Josh Turner
Stuck in a country state of mind? If you’re a little messed up but need something cheaper than a danged ole shrink (a pickle which Justin Moore can attest to finding himself in), look no further than Hop Springs.
The J’s—being Justin Moore and Josh Turner—have you covered this June. They’re both rooted in country and pack a sturdy set of songs to assist with your mental balance. Don’t act like you kinda don’t care (we’re pointing at you), the sprawling 80 acres allotted for these shows are small town USA at its finest.
Moore is literally Straight Outta the Country; his new album (his sixth) by that name was released in April as the follow-up to 2019’s Late Nights and Longnecks, which (in addition to being the title of a widespread tour with Tracy Lawrence, currently making up some dates) probably aptly describes what the “Lettin’ the Night Roll” singer’s Hop Springs attendees can expect to see.
Moore was recently presented with a surprise Pandora plaque, by the way, for over 3 billion lifetime spins. His “Why We Drink” is now certified platinum in Canada (“ . . . from an idea that started because my mom asked me why I drink so much,” he laughed). And of course Straight Outta the Country is featured on Waffle House jukeboxes everywhere.
“I’m thrilled to have a chance to put out a new project. In a window of time where we have all searched for bright spots to cling to, Straight Outta the Country has certainly been one for me,” said Moore excitedly.
Turner has turned some pages in his storied career, from beseeching audiences against a ride on “Long Black Train” on his debut in 2003 (or criminally-underrated follow-up “What It Ain’t” complete with video wherein Turner charmed as host of pretend match game show Love, Not Love) to recording with Randy Travis to showing off his husky, come-hither narrative with selections such as “Your Man” to fun-lovingly booming about his better half with “Firecracker” or extending a hand in “Would You Go With Me?” Award-nominated across genres, this artist is a guy who knows how to navigate a story song.
Turner, who in recent years has also performed at Murfreesboro’s World Outreach Church multiple times, shared his sunny spiritual side with mostly-gospel album I Serve a Savior (which wisely contains his previous single release “Me and God” and a live recording of “Long Black Train”) and gotten back to the basics with established classic country hit takes on Country State of Mind (released in August). CSoM’s collaborations on country throwbacks feature artists including Randy Travis on “Forever and Ever, Amen,” Kris Kristofferson on “Why Me,” Chris Janson on the title track, John Anderson and Allison Moorer. Turner takes on well-known standards cut by Keith Whitley, Randy Travis, Johnny Cash, Patty Loveless, Vern Gosdin, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Waylon Jennings and both the Jr. and Sr. varieties of Hank Williams.
“I knew the artists I wanted to represent,” explains Turner, “and I chose songs that exemplified who each of these artists was from my perspective.”
In March “Your Man”—written by Chris Stapleton, Jace Everett and Chris DuBois—was certified as a 3-times-platinum single.
On June 25 (one day before his Murfreesboro show), Turner will release Your Man: Deluxe Edition, featuring three additional live tracks not on its original release. Pre-orders are available now and the release will also be available on vinyl.
“We have promoted shows all over the Southeast and Hop Springs has an incredible space and opportunity . . . I’m honored to be partnering with their team,” said Jason Oschwald, co-owner of Big Spring Entertainment, booking partner of the outdoor amphitheater at Hop Springs. “Everything they do is of the absolute highest standard with a precise attention to details. This partnership is going to put Murfreesboro on everyone’s tour and will create a unique alternative to other venues in the region.”
Both Justin and Josh are outdoor events; ticket purchasers must bring their own chairs if they wish to have one. General Admission tickets are available but do not include a designated pod for seating. Don’t let the term “pod” keep you away from the socially-distanced event. It might sound otherworldly but all it means is that you’ll be ever-so-slightly separated from others by a small fence.
Justin Moore performs at Hop Springs on Saturday, June 5, at 7 p.m.; Josh Turner will perform Saturday, June 26, at 7 p.m. Find tickets for both concerts on ticketmaster.com.
Hop Springs Beer Park is located at 6790 John Bragg Hwy. For more information, visit hopspringstn.com; for more on the artists, visit justinmooremusic.com and joshturner.com.
