Lonestar is set to pause their national “TEN to 1” tour to play a “Holiday and Hits” show at Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre on Dec. 17.
(Photo by Taylor Ballantyne LLC)
Lonestar, the country music band that took the ’90s by storm, is reliving the hits of their decade-spanning career and proving that the ’90s are certainly back in style.
Featuring hits like “Amazed,” “I’m Already There” and “Mr. Mom,” the band’s national headlining “TEN to 1” tour has rekindled the country music frenzy for a new generation of fans.
Pausing their tour to deliver for a special occasion, Lonestar will give their setlist the holiday treatment by mixing in festive tunes for their “Holiday & Hits” show at the Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre on Dec. 17.
“Every year we try to do a little bit of a Christmas tour,” Lonestar drummer Keech Rainwater said. “If we just did a Christmas tour people would probably be less than happy if they couldn’t hear our hits.”
“We’re super glad to play those number No. 1 hits,” added Rainwater. “It’s a joy to play.”
Capitalizing on the fact that they had 10 No. 1 hit songs, the band realized they could make an album.
Using more modern recording technology, the band had originally re-recorded the hits for the “TEN to 1” album right before COVID-19, making this tour a long time coming. “When COVID hit, all entertainers wondered what the future would hold,” Rainwater recalled.
“It’s great to be out doing shows,” he said. “Right when it lifted, people were so happy to have live entertainment, it was great. We feel the joy and the love from the audiences. Everyone’s been so supportive.”
As far as the audiences themselves, the band has noticed a mix of new and old generations. “Of course, there are our die-hard fans from back in the ’90s who bought our albums and are excited to see that we’re still touring,” said Rainwater.
But the band has also noticed a recent uptick in younger generations whose exposure might not be from albums, but rather through social media like TikTok. Rainwater said he was aware of the band’s hit song, “I’m Already There,” trending currently on the app. Hopefully, they’re hearing that clip and wonder who it is, and then maybe finding our other songs, he said.
Aside from newcomers to the genre, there’s also a segment of younger generations that seem to enjoy ’90s country. Rainwater said the specific sound of ’90s country music went away for a little while and is happy it’s now making a comeback.
Whether people are new or original listeners, Rainwater said the goal is the same with each passing live performance.
“We try to recreate the songs live as authentically as we can. That’s always the hope,” he said.
For now, Rainwater says the band always looks forward to a stop in the Golden State.
“Every time we go to California the love we feel from the audience is so awesome. People really support the arts there,” Rainwater said.
Their California shows will mark the end of their Christmas tour, as well as the last dates of their national headlining tour before a break. After taking most of January and February off, Rainwater said the band will work up an entirely new show, complete with video screens and a reworked setlist. The new tour will likely carry into summer, giving fans plenty more opportunities to hear their favorites live.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Lonestar Christmas & Hits
WHERE: Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre, 1010 Ulatis Drive, Vacaville.
WHEN: Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.
TICKETS: Tickets are $75 and may be purchased online at: vpat.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=64
