A rising newcomer on the honky-tonk scene, Hudson Westbrook, with support from Tommy Acker, brought their Texas flair to Louisville on July 10 at Mercury Ballroom.
The 24-year old Texan, Tommy Acker, kicked off the night with a fresh set list filled with originals and covers. Letting go of old habits and routines after a relationship ends can feel like trying to unlearn muscle memory. The comfort of familiarity lingers long after the person is gone. Acker brought this idea to life with his original “How To Not.” The song resonated with many listeners, as it touched on the relatable experience of struggling to adjust to a new reality after a breakup or significant change.
Acker brought new music to the stage with his latest original, “Last Second,” which was received well by fans.
Songs like “The Climb,” “Don’t Mind If I Do,” and “Traveling Soldier” are well-known favorites. Acker adding these to his set brought heartfelt moments to fans and sang to the highest of praises. His humbleness and willingness to speak with fans is like no other. Acker was willing to leave the venue to take photos and sign with fans. Something that is so rare to find in music scenes.
Acker is a force to be reckoned with. Through his music, personality, and down-to-earth energy, he is admirable not only in country music but also on a personal level. His name and music will be known by many very soon.
The musical offerings that Hudson Westbrook provides are a glimpse into the world of revival as country music begins to return back to the mainstream. Through a mix of romantic slow-dance tunes and cowboy kickers, Westbrook has created an impressive catalogue that had fans going all night long.
Hudson is now releasing music that proves he’s more than just a continuation of another artist’s past. Westbrook opened his show with “Weatherman,” a not only clever but also popular anthem that speaks on failed forecasted love.
Westbrook has emerged as one of country music’s easiest artists that you can connect with on a physical and emotional level.
Hits like “House Again,” “5 to 9,” “Pray Your Name,” “Take Your Time,” and “Mine Tomorrow,” the crowd constantly was screaming the lyrics throughout the venue. Proving Westbrook is a standout young songwriter. Tracks like “Two Way Drive,” “Johnny Walker,” and latest hit, “Funny Seeing You Here” rounded out the set, giving it emotional depth, balance, and continuous high-energy.
Hudson brought a surprise for listeners as he played an unreleased track, “Damn Good Taste in Whiskey,” from his upcoming album that is set to release later this July.
Although Westbrook and his band brought their own Texas flair, they also bought songs from other artists that everyone knows. Crowd favorite covers included a high-energy and heartfelt rendition of “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift and “The House That Built Me” by Miranda Lambert.
Speaking of high energy and heartfelt, Westbrook’s band brought the energy through the entire evening. Band members include guitar player Gage McNeely, fiddle and background vocalist Silas Clark, bass and background vocalist Tack Hammer, guitarist Tabor Weller, and drummer Brenden Courtney. Although behind Westbrook, they make it clear they’re a force of rhythm and groove.
Visuals were kept slim to none – which was no problem. Westbrook and his band always provided movement and something everyone knew. Allowing for one thing to be focused on and one thing only-the music.
Hudson Westbrook’s Summer Tour has been his most recent addition to his almost year-long tour going city to city to promote his ongoing music singles and upcoming album “Texas Forever,” set to release July 25, 2025.
His authenticity and deep Texas-rooted connection to country music is anything but short. From delivering high performances of high-energy and love-wrenching songs, Westbrook captured the audience with heart, grit, and humbleness.
Westbrook and Akers’ performance was more than a show – it was an estimate of what Texas boys can do across the country. A celebration of what it means to be able to connect with fans and what it means to be an upcoming country artist.
You can find Tommy Aker’s latest releases, “City Girls” and “Last Second” on all streaming platforms now.
Hudson Westbrook’s debut album “Texas Forever” is set to release on July 25, 2025. You can find his latest single “ Damn Good Taste in Whiskey” on all streaming platforms. You can currently catch Hudson on tour this Summer and Fall 2025.
This article appears in Jul 4-31, 2025.