Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Will Hoge played before a packed house in Valparaiso, Ind. Hoge is doing some small shows before his next album comes out as a way to test the waters with the new material. Damien Dennis/The Pit
[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen most think about Grammy-nominated musicians, the expectation is that these artists play huge venues in front of sellout crowds.
And while Will Hoge did play before a sellout crowd earlier this month at the Memorial Opera House in downtown Valparaiso, Ind., that crowd was roughly 150 people. The small venue allowed the Nashville native and his band get a bit more intimate during their two-hour set.
Will has hit the road for very few dates leading up to the release of his upcoming record, Small Town Dreams. During an interview with The Pit and during the set, Will said that the few shows they’re playing before the album’s release are designed to gauge fans interest in the new material.
The new single from the upcoming album, “Middle of America” was played during the 20-plus song set, as well as other new songs, such as “Better Than You,” “Little Bitty Dreams” and “Last Thing I Needed.”
But Will didn’t forget the tunes from his previous nine albums. He and his band played classics like “Favorite Waste Of Time,” “Strong” and “Sex, Lies and Money.” And of course, they played “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” the song that earned Will Hoge the Grammy nod.
Leading into the Grammy-nominated Country Song of the Year, Will told the story about his experience with award shows that year culminating in his Grammy experience. Joking that he used gift baskets from previous award shows, Will was disappointed that he received no goodies from the Grammy’s – let alone a good seat to even watch the show (he said he was sitting next to a guy who bought his ticket from StubHub.)
Will told stories before a couple of songs throughout the night, including “Daddy Gambled.” At one point, a fan yelled from the back, asking what sort of guitar Will was sporting. The man on stage answered before diving straight into another song.
What stood out most about the show wasn’t so much from the band, but from the crowd. While Will Hoge and his friends brought a lot of energy to their performance, those in attendance remained in their seats. The average age of the crowd had to be about 45 years old, with only a handful of what looked to be college students from nearby Valparaiso University.
It wasn’t until the second to last song – “Sex, Lies and Money” – that fans left their seats to dance in front of the stage. And even then, it was maybe just 20 people. For the finale, “Someones Else’s Baby,” fans were on their feet dancing and singing along to end the performance.
The crowd being a lone negative doesn’t impact the intensity and passion Will Hoge exemplifies on stage, singing each song with passion, energy and heart.
Following the conclusion of the show, Will ventured out to the merch table to snap photos and sign autographs with those willing to wait in line.
Will Hoge’s tenth studio album Small Town Dreams will drop April 7. Before the album is released, Will and his band will travel to Elryia, Ohio on February 18 for the St. Jude Winter Jam, The Machine Shop in Flint, Mich. on March 20 and the following day at the Dusty Armadillo in Rootstown, Ohio.
Listen to The Pit’s exclusive impromptu interview with Will Hoge below, originally featured on the Upon Further Review podcast.
