Ben Rector at Riverside Theater in Milwaukee 2023
Ben Rector
Originally hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ben Rector is an independent singer/songwriter who got his start putting out music while attending the University of Arkansas, winning awards and touring on weekends along the way. After growing in popularity and seeing success in his projects, Ben Rector moved to Nashville to officially pursue his career as a songwriter.
Since that time, he has put out seven full-length studio albums, with his album Brand New (2015) peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and Magic (2018) debuting at No.1 on the Billboard Americana/Folk Albums chart.
The Show
On this particular evening, as young, first-time concertgoers and seasoned patrons alike filled into Riverside Theater in Milwaukee Wisconsin, it was clear that the snow that had fallen hours before had not deterred them from showing out for the Old Friends Acoustic Tour. This tour comes on the heels of Ben Rector’s Joy of Music tour in 2022. On that tour, Stephen Day and Jordy Searcy also joined him to promote his most recent album of the same name.
Openers
Stephen Day
25-year-old Nashville resident, Stephen Day, kicked off the night. With a soulful acoustic, his set featured a variety of songs from his discography. This is his second tour with Ben Rector.
Jordy Searcy
Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Jordan Searcy became popular after being on Season 7 of The Voice in 2014. He continued the evening’s cozy vibes with a set featuring himself and his guitar. At one point during his performance, he even called his girlfriend to dedicate a song to her. He told the audience he does at every show.
Headliner – Ben Rector
After both Day and Searcy warmed up the crowd, all three artists came back on stage and the evening was set to begin. Ben Rector’s set was unique and engaging from start to finish. Throughout the show, he played a mix of his hits as well as some older deep cuts. The crowd participation was off the charts, with Rector having the audience clapping, singing, and even whistling along at different points in the night.
With Ben Rector’s wholesome music drawing in both younger and older generations, the show was truly family-friendly: it even featured a medley of songs from The Little Mermaid, as well as moments where Rector explained how certain portions of the show such as the encore would work for those in the audience who had not been to a concert before.
In the middle of the show, Ben Rector paused his set. While doing a tour of indoor, more intimate venues, he wanted to take the opportunity to do a short Q&A session. He called on different audience members, answering questions about his favorite High School Musical movie (the first) as well as his favorite Cheers character (Coach), rounding out the Q&A by calling on a ten-year-old girl named Charlie, who asked him about his favorite album he’s created. He answered, first telling her that he liked her name and then saying, “I think most artists would say that the album they’ve most recently put out is their favorite, but I think for me Into The Morning may be my favorite album I’ve put out!”
In conclusion, Ben Rector’s Old Friends Acoustic Tour stop in Milwaukee was a night of amazing music and fun for all ages.
Ben Rector Link
To keep up with Ben Rector’s music and catch him on tour this spring, check out: www.benrector.com
Ben Rector Setlist
Riverside Theater, Milwaukee, WI
March 25, 2023
When I’m With You
Living My Best Life
When a Heart Breaks
Let the Good Times Roll
Forever Like That
Great Day to Be Alive (Travis Tritt cover)
Sunday
30,000 Feet
Old Friends/Forever Young
Love Like This
Little Mermaid (medley)
Brand New
Encore:
The Men That Drive Me Places
Range Rover (acapella)
Photo Gallery – Mosie Hillis
