Ovens didn’t know what hit ‘em

By: Cindy McBride

Ovens Auditorium was flooded with cowboy boots and Stetson jeans on Wednesday night as fans from numerous states filed into the historic venue, to witness a once in a lifetime performance.

The venue played John Denver’s “Country Roads” to help pass the time to which everyone in the audience sang about the hill of West Virginia. Then a familiar sound to all the Marvel needs in the audience filled the Auditorium.

The one and only country a capella group Home Free hit the stage promptly at 8pm to the screams of fans young and old. Opening their set with their cover of “Life is a Highway” led my tenor Rob Lundquist, followed quickly followed by the bass leading classic “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash. The audience for a quick taste of the octave range of baritone Tim Foust as the floor shook with his notes.

Marian Morris hit “My Church” was the third song of the evening. Literally making audience members feel as if they just witnessed a baptism, the guys in Home Free harmonized perfectly making for a wonderful opening set.

Pulling several stools center stage the members of Home Free took a quick seat to allow fans the perfect opportunity for a group photo. Posing unanimously the majorities of the audience snapped the picture they had been trying to get all evening.

“ Now put your phones up and live in the moment” Foust commented.

As the evening went on the audience was told stories about Austin’s hardship at the gym which resulted in a pulled muscle in every particular posterior muscle, to barnacle penises.

Home Free introduced the audience to a piece of tech known as a loop machine. Adam Rupp, founding member demonstrated how it worked by laying down a beat which was instantly recognizable as Ed Sheeran’s “Castle on the Hill” which bled into an original piece “Timeless”.

Now was time for percussionist Adam Rupp to take center stage to perform what can only be described as pure magic. Producing sounds to imitate bugs flying, a scene from the Australian Outback, and even a remix of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean”.

Taking a shirt intermission fans flooded the bar and merch booth. Several fans bought beers for the group and sat them on stage for their return. Coming back strong with “Some Girls Do” by Sawyer Brown. This time baritone Adam Chance took the lead showing everyone that Foust isn’t the only one who can bring the bass.

High Tenor Austin Brown showed off his incredible voice during “A Great Day to Be Alive” by Travis Tritt. Fans sang along and gave out a howl to accompany Browns.

One of the most anticipated songs of the evening was next on the setlist. Known for the guys hip-shaking choreography, “Hillbilly Bone” by performed by Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins, had all the females on their feet.

“All good things must come to an end” Foust stated at the end of the night. “We would like to thank all of our fans, but especially the ladies out there who keep their households and Men up and running. I need all my party people to come down here for this one. Come on, come to the stage”.

A Mashup of Dierks Bentley’s “Women Amen” and Keith Urban’s “Female” was performed with the guys going to the edge of the stage to shake hands with fans, and to let them know how much they are really appreciated.

Closing the night with a cover of The O’Jays classic “Love Train” home Free gave their all to the crowd in front of them. Fans left the building with feelings of pure joy and happiness, already discussing plans for the next show.

Home Free newest album “Midnight Confessions” is hitting stores July 26th. Make sure to follow them on social media, and sign up for their newsletter!

See full gallery of the night here!

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