaxy visual and a drum loop enticing the crowd to clap along, ‘Stars Like Confetti’ had the nostalgic country sound we all know and love. D Lynch was etched into his leather guitar strap to further paint the picture of a true country star. Dustin flashed his irresistible smile as he fist bumped several fans in the front row, and a few slid some friendship bracelets onto his wrist as a token of their appreciation. It would not be a country concert without some tequila involved. During ‘Tequila On A Boat,’ Mitchell (guitarist, vocals) brought out sombreros and several shots of tequila to which they handed out to random concert-goers in the pit. Then we were off again! “Hold on tight I’m about to show you one hell of a night,” sang Dustin as large amounts of dry ice shot up from the stage floor and dispersed through the air.
After snapping along to the snare drum during now platinum ‘I’d Be Jealous Too,’ fans were dancing with loved ones during Dustin’s cover of ‘Chattahoochee’ by Alan Jackson. There is something about country music from the 90s that feels so timeless, and provides a rush of serotonin. Crowd members became incredibly emotional during his speech introducing ‘Cowboys and Angels.’ Over 10 years ago now, Dustin wrote this song as an anniversary present for his grandparents who are high school sweethearts. In 2023, he performed this very track at the Grand Ole Opry in honor of his grandparents 68th anniversary with them on stage with him. Dustin also dedicated the song this evening to the “cowboys and angels of this day and age” including paramedics, firefighters, and the military. As his baritone vocals closed out the track, he removed his cowboy hat and rubbed his forehead while holding back tears.
Dustin was in utter awe at several points throughout the show. Him and his band have performed in Indianapolis countless times throughout the past 12 years. He attended shows of his favorite bands at this venue, and tonight was performing on this very stage. Talk about the definition of a full circle moment. “After this show, the countdown begins until we can come back to Indianapolis,” stated Dustin confidently. As the last song on the set concluded, Dustin stood on the stage platform and raised his hat to the sky to say goodbye. Indianapolis sure loves a small town boy like Dustin Lynch.
Everwise Amphitheater in Indianapolis, IN on April 26, 2024
Photos by Everly Ormiston
