https://www.heartwoodsoundstage.com/shows/vincent-neil-emerson-14-feb
Vincent Neil Emerson has become a standout voice in modern folk and country music, celebrated for his raw, honest storytelling about life on the road, heartbreak, and survival. Since his 2019 debut Fried Chicken & Evil Women, he has earned a devoted following, but it was his self-titled 2021 album that fully revealed the depth of his personal history. Raised in East Texas by a single mother and shaped by the loss of his father at a young age, Emerson has never shied away from confronting grief, displacement, and identity in his songs, including his exploration of his Choctaw-Apache heritage on “Ballad of the Choctaw Apache.”
On his latest album, The Golden Crystal Kingdom, Emerson steps beyond the honky-tonk sound that first introduced him to audiences and expands into a bold, rock-leaning palette influenced by electric folk and classic singer-songwriters like Bob Dylan and Neil Young. Produced by Shooter Jennings, the album reflects on Emerson’s early days busking, living out of his car, and playing Texas dancehalls, while maintaining his signature, diamond-sharp storytelling. The record captures both the freedom and the weight of a life spent chasing songs, presenting Emerson at his most confident and creatively open.
Community and mentorship play a central role in Emerson’s work, with collaborators and friends like Shooter Jennings, Steve Earle, Rodney Crowell, Charley Crockett, and Colter Wall shaping his artistic journey. Their support helped him find the courage to include socially conscious material like “Man From Uvalde,” written in response to the tragic Texas shooting. Grounded in humility and gratitude, Emerson continues to honor his past while pushing forward, solidifying his place as one of the most compelling and hardworking songwriters in today’s alt-country landscape.
Outdoor Show
All Ages
Kids 12 & under free
Lawn chairs allowed as space permits