Midland
with Colby Acuff
Amphitheater at Las Colonias, Grand Junction, Colorado • October 11, 2024
by Judy Craddock
I was in the endless hangry line for a pulled pork sandwich a few hundred feet from the stage, when the house music faded, and I knew I was about to miss Midland entering the stage after a perfect opening set by Colby Acuff.
Acuff is an Idaho native and former fly-fishing guide with all the songwriting chops of a much older soul and the “I still can’t believe this is my life” humility that is so refreshing. He held the crowd with a set of originals and straight talk about where his songs come from. His set kept me from leaving to get something to eat. I didn’t want to miss a minute of this guy’s limited time on stage, and look forward to hearing him again as a headliner.
Those who came early enough understand why you never skip the opener.
The roar of the crowd at Grand Junction’s Amphitheater at Las Colonias park served as a red flag warning. Things were about to get real. They got country AND western real: a solid plate of Bakersfield piled with tangy Texas sauce turned up to eleven. I put down my fork and joined the “boot-scoot boogie” in progress.
Opening with a few songs from their latest, Barely Blue, which [I had a chance to review[(https://ink19.com/2024/09/magazine/music-reviews/lgxgro-midland) in September, it was no shock to hear the crowd singing along to some instant classics. The album isn’t a month old yet, and fans are on it! Dancing in the aisles of the seated section started early on. The wedding-style white folding chairs were hardly used, as anyone physically able was already on their feet. Looking out at the lawn area of the amphitheater, the vibe was the same.
A booster rocket less than halfway through the show was the band’s tight cover of the Rolling Stones’ classic, “Dead Flowers.” This multi-generational crowd sang along, and those in the generation whose grandparents have Sticky Fingers on vinyl were at least trying. The stage is a telecaster party. Midland on tour is guitar-heavy, with no apologies and just enough attitude to slay a Stones cover. Please and thank-you.
Midland played to the crowd and met them where they were. Engaging, humble, taking time to banter without patronizing, this trio and their touring ensemble made eye contact and held it. There’s a Yoakam-style swagger with a soul that bleeds Austin. After a short stage black-out to reset the mood, we were treated to a stunning cover of Stone Temple Pilots’ “Interstate Love Song.” In a nod to MTV “unplugged” style intimacy complete with fingerpicking and without the theatrics, the performance made a perfect bridge to the remaining setlist of new songs and fan-favorites for a starlit singalong.
“Drinking Problem” brought the fire as the most recognizable song to this writer, and the shout-along was so infectious I had to join in.
As the evening wound down (not an easy task), the band threw in one of their early songs, “Fourteen Gears,” expressing sincere gratitude on the intro to those in attendance. This trio, as well as the touring band, know what hard work is. They acknowledge that ten years ago, Midland was a pipe dream. In a business that is shifting gears rapidly, success comes down to connecting with your fanbase as if you’re still in a small-town bar.
Closing out with a down-to-earth curtain call and Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” on the house system, the band and crowd sang in unison. They stayed front of stage for handshakes and autographs before heading off.
My expectations for this show, after having only heard studio versions of the music, were exceeded. I’ve got some new earworms renting space in my head, and the joy of seeing a crowd embrace whatever this band chose to deliver — from originals to covers. That’s the kind of trust that isn’t built overnight. ◼
