Country music fans in Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium were some of the first to find out Friday that Chris Janson’s song “Fix A Drink” was to reach No. 1 on the nation’s country charts.
“Tonight we’re celebrating because it becomes official tomorrow at midnight, but this song is No. 1 in the nation right now,” Janson said before playing the song. “I’ll never forget this night.”
“Fix a Drink” is the country singer’s second No. 1 song.
Before Janson performed, newcomer Ben Gallaher showed off his musicianship with hits from his self-titled EP. With an electric guitar strapped around him, he performed “Against The World,” “Good Guys Win” and “If You’re Like Me.”
Gallaher seemed in his element when he covered AC/DC’s “Highway To Hell.” His whole band was into the song, and the bass guitarist sang the intro. The crowd was equally involved and clapped along to the 1979 rock hit.
Janson also showed musicianship during his set by playing almost every instrument on stage. Other than a guitar and keyboard, Janson wielded a harmonica for a few of the songs and put his flailing arms to use on the drums.
Janson, known for his talents on the harmonica, covered another artist with the same abilities: Billy Joel. Janson sat at a keyboard with a harmonica strapped to him and sang “Piano Man.” He even changed the lyrics to show off his personality.
“They can’t believe their eyes because there is a skinny guy playing harmonica and piano at the same time,” Janson sang.
Janson wrote some songs with his family in mind, including “White Trash,” “Drunk Girl” and “Holdin’ Her,” the latter being a top-20 hit about meeting his wife and starting a family.
Janson highlighted a couple songs he wrote for other artists such as LoCash’s “I Love This Life.”
During “Truck Yeah,” a song he wrote that’s performed by Tim McGraw, Janson started flapping his arms like a bird. He said when he’s really happy he starts doing the motion. When he’s super happy, he said he starts acting like a pterodactyl, then proceeded to lead the audience in the movement.
Andrew Holzaepfel, the senior associate director of student activities, said he had a great time and is looking forward to planning concerts for the upcoming semester.
“I know he had a good time too,” Holzaepfel said. “I think he really really enjoyed the crowd.”
Janson finished his set with his other No. 1 single “Buy Me A Boat.” But he didn’t perform it alone.
Janson pulled Giuliana Cutright, 10, on stage to help him with the final chorus. Cutright was hesitant at first, but the crowd and Janson encouraged her.
“It takes a lot of courage to get on stage no matter who you are,” Janson said.
Giuliana said the experience was “nerve wracking,” but that she hopes to see Janson perform again sometime.
“It was awesome,” Shawn Cutright, Giuliana’s dad, said. “I thought she did an awesome job.”
