Why Jamey Johnson Walked On Stage with a Bunch of Pastel Balloons

Yeah Jamey Johnson likes to play the tough guy, making you think he chugs motor oil and eats used tires as the honorably discharged Marine corporeal whose now the big and burly face of traditional country music for many. But he showed a softer side at a recent concert at the Egyptian Room in Indianapolis on Thursday, March 28th when he walked out on stage unexpectedly during the opening set holding a bunch of pastel-colored balloons.

What was the occasion? It was the birthday of his opening act, Kentucky songwriter and performer Kelsey Waldon, who has been on tour with Johnson as part of his current SiriusXM Outlaw tour. Johnson chose to feature Kelsey Waldon and Erin Enderlin as openers on select dates, and they’ve seen some big opportunities opening for the CMA-awarded songwriter.

“Today is Ms. Waldon’s birthday,” Johnson said in his thick Alabama accent after walking on stage to loud applause, holding the balloons. He then led the crowd in an impromptu rendition of “Happy Birthday” in Waldon’s honor. Waldon joined Johnson on tour in February for a run of shows in Florida, and just recently met back up for multiple shows on the east coast (see dates below).

Kelsey Waldon is originally from Monkey’s Eyebrow, Kentucky. Yes, it’s a real place in the western part of the state, near the Ohio River. Kelsey’s family farmed tobacco and raised cattle, and the stories of struggle from of America’s rural heartland still drip from her songs. Her 2016 effort, I’ve Got A Way was a slyly thematic work that found Waldon asserting her own identity and freedom in a world that is attempting to reshape and sway her towards its own image and desires. She released her debut album The Goldmine in 2014, and is a favorite among many traditional country fans, and fans of strong songwriters.

Upcoming Jamey Johnson Tour Dates:

Apr 4 The Fillmore – Washington, D.C. w/ Kelsey Waldon
Apr 6 The Fillmore – Philadelphia, PA w/ Kelsey Waldon
Apr 7 The Paramount – Huntington, NY
Apr 9 House of Blues – Boston, MA w/ Kelsey Waldon
Apr 12 Coca-Cola Roxy – Atlanta, GA w/ Kelsey Waldon
Apr 13 The Fillmore – Charlotte, NC w/ Kelsey Waldon
Apr 18 The Ritz – Raleigh, NC
Apr 19 Renfro Valley Event Entertainment Center – Mt Vernon, KY
Apr 20 Renfro Valley Event Entertainment Center – Mt Vernon, KY
Apr 27 Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi Crawfish Festival – Biloxi, MS
May 6 -10 Kid Rock’s Chillin’ The Most Flyin’ High Island Jam
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
May 16 Palace Theatre – Louisville, KY
May 17 House of Blues – Cleveland, OH
May 30 House of Blues – Houston, TX
May 31 House of Blues – Dallas, TX
Jun 1 Aztec Theater – San Antonio, TX
Jun 28 The Shed – Maryville, TN
Jun 29 The Shed – Maryville, TN

 

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