By Jordyn Smith
Stoney LaRue returns to College Station on February 26 at Hurricane Harry’s. Opening for Stoney LaRue will be the southern-rock band Strangetowne.
LaRue is a Texan-turned-Oklahoman. As he grew up in Southeastern Oklahoma, his interest in music grew, particularly after he moved to Stillwater and began to hit the college bar circuit. He quickly befriended Jason Boland and Cody Canada and the three became roommates, their infamous late night jam sessions brought out their love of music. It wasn’t too long before all would rise to Texas Country Stardom. What separates LaRue into his own niche is his ability to connect with an audience. LaRue’s “real-life, thinking man’s music” is what has helped him create such a loyal fan base–his LaRue Crue has loyally been at his side through the ups and downs in his career by coming out in droves to hear the “Oklahoma Breakdown” singer.
LaRue rose to Texas Country stardom, selling over 900,000 records and breaking out to tour across the United States. His album “Aviator” showed a tremendous growth in his music as it showcased LaRue’s ability to record songs that connect well with country fans. Songs about everyday life, the struggles, the joys, and reality hit home with audiences. “Aviator” was a change from the modern country theme of tailgates, tan lines, and a continuous party. LaRue has a publishing deal with Carnival Music based in Nashville, which serves as a music publisher, record label, and management company owned by fellow Texan Frank Liddell.
In October of 2015, LaRue released his latest album “Us Time.” To date, this is his most personal album yet. This album is also a shout-out to his most loyal fans, who he refers to as the LaRue Crue. This is his way of thanking them for their continuous support throughout his career. The album includes an array of covers from Van Morrison, to Glen Campbell, to Gary Stewart, as well as a few of his own hits like “Oklahoma Breakdown” and “Feet Don’t Touch The Ground,” as well as two new originals, “Us Time” and “Easy She Comes.”
Opening for Stoney LaRue is the band Strangetowne. The group formed in 2013 when guitarist Ben Cargo and drummer Jordon McClain met Tyler Horning and Lincoln Youree for the first time. They immediately clicked and within a few weeks they had written dozens of original tunes, arranged them, and were ready to bring their new group out on the road. The hallmarks of the band are “inspiration, dedication, experience, and originality,” which clearly comes through in their music. Strangetowne’s sound is an eclectic mix of rock, indie, and southern rock. The beautiful harmonies mixed with their songwriting are all backed by their incredible musical talent and makes this band excel. Their debut album “Hard Earned Love” is available now.
Doors to Harry’s open at 9 p.m. Tickets can be bought in advance online, or at Cavenders Boot City, Aggieland Outfitters on University Dr, or at Southern Jewlz Boutique on Harvey Road.
