Thomas Rhett Commands the Stage at Washington State Fair
From the moment the background music stopped and the lights dimmed, the crowd at the Washington State Fair knew they were in for a special night. The anticipation built as Thomas Rhett’s band members dashed on stage one by one, followed by the man himself, who sprinted out to a chorus of cheers. The packed grandstand erupted as he kicked off his set with "Vacation", and the energy never dipped for a second.
Halfway through the show, Rhett pulled a bold move that took the crowd by surprise. He gave a special shout-out to each generation in attendance, mixing in iconic throwback songs like Smash Mouth’s “All Star” and Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl,” seamlessly bridging the gap between fans of different ages. He even threw in some more recent hits like WALK THE MOON’s “Shut Up and Dance,” ensuring that everyone in the crowd had their moment. And, of course, fans were treated to his own chart-toppers, including “She Had Me at Heads Carolina,” a track co-written and performed with Cole Swindell.
Thomas Rhett is known for his down-to-earth nature, and that warmth shone through as he took time to talk about his wife, the inspiration for so many of his songs. Near the end of his performance, he even paused to shout “Amen!” alongside the crowd, creating an intimate moment amidst the lively spectacle. Fans in the front row got even more up close and personal, as Rhett took selfies on their phones and signed posters mid-song, all while never missing a beat.
The stage production was nothing short of incredible. With lights flashing to match every thumping beat and clouds of fog filling the air, the visuals amplified the intensity of each song. Rhett's connection with his band also stood out—he made a point of showing love to each member, from sharing the stage spotlight to applauding the electric guitarist’s solo.
As the night drew to a close, Rhett made sure the Washington State Fair and the crowd knew just how much he appreciated them. Elvie Shane, who opened the show, set the perfect tone for the evening, playing songs like "My Boy" and "First Place", and by the end, the entire grandstand was alive with energy. Rhett capped the night off with a glowing tribute to his fans, asking them to light up the arena with their phone flashlights—a perfect end to an unforgettable evening.
Review & Photos by: Kaeden Indelicato
Like what you read? Follow our social media and playlist for the latest in independent music:
