Kyle Smith rocks Deep Ellum Art Company on second stop of the Unmanageable Tour 2024
Kyle Smith shredding on stage. Photo credit: Jeremy Morgan / Highly Decent Photography.
One of the hardest hustling independent artists in the reggae-rock scene, Kyle Smith, has just kicked off on another extensive run across the US, headlining the Unmanageable Tour 2024. After performing for Tulsa, OK, Dallas was the first stop in Texas on January 12th with Jayton Lening and Drifting Roots before heading south to Austin and San Antonio.
Deep Ellum Art Company was the venue on that chilly Friday evening, and my night started by slipping in on the VIP meet and greet session to catch the acoustic songs before the show. After three or four crowd-picked tunes, selfies and plenty of laughter, VIP wrapped up and doors officially opened.
Jayton Lening of Houston-based Th3rd Coast Roots, took the stage first with an acoustic guitar and a chair, singing his heart out for those who arrived early (or on time if you ask me, the openers of any show are the next round of hard-hitters and need love too!). Lening held the perfect vibe with a slightly smoky voice and shared his soul in Deep Ellum for a healthy handful of songs before making way for the next band up.
Jayton Lening singing mid-song. Photo credit: Jeremy Morgan / Highly Decent Photography.
After a short break, Drifting Roots from central Florida spread out and made themselves comfortable behind their instruments in front of a growing crowd. A quick glance at the first few rows of folks against the stage revealed just how many fans they had here; many were singing right back at the top of their lungs while others danced with their eyes closed and just felt the rhythm through the speakers as they sang along. These musicians have a unique flavor of reggae and it's a pleasure every time they come through.
Drifting Roots shredding on stage. Photo credit: Jeremy Morgan / Highly Decent Photography.
Drifting Roots on stage. Photo credit: Jeremy Morgan / Highly Decent Photography.
I took the opportunity during the break to grab a green tea and mingle with artists and friends while waiting for the headlining group to make their appearance. As the clock showed 9:45pm, Kyle, Scotty and Chris appeared from backstage with ear-to-ear smiles, ready to throw down that “early-in-the-tour” energy.
The show was action packed as always; if you’ve ever been to a KS concert, you know this guy has no chill. Seventy-five minutes of pure musical entertainment, delivered by some of the hungriest and most genuine guys in the industry. Jayton Lening and the boys from Drifting roots appeared on stage to sing a couple verses during his set before administering a powerful sign off. Smith hopped off stage and went straight to the crowd for after-show conversations and lots of hugs for anyone who stepped up, the audience thinned and the night came to an end. Bravo Kyle Smith.
Kyle Smith at Deep Ellum. Photo credit: Jeremy Morgan / Highly Decent Photography.
Kyle Smith on stage. Photo credit: Jeremy Morgan / Highly Decent Photography.
There are PLENTY of stops left on this tour (and the show is top-notch), so make sure to snag tickets and indulge in a night of great music and entertainment. Don’t forget to grab some killer merch and say hi to KP!
