Colt Ford to perform at Bluebird on Friday

Country musician Colt Ford has compared his live shows to going to Disney World. He said fans should expect more of the same when he performs Friday at the Bluebird.

“I don’t believe in artists who just stand there and play their song,” Ford said. “I think the economy’s too tough, the times too hard to see someone just stand there. I think it’s the entertainment business, so it needs to be a show. If you don’t have fun at my show, you might want to go to the hospital and get yourself checked out.”

Ford, a one-time professional golfer, first appeared on the country music scene in 2008 with the release of his debut album, “Ride Through the Country,” as well as by penning the theme song for Professional Bull Riders, Inc.

His music combines elements of country and hip-hop, and his songs have featured guest performances that range from country star Darryl Worley to Run-DMC’s DMC.
He said although his sound is unique, he is not trying to create a new genre.

“I didn’t set out to do anything revolutionary,” he said. “I just couldn’t sing worth a damn. I just wanted to do the best songs I could possibly make, and this was the way that I could do that.”

Ford is coming to Bloomington as part of a long tour promoting his newest album, “Chicken & Biscuits,” which was released in April this year.

“It’s a step forward,” Ford said of the disc. “I think there’s quite a few elements from ‘Ride Through the Country’ on there, but what I wanted to do is grow as an artist and a writer. But at the same time, I think that although there is stuff that is different than what I did on the first record, it’s still very much Colt Ford.”

The album debuted at No. 8 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums, and Ford, a self-proclaimed “average Joe,” said his success surprises him.

“It’s kind of hard to believe,” he said. “It’s even hard for promoters to believe. The fans are the most important thing. The grassroots thing is what’s done it for me. That, and me being a normal guy you’d see at Wal-Mart — that’s what people gravitate towards.”

The Bluebird’s Dave Kubiak said this is the first time the venue has booked Ford, who has never played in Indiana before.

“It’s one of those things that we’ve noticed, that his popularity has just been growing, and so it was time to get him,” he said. “So, hopefully we get a good turnout. We know that the future is bright for him.”

Ford said he is looking forward to coming to Bloomington and playing the concert.
“I’m really excited to come,” Ford said. “Hopefully I get to come back some more. If you want to have fun, come on and see this show, because I promise you, you will
have a good time.”