Virginia-based alt-country powerhouse 49 Winchester lit up The Far Out Lounge and Stage in Austin with a soulful, high-energy performance.
49 Winchester is made up of six members of which include Isaac Gibson (vocals/guitar), Bus Shelton (guitar), Chase Chafin (bass), Noah Patrick (steel guitar), Tim Hall (keys), Justin Louthian (drums). They have been making music together for over a decade and have released five full-length studio albums. Their most recent is Leavin’ This Holler (2024). The band has supported big names like Turnpike Troubadours, Whiskey Myers, Tyler Childers, and Luke Combs. In December, their latest single, “Miles To Go,” was featured in the hit TV series Yellowstone.
Starting the night, before the sun had time to set, was Austin-based “ya’llternative” band, June Shine. The band is made up of six members. J.R. Chambers (lead vocals/guitar) started June Shine when he was 15 years old. After moving to Austin, he was joined by members Jonah Calvo (fiddle), Richard Carter (guitar), Dair McFarland (bass), Finn Dickens (keys), and Bryce Weston (drums). During their cover of “Whipping Post,” originally by The Allman Brothers Band, drummer Dickens performed an insane drum solo. They closed with their most Spotify-streamed song, which happens to be a cover of “Jersey Giant” by Tyler Childers. This young and talented band is headed in a successful direction.
After June Shine, The Back Forty took to the stage. They opened their set with a cover of Willie Nelson’s “Whiskey River.” The University of Texas Austin-based band performed gracefully together while delivering covers of country classics. They played songs such as “Mama Tried” by Merle Haggard and “Take It Easy” by the Eagles. They also performed originals, like “Santiago Cigarettes.” Before their cover of “In My Arms Instead” by Randy Rogers Band, the lead singer told the crowd to grab someone close because they were going to slow it down. After seeing their melodic set, it’s safe to say The Back Forty is a need-to-see. At about 9:15 PM, headliner 49 Winchester began their awaited set. They opened with a fan favorite, “Annabel” from their 2022 album release Fortune Favors the Bold. They also performed other songs from the album like “Hillbilly Daydream” and “Damn Darlin’.” After a few songs, Gibson thanked the crowd for not being on their phones, saying it’s nice to see everyone’s face without them holding a phone above their head. The raspy vocals of Gibson enthralled the audience as they performed “It’s A Shame” from III (2020). They also performed a new unreleased song called “The Lesson.” After more heartfelt lyrics and alt-country rhythms, 49 Winchester closed with “Sunday Afternoon” before returning for a two-track encore, closing definitely with “Tulsa” and “Hillbilly Happy.” 49 WINCHESTERWebsite Facebook X
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