Live Review of Kurt Thomas; Playing Buckhead Theatre on February 4

By Amanda Miles

Kurt Thomas knows how to kick off a show. Grabbing the audience’s attention with a strong riff and never letting up is his signature honky tonk style. The cold December wind was no match for the heat emanating from the Kurt Thomas Band at Dixie Tavern on December 9. The venue may have been small but their sound was immense, filling the space with the hum of country music.

For the last five years, Kurt Thomas has been developing a strong fan base across the southeast. Kurt won national talent contests including Kenny Chesney’s Next Big Star and CMT’s Music City Madness. Winning the contests gave Kurt a platform to open for some of the biggest names in country music including Kenny Chesney, Little Big Town, Sugarland and the Zac Brown Band. Raised in the small town of Dahlonega, GA, Kurt was able to realize one of his musical dreams when he was mentored by country music legend, Randy Travis. The opportunity to work with the musical icon drove Kurt to unwaveringly pursue his dream of music stardom.  Presently, Kurt is enjoying the independent success of his third album, “Six Strings and a Prayer.”

Kurt Thomas brought his charismatic best to the boisterous crowd at Dixie Tavern. The set began with a rousing version of “Up On Cripple Creek.” The band covered crowd favorites “Dixieland Delight,” “Family Tradition,” and “Southern Cross.” The covers were tight but the highlights from the set were original songs, the rollicking “Kick Back,” and the small town feel of “Front Porch Swing.”  Kurt’s voice was strong as  he commanded the attention of everyone in the vicinity. The band’s energy was electric, easily transitioning from a Motown jam to pure country gold. The small town band with big city dreams proved to the revelers at Dixie Tavern they are a dynamic country music force to be reckoned with.

Catch Kurt Thomas at the Buckhead Theatre on February 4, 2012. Proceeds from the show will benefit Johnathan Taylor, a former UGA Outfielder who was paralyzed after an on field collision. Visit www.dawgsforjt.com for further information.