The Boxmasters at The Draper Amphitheater in Draper, Utah

‘Landman’ star, Billy Bob Thornton, traded in the oil fields for the stage this past week as he brought The Boxmasters to The Draper Amphitheater in Draper City Utah for a night of rock n’ roll last Thursday.  Fans undoubtedly recognized Thornton from his acting career but this evening also introduced fans to his music which has always been one of Thornton’s passions. 

 

The evening opened with Ogden’s Weldon and Hawthorn Duet kicking the night off with their laid-back performance warming everyone up for the main event.

 

Once Thornton and the band took over on the stage it became clear that music was only part of the night’s experience.  Thornton frequently paused between songs to share stories with the crowd about their songs or events that happened to the band throughout their time together. 

 

One of the stories centered around the inspiration for their song “Jayne Mansfield’s Car.”  Thornton recalled how his father had an unusual fascination with packing the kids up and taking them to different crash sites to look at the wrecked cars.  When news spread that Jayne Mansfield’s wrecked car was going to be nearby, his father loaded them all into the car to see it in person.  Thornton recalled seeing the car as a child and while the story did get a few groans and laughs it gave us an inside look into his childhood memories and how those have helped shape his songwriting and musical journey.

 

The personal stories seemed to connect with the audience just as well as the music itself as fans were given a rare chance to connect with one of television and films’ biggest stars on a more personal level.  Not just through his music or films but through the stories of his childhood and memories that helped shape him into who he is today. 

 

Musically, The Boxmasters delivered just what they have become known for.  A polished set inspired by 60’s vintage rock with hints of country and americana mixed in.  Their music stands just as strong on its own rather than just relying on Thornton’s star power to prop it up which helped create an authentic vintage rock experience. 

 

In an intimate venue like the Draper Amphitheater, the combination of storytelling and music created a relaxed atmosphere that was perfectly suited for the summer evening.  The Box masters set proved to those in attendance that a concert doesn’t need a big elaborate production of pyrotechnics. All it really takes is well-written songs, talented musicians, and stories worth telling which Thornton had in spades.