Country rocks Bluebird Nightclub

On most nights at Bluebird Nightclub, common attire ranges somewhere between baseball caps and loose-fitting jeans. But Monday night these were exchanged for cowboy hats and Wrangler jeans as The Bluebird hosted Bloomington's own Crooked County and nationally-known recording artist Dale Watson, accompanied with his band, The Lone Stars.\nDespite any grievances or prior prejudice I have towards country music, I will always tip my hat, so to speak, to those who simply know how to have a good time on stage. And as the twangy guitars and swooning vocals echoed throughout the stage that night, I knew both bands were having a great time along with the enthusiastic crowd.\nAs opening band Crooked County took the stage, one couldn't help but notice the five-piece band had two different drummers. Alongside were Merrie Sloan on vocals/stand up bass and Jason and Toby Purnell on guitars, the band had a very interesting makeup. \nCrooked County's style ranged from the sort of up-tempo bluegrass that made even the Dukes of Hazard want to get down to the standard achy-breaky love ballads commonly found in country music. Jason Purnell's electric lead guitar paved the way on several songs including the crowd favorite, "High on the Heart." Rhythm guitarist Toby Purnell (who could stand in as an Alan Jackson look-alike any day of the week) offered a strong presence vocally throughout the evening as well. \nBefore their last song of the evening, bassist Merrie Sloan explained to the crowd that this would be their last show for a while. \n"I have to go have a baby! What can you do?" she asked.\nAt that point, Crooked County broke into the classic Neil Diamond hit, "Ring of Fire." Numerous yelps and yee-haws erupted from the crowd during the cover song as drummers Mark Minnick and Travis Olsson erupted into a five minute double drum solo that closed out their set.\nUp next was honky-tonk veteran Dale Watson along with his live band The Lone Stars, who were just voted Austin Texas' best band for the second year in a row. I'm not exactly sure how much sense the band's name makes (How can more than one star be lone?), but they certainly proved why they are Austin's best.\nWatson's deep country-fried voice swooned the crowd from the very get-go. I kept thinking how similar his voice was to Johnny Cash's. Four songs into his set, Watson told the crowd the next one was off the first of two Johnny Cash tribute albums. Go figure.\nMost of Watson's set consisted of requests yelled out from the audience, which he had no trouble remembering or performing. With such a laid back and free-flowing demeanor about him, Watson made it seem as if he was playing in your living room. Highlights included a toast from Watson and the crowd before he and The Lone Stars delved into long-time country great Waylon Jennings', "I've always been a little crazy."\nIt was also quite enjoyable watching Watson take a rather large shot of whiskey midway through his set after it was handed to him upon his request by a Bluebird employee. \n"The pipes are well oiled now!" he yelled out after downing the drink.\nFor my first time at a country and bluegrass show at The Bluebird, I must say I felt a little out of place. But after both bands concluded that night, my uneasiness turned into feelings that could have only been the result of the the laid back, good ole' sounds of the south.