Concert review: Tyler Childers at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville

Whether music fans at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville on Feb. 22 were there primarily for headliner Sturgill Simpson, opener Tyler Childers, or both, all seemed pleasantly surprised by a full hour-plus show from the latter “special guest” instead of the brisk 40-45 minute appearance typical for that slot.

The Kentucky-based country sensation appeared comfortable and confident in the city’s largest venue, backed by The Food Stamps, his talented full band which nicely supported his smooth vocals. Together, they filled the arena with a big, bright sound, allowing Childers’ lyrics to shine through — precisely what the capacity, singalong-minded audience craved.

Equal attention was given to songs from Purgatory (2017) and the Simpson-produced Country Squire (2019), though the highlight of the evening was the band’s take on the traditional jam “Reuben’s Train,” which allowed his electric guitar, pedal steel, fiddle, and even bass guitar players to showcase their impressive skills.

But even in this energetic number, Childers remained reserved in the showmanship department, content to stand at the mic, strum his guitar, and sing, barely allowing his toe to tap more than a few times. Similar static activity was practiced throughout The Food Stamps, who perhaps felt content to let the huge banner backdrop depicting a barn, goat, and camper on a farm — lit up at various intervals and in various ways to denote the changing time of day — provide any and all engaging visuals.

Their semi-animated scarecrow ways had little effect on the crowd’s enthusiasm, however, which remained consistently high. Part of the elevated energy may have been rooted in numerous fans seemingly holding their respective breaths for “Nose on the Grindstone,” which Childers saved for last in a straightforward acoustic solo version that, for many, completed the night even before Simpson took to the stage.

(Photo by Mia Naome)