49 Winchester at the Old Rock House | August 20th, 2022

Appalachian-grown country folk band 49 Winchester and Alabama-bred Americana artist Ritch Henderson turned the Old Rock House into a good ole’ fashioned honky tonk this past Saturday night. Fans from all over gathered in the 19th-century downtown music hall to see 49 Winchester’s first headlining show in St. Louis, many of whom saw them open for Whiskey Myers at the Saint Louis Music Park in June, and those fans (myself included) brought as much fun and enthusiasm as the band itself: a lot.

Austin Basler on Twitter: “Here at the @oldrockhousestl for @49winchester. Couldn’t be more excited. #ArchCityMusic@RitchHenderson can strum a tune and he’s setting the perfect vibe. pic.twitter.com/84B3hY5eTV / Twitter”

Here at the @oldrockhousestl for @49winchester. Couldn’t be more excited. #ArchCityMusic@RitchHenderson can strum a tune and he’s setting the perfect vibe. pic.twitter.com/84B3hY5eTV

Though I saw 49 two times in as many days just two months ago in June their set Saturday night was longer than each of my previous experiences combined. I had been highly anticipating this show since that weekend in June so you can imagine my expectations had grown out of control; despite the highest of expectations I was pleasantly surprised by the performance from top to bottom.

Austin Basler on Twitter: “@caleb_riordan did a phenomenal job behind the camera. Though he’s a talented and experienced photographer, this was in fact his first concert photography experience and I’d love to hear how y’all think he did (unless it’s negative, in which case you’re dumb) pic.twitter.com/lUNxBJcuQD / Twitter”

@caleb_riordan did a phenomenal job behind the camera. Though he’s a talented and experienced photographer, this was in fact his first concert photography experience and I’d love to hear how y’all think he did (unless it’s negative, in which case you’re dumb) pic.twitter.com/lUNxBJcuQD

I was happy to have my childhood best friend-turned live music journalism partner Caleb with me to cover the show. As you can see above he is the better half of said duo because his pictures turned out incredible. If only still photos could tell the full story…the energy the band brought was reciprocated by the large and lively crowd and I can promise you it was the best place to be in the whole town Saturday night – if you missed it I’m sorry, but check out the band’s tour schedule and plan yourself a road trip! #ArchCityMusic