THE BUD LIGHT PARTY RALLY: CARNIVAL OF MADNESS recently rocked the number one ranked outdoor amphitheater in the world The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands!

“Hate won’t ever defeat hate! The only thing that can defeat hate is LOVE” said Brent Smith of Shinedown. Smith followed that up with “Let the world know.” Today as I write about that wonderful music experience, I will take part in the message.

Such profound words were cosistently spoken from Brent Smith last night during the Carnival of Madness performance. “The will to live will always outweigh the ability to die” said Brent Smith. In our times of hate that we face in this world, this man stands up and tells thousands of people at once to “turn to your neighbor and say hello, shake their hand, hi five” make the connection with your neighbor. “Tonight we are all family” stated Smith heading into the audience.

The lyrics that Shinedown bring to the table can truly inspire us in troubled times or times of fear. “Goodbye to my weakness, so long to regret” lyrics from Diamond Eyes, also help reflect on life and in times where you struggle with looking in the rear view mirror, just let it go and be strong is my interpretation.

“The first step is the one you believe in, the second one might be profound” lyrics from I’ll follow you down, remind me sometimes making that first step in a situation is so difficult but once you make it the second one might be the best of your life, again just my interpretation.  I felt a sense of peace from their music in the air.

Before Shinedown, Lizzy Hale of the great Halestorm came out and blew minds. Hale is an inspiration to all young females looking to pioneer their way into music. It’s not often you find females like her who duet with numerous artists, she’s mind blowing. Hale has a hard core rock star status that steals the show. Halestorm’s drummer is also a drum stick magician, throwing up and catching his sticks mid song making it look effortless and easy.

Evans Blue started and as the sun began to set into their eyes on stage, it made me think what it’s like to be an artist and perform in this heat of Houston. As the beautiful musical riffs began to stream from their instruments and I listened to their deep lyrics, I began to think, why have I not listened to this band more before? Dan Chandler’s voice was clean and crisp with the deep sounding heavy backup vocals that added a melodic harmony. This was an eye opener of how I’d been missing out on some heavy music that will help me clear my head when I need it.

Texas’ very own Whiskey Myers was up next. I’ve heard about these guys however have never had the opportunity to see them live until this show. They have such a unique sound, a little bit of rock, a little bit of country, and lots of southern rock infused into one. Every one of them on stage seemed to have their own unique personality, including Mr. More Cow Bell. Everyone needs More Cow Bell. I Felt like I was watching a moment of Saturday Night Live, he owned the stage! Who is this Cody Tate I wondered? He was shredding the guitar like nobody’s business  impressing me with his guitar skills. To all of the Texas Music Fans, if you have not had the chance to see Whiskey Myers DO IT!

In closing it was an amazing show. Live music is where it’s at, it helps take away life’s worries and struggles and allows you to live in the moment. Thank you Live Nation, Rod Ryan, 94.5, The Cynthia Woods Pavilion, and Bud Light for another great live show in The Woodlands.