Country music star Pat Green returns to the land of Maroon and White tonight at the State Theatre. Green has visited Starkville before, playing at past Bulldog Bashes and at Rick’s Cafe, but according to State Theatre general manager Emilio Garma, Green’s Friday night performance at the downtown establishment has been a long time coming.
“We’ve been trying to get him for over a year now,” Garma said. “He’s a huge name. He drew a huge crowd last time he was in Starkville.”
Green’s music, described by Garma as “Texas country,” is of a different breed than a lot of mainstream country acts. Green himself calls it a hybrid of the music of two accomplished but different troubadors.
“My style of music is best put as Bruce Springsteen meets Willie Nelson,” he said.
Green said he hopes his unique skills as a storyteller as well as a musician shine through in his work.
“What I’m trying to get to is telling good stories in ways that those stories haven’t been told before,” he said. “I look for songs that move me as much as they move [the audience].”
The formula has worked well thus far in Green’s career. According to a press release, the Texas native is a three-time Grammy nominee who was also recently nominated for Country Music Entertainer of the Year.
Green has released 10 albums including several independent outings. His most recent is 2006’s Cannonball on major label BNA. Cannonball produced three singles including “Dixie Lullaby,” “Way Back Texas,” and “Feels Just like It Should,” which reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot Country chart.
One of Green’s best known songs is “Wave on Wave,” from the 2003 album of the same name, which reached No. 3 on the charts.
In addition to his radio success, however, Green prides himself on his live shows. He has toured with several well known acts, including Dave Matthews, Keith Urban and Kenny Chesney.
“I like a high-energy show,” he said. “I like to put on the same show that I would like to go see. I figure if I put energy into my show, the crowd is going to put energy into their reaction.”
Biology graduate student Rebekah Robinson is a fan of Green’s music, and said she is excited about the chance to get to check out a live performance.
“I have been trying to see him live for years and I don’t plan on missing this concert,” she said. “He has a sound that is able to stand out from the rest of country music.”
Robinson said she believes even MSU students who don’t consider themselves fans of the genre should come check out the show, because of the diversity of Green’s music and his ability to connect with a college audience.
“He’s not your typical country singer,” she said. “His unique music has something for everyone to like, from the serious to the hilarious. His laid-back personality allows him to connect with college kids through his songs. He sings about everything from faith and love to college and drinking.”
Green said he is especially excited about playing before a college crowd, and for playing another Starkville show in particular.
“College people tend to be very excited about live music and getting out and having a good time and enjoying their weekend,” Green said. “Starkville’s a great college town. There’s a lot of energy there, and that’s what our band has always fed off of. It’s a pretty good match up for us.”
The State Theater doors will open at 7 p.m., with Green taking the stage around 10 p.m.. Cover for the show is $20.
“If you like that style of music, and you want to see a great show, this is about as good as it’s going to get,” Garma said.
Green said he looks forward to tonight’s show at the State Theatre just as much as his Bulldog fans.
“I’m just jazzed to come,” he said. “Glad to be back in Starkville.”