RAPID CITY, S.D. — Whiskey Myers brought a grounded, no-frills Southern rock show to The Monument on Sunday night, delivering a night that felt earned from start to finish.
Pony Bradshaw opened the evening backed by a full band and a standout steel guitarist whose playing added rich texture without overwhelming the songs. Bradshaw’s sound was atmospheric and deliberate, drawing the crowd in with honest, lived-in vocals. The audience was quiet but attentive, fully invested in the mood set.
Bayker Blankenship followed with a sharper, more immediate energy. His vocals had a raw edge that paired well with the band’s tight, dynamic performance. The shift in tone felt natural, and the room responded as the energy grew.
When Whiskey Myers took the stage, they locked in quickly, playing fan favorites like “Frogman,” “Bury My Bones’” and “Gasoline” with steady intensity. Cody Cannon’s gravel-and-smoke voice cut through twin guitars and a solid rhythm section with ease.
Midway through the set, the band introduced a new song, “Tailspin,” which fit seamlessly into their lineup with its heavy riff and catchy chorus.
The highlights came later with a mid-set dip into “Broken Window Serenade.” The band pulled back the volume and layered in a soulful harmonica that electrified the room. The smoky lights and restrained voices gave the song space to breathe, and the crowd responded with quiet excitement, hanging on every note. A few songs later, “Stone” landed like a gut punch: the crowd sang it back with force, no fanfare needed.
They kept it straightforward — no gimmicks, no extended chatter — just a band in total control of their sound. The guitars stayed crisp and dense, the drums never lagged, and Cannon’s vocals led the charge without overshadowing the band. And in a lighthearted moment, one band member took center stage to wail on the cowbell, drawing laughs and cheers from the crowd — a reminder that even serious Southern rockers know how to have a little fun.
As the final chord faded, people lingered for a moment, soaking it in before heading out. It was the kind of Sunday night that felt easy but memorable — like you’d been to something that counted.
