These Three Superstars Performed in Owensboro Before They Were Famous

Once upon a time, some of the biggest names in music history played here in Owensboro at places like the Sportscenter and the Executive Inn. I love it when Barb and Spencer get to telling stories about superstar shows and what they were really like backstage.

However, did you know that a few of your favorite current artists once visited our little city to play their tunes before they made it big? We're talking Grammy-award-winning, internet-breaking, massive worldwide following musicians who passed through this way at one time or another. Playing unassuming venues like patios under construction or opening for a local band at a local pub.

Jelly Roll Performed in Owensboro, KY in 2014

Back when Jelly Roll was more rapper than country, he performed at the Knights of Columbus Hall out on Hwy 60. I definitely remember hearing his name in local metal/emo/hardcore circles back in the day. He had a pretty big following in Western KY and also performed in Bowling Green and other areas. Here's a post from him promoting the show. *colorful language warning*

He even made a promo video (also colorful language, just FYI.) I don't know if it will work to play here, but if not, here is the link.

And then this post was shared on the day of the show:

I heard it was PACKED and one hell of a party. I can't find much info, though, because everyone had -ahem- a REALLY good time. Maybe TOO good. Does anybody else have any memories of the show? I'd love to find a flyer, maybe some photos, or verify other local acts that played that weekend.

Billy Strings Performed in Owensboro, KY, in 2016

This one is pretty dang cool. Right before Lure and the Hampton Inn opened in downtown Owensboro, a group of folks planned a Derby party. Ben Skiadas provided the space, Gene's Health Food provided the grub because Lure wasn't open yet, and my friend Katie Keller booked some up-and-coming musicians to play. Here are some photos and a little clip of him noodling around:

It looks like it was a fairly small but mighty crowd. Not long after that, he played ROMP, and now his fans caravan across the country and even the world to follow him and experience him perform his music. He came back to Owensboro just last year and continues selling out stadiums and winning the highest honors for his craft.

Get our free mobile app

Tyler Childers Performed in Owensboro in 2016

Ten years ago, local band Hounds and Horns played a very special show at 3 Monkeys Pub down on East 4th Street. If you remember that little Cheers-like bar, you remember that Hounds and Horns was basically the house band. Super talented musicians and such a VIBE! My friend Scott Gilliam played in it and also helped pub owner Steve Champion book shows.

"He asked Hounds and Horns if we wanted to play a show as “the local band” for a couple bands heading west for the Lowertown Arts and Music Fest in Paducah." Scott told me, "Apparently, a show had fallen through, and this would fill their empty slot. Steve had heard about The Foodstamps and was telling me they were pretty good."

The Foodstamps are Tyler Childers' backing band. Scott ran sound the night of the show and said that as soon as Tyler and the fellas arrived, they got to work. "He (Tyler) asked if it was cool to play a few acoustic tunes to start the night, and I said, “Sure!”

Scott went on to share that he had no idea who they were at the time, and no one else seemed to know either. "While he sang and played, I remember hearing all the bottles clanking and people attempting to talk over the LIVE PERFORMANCE, and being an artist myself, it really bothered me, but...it was a bar. He played 4 or 5 songs, and the crowd went from 6 people to 15-20. Then he brought his band up…"

Superstars Who Performed in Owensboro

Billy and Tyler in Owensboro in the same month of the same year?! Do you remember any other appearances from folks who shot to stardom after they visited Owensboro? It could be other genres too. Metal fans, what about the time when the band White Chapel played at the Brother's Pizza? Or Indie acts like Father John Misty?  Send me a message or chime in on the Facebook conversation!