Lee Brice performs at Ryan Center for 2016 tour

Country musician Lee Brice took over The University of Rhode Island’s Ryan Center this past Saturday, performing for a crowd filled with cowboy hats, flannels and excitement.

Opening up the show, Dylan Scott, a new country artist, took to the stage first. Welcomed by cheers and fist punches by fans, Scott performed a set of his own original songs, along with covers of older songs including “Ignition (Remix)” by R. Kelly. His edgy yet casual presence made each track stand out in its own way.

“How many times do you crazy ladies change your outfits before you go out?” Scott addressed the crowd, during his set.

Ladies from every section of the stadium yelled out numbers ranging for three to six. He replied, that these ladies must be crazy to put up with “us crazy guys.” He followed the statement with his new single, “Crazy Over Me.” His connection with the crowd left a lasting remark on the audience and was a great way to prepare the crowd for entertaining night.

Maddie & Tae, a quick addition to the lineup, replaced Tyler Farr who couldn’t make the show. The duo kept the excitement going with songs such as “Shut up and Fish,” with gentleman waving their hats and ladies belting the lyrics to this one. Throughout their performance of “A Guy Walks Into a Bar,” Brice surprised the crowd by coming on stage and singing Tyler Farr’s part.

Emma Robin, 18, traveled from Wesleyan University to see Brice, her favorite musician. She said that her favorite song by Brice is his hit, “Parking Lot Party.”

“It reminds me of the days I would work in a parking lot during the hot summer days,” Robin said. “His song made me get through those days and it was much more enjoyable.”

Between each set, guests at the Ryan Center mingled with fellow fans, sharing beers, and discussing what songs they hope to hear tonight. Stephanie Metcalfe, 21, came to see her favorite singer, Lee Brice, but enjoyed both opening acts more than she expected she would.

“My favorite song is ‘Drinking Class,’ by Lee Brice,” Metcalfe said. “I am so excited to see him; it is my first time seeing him in concert and I feel like each of his songs voice a different story,”

Brice was welcomed to the Ryan Center stage for the second time that night as fans rose on their feet while clapping their hands high above their heads.

“Here’s to all the nights we won’t remember, but the friends we will never forget,” Brice said, toasting to the audience.  Plastics cups filled the air followed by a loud roar of cheers.

A special guest and one of Brice’s friends, Jerrod Niemann, joined him on the stage. Niemann flashed a D-Strong sign during their performance together and sang his hit single, “Drink to That All Night.”  

Throughout the night, Brice performed many other crowd favorites including “Drinking Class,” “I Don’t Dance,” “Hard To Love” and “A Woman Like You.” 

All the artists who performed had such gratitude towards the people who came out to see them, along with true poise. The attention to detail and the little things at this concert made the experience for the audience a memorable one. Brice’s music, along with the other artists, speaks to his fans in ways you couldn’t imagine unless you attended the event. Each artist had a story to tell tonight, and each fan left the concert with a new story of their own.