More Than 3,000 Flock to Chasco Fiesta Country Concert

It was a beautiful, warm night in New Port Richey on Saturday as the annual closed to country hits played by nationally and locally celebrated musicians.

More than 3,000 people turned out to to Sims Park for Country  headlined by country star David Nail. The singer-songwriter crooned to the crowd with favorite singles from his 2009 album “I’m About to Come Alive,” such as the single “Red Light” and the Grammy-nominated “Turning Home.”

Nail’s music is rooted in country, but it has several other elements interwoven in the fabric of his sound, which produces a rich and soulful effect. His songs are smooth and powerful and showcase his great vocal abilities.

New Port Richey’s very own Wiley Fox started the show with a set of covers and original music. The local band played songs from their latest release, a self-titled album which is available on iTunes.

This was Wiley Fox’s eleventh time playing the Chasco Fiesta. Guitarist and vocalist Brandon Embry said they enjoyed coming back each year.

“We’re lucky to do it,” said Embry, “Now they say that they can’t have it without us.”

Wiley Fox has an eclectic sound that draws on a variety of influences, including country and blues as well as some heavier sources.

“We’ve been influenced by everyone from Metallica to Merle Haggard,” said Embry.

Following Wiley Fox on the stage were the LoCash Cowboys. This highly energetic and highly entertaining band had the crowd on their feet with their unique brand of country music.

Led by the impressive vocals and the song writing of Preston Brust and Chris Lucas, LoCash Cowboys, of Nashville,  bring a little bit of everything to their stage show, including rap and 80s rock. The two frontmen engaged the crowd with upbeat songs like “Here Comes Summer,” and “If We All Just Rode Trucks.”

The band recently celebrated their first Top 40 hit, a slow and touching song entitled “Keep In Mind” that Lucas dedicated to his father.

In addition to the bands, the evening was kept fun and entertaining thanks to emcee Les McDowell, who performed some of his own poetry as well as selecting audience members to sing. There was also an impressive a cappella performance of the National Anthem from Mikki Taylor whose powerful and soulful voice had the audience on their feet. 

Chasco Chairwoman Cami Austin was pleased to see this year’s fiesta end on a high point, after several planned shows in the 11-day event had to cancelled due to heavy rainfall.