Fat Daddy’s goes country

Fat Daddy’s Bar and Grill continues its weekly tradition of Live Music Thursdays tonight at 9:30 p.m. with Appalachian-inspired group Rustic Highway and The Short Brothers.

For an event that has previously featured primarily electronic dance music and traditional rock ‘n’ roll, these groups will provide a welcome change of pace for the Thursday night crowd.

"It’s no secret that West Virginia loves country music, and Morgantown is no different just because it’s a predominantly younger population," said event promoter Adam Payne. "I’ve found when researching via social media what acts to bring to Morgantown that WVU is filled with many country-craving students."

A five-piece outfit from Morgantown, Rustic Highway draws a strong inspiration from the country roads and undulating mountaintops that define the Mountain State.

With a modern country sound shaped by today’s most popular and respected artists within the genre, Rustic Highway exhibits the definition of a crowd-pleasing band.

"We are a modern sound, similar to Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and Jason Aldean," said Joshua Swiger, Rustic Highway bassist. "[It’s] really upbeat and fun. We will burn down the house with some great fiddle and tele(caster) picking guitar."

While the group focuses mostly on this modern sound, Rustic Highway does not shy away from traditional bluegrass. Their No.1 priority is to get the crowd moving and clapping, and no genre barrier can get in their way.

"Rustic Highway’s live show catalog is an even blend of new country and old country," Payne said. "Sprinkle in some good old-fashioned West Virginia bluegrass, and this progressive country act is ready for a hoe down."

Swiger said while the band looks to provide a fun, party-happy atmosphere, the performance is still all about the music, and the group takes their job seriously onstage – a point reflected by their original compositions.

"We don’t shy away from smacking the crowd in the face with good music," Swiger said. "We want you up and partying but listening, as well. We got originals that will stand with your favorite covers."

Also on the night’s bill are Terra Alta, W.Va., natives The Short Brothers.

Greg and Luke Short are well-versed in a variety of genres. From Southern rock to country to blues and everywhere between, The Short Brothers are guaranteed to please.

"The first time I saw Greg Short play was with Mountaineer basketball player Deniz Kilicli at an open mic. Everyone was raving about Deniz, who was awesome, but I couldn’t stop listening to Greg’s twelve string," Payne said. "I made it a point to catch him again, and the next time was with his brother Luke. They displayed the kind of chemistry only brothers could possess, and you could only imagine the amount of hours they have picked guitar together."

Such a connection is vital to the group’s ability to traverse a wide variety of genres and stay on track. As a result, The Short Brothers are absolute masters of their craft.

With Rustic Highway, The Short Brothers and Fat Daddy’s usual spread of food, drinks and good times, tonight’s performance provides the perfect end-of-the-week getaway from the stresses of work and school.

"We expect a lot of cowboy hats, tight Daisy Dukes, rocking cowgirls, bar-top dancing, tequila shots and good old rowdy fun," Swiger said.

Festivities kick off at 9:30 p.m. with The Short Brothers, and Rustic Highway will take the stage following their performance.

There will be a $5 cover charge, and concertgoers must be 21 years or older to attend.