Photos by Steve Rose

It was a special evening with Lucero at The El Rey Theatre as the band performed two different sets. They started the evening off with an acoustic set, followed by an electric one. Singer Ben Nichols had an immediate connection with the crowd, and his songs of heartache and longing resonated well. The band’s Memphis roots were evident in their unique, twangy country punk sound. Guitarist Brian Venable had jangly, pedal steel licks accenting each song, while John Stubblefield (bass guitar/upright bass) Rick Steff (keys) Roy Berry (drums) kept the groove tight and flowing.

Lucero played a few songs off of their newest release All a Man Should Do and also took a couple of audience requests throughout the night. When they played “That Much Further West,” Nichols smiled a few times during the song as fans enthusiastically sang the chorus.