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The Wilder Blue

“There is music. And then there is The Wilder Blue, who feel so transcendent, they’re in a category all of their own.” —Saving Country Music

The Wilder Blue began in 2019 when Zane Williams, already a seasoned troubadour with seven solo albums under his belt, pulled together a select group of multi-talented musicians from the Texas music scene. Their debut album Hill Country (2020) and its follow-up The Wilder Blue (2022) garnered comparisons to early Eagles and '80s-era Alabama by interweaving five-part harmonies with bluegrassy arrangements of folk-rock and country songs.

For their newest release Super Natural in the fall of 2023, the band enlisted Grammy-nominated Brent Cobb to produce the album and perform on the title track, a song he and the band co-wrote in the studio. Brent’s groovy, vintage sensibilities proved a natural fit for a band with influences as diverse as Little Feat, Del McCoury, and Robert Earl Keen. A cover of the Eagle’s classic “Seven Bridges Road” also features band admirer Luke Combs, who has added The Wilder Blue to his 2025 stadium tour lineup.

Twenty years before he was fronting a break-out band, Zane Williams was a solo coffeehouse performer and aspiring songwriter in Nashville. After moving back to his native Texas in 2008 he eventually became a dancehall staple and respected songwriter with cuts by the likes of Pat Green, Kevin Fowler, and Cody Johnson. To the surprise of his fans (and the bemusement of his booking agent), Zane announced the formation of the new group in 2019 by soliciting band names from his fans and promising lifetime free tickets to anyone whose suggestion was picked. (The winning name “Hill Country” had to be changed just after the release of their first album due to a trademark conflict, but the winner is still on the guest list for life!)

Multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter Andy Rogers was the only member of Zane’s former band to join the new group. Born and raised in Lebanon, TN, Rogers learned bluegrass chops from an early age and excelled on bass, banjo, dobro, guitar, and just about anything with strings. Rogers moved to Denton, TX in 2004 to study jazz bass at the University of North Texas and made a long-term home in the eclectic arts community he found there. Playing in a series of rock and country gigs eventually led him to join the Zane Williams band on bass and vocals in 2016.

Looking over the Texas music scene for likely bandmates, Williams sent a text to a singer-songwriter and lead guitar player whose voice had caught his ear a few years before on local radio. Paul Eason was ensconced at the time in a comfortable guitar gig with Texas staple Kevin Fowler but was immediately intrigued by the notion of joining forces. Originally from Houston, TX but living at the time in San Antonio, Eason fronted various bands beginning in his teens and released two solo albums in the early 2000s before joining the Fowler band full time. A third solo album followed in 2016, which showcased his distinctive lead vocals, southwestern aesthetics, and impeccable guitar playing.

Eason, in turn, vividly recalled meeting a singing drummer named Lyndon Hughes who had been with the Roger Creager band. Eason and Williams paid a visit to the studio in the Woodlands, TX where Hughes was working as an engineer, producer, drummer, and vocalist. Singing together that day on a new song Williams had written called “Dixie Darlin’,” the three realized they were onto something special. Hughes, a Houston native, brought a wide range of skills to the new band. His effortless harmony vocals, his versatile drumming, and his ears as an engineer and producer would end up having a major impact on shaping the sound of the band.

After an experimental jam session and some casual demo recordings in 2019, the four existing members agreed that Rogers would be best utilized playing primarily banjo and dobro which meant the search was on for a permanent bass player to round out the band. After several months of searching and two dead ends, the band reluctantly decided to begin recording its first album without a dedicated bass player. With the first gig only a few months away, the pressure was building to find someone—-anyone?—-who could fill the role. Which is when the perfect person happened to come along.

Only in his mid-20s, Sean Rodriguez was already both a road dog and a fixture in the live music scene of Austin, TX. Originally from Corpus Christi, TX Rodriguez grew up playing everything from funk to rock to conjunto to country. It’s a diversity reflected in his flamboyant dress and vintage playing style, delivered on stage with a boot-scootin’ joie-de-vivre that quickly earned him the nickname “The Boogie Man”. The four existing band members asked Rodriguez to join them in the studio and play on the final two songs as a trial run. Shortly after he arrived, the five members of the Wilder Blue first gathered around to sing something together in the lobby of the studio. “Let’s try “Seven Bridges Road”, someone suggested. The blend was magic, and the chill bumps on their arms are the same ones fans are now feeling at venues all across the nation.

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The Wilder Blue tour dates 2024

The Wilder Blue is currently touring across 1 country and has 16 upcoming concerts.

Their next tour date is at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, after that they'll be at The Espee in San Antonio.

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Upcoming concerts (16) See nearest concert

EverBank Field

Antone's Nightclub

Levi's® Stadium

State Farm Stadium

Rice–Eccles Stadium, University of Utah

SoFi Stadium

Eddie's Attic

The Basement East

MetLife Stadium

Pearl Street Warehouse

FedEx Field

Paycor Stadium

NRG Stadium

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Highmark Stadium

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Alamodome | San Antonio, TX

Luke combs - growin' up and gettin' old tour.

Antone's Nightclub | Austin, TX

The wilder blue w/ sour bridges, levi's® stadium | santa clara, ca, luke combs - growin' up and gettin' old tour - 2 day ticket, rice-eccles stadium | salt lake city, ut, sofi stadium | inglewood, ca.

The Basement East | Nashville, TN

Metlife stadium | east rutherford, nj, luke combs-growin' up and gettin' old tour - friday ticket only, paycor stadium | cincinnati, oh.

T-Mobile Center | Kansas City, MO

Hank williams jr..

The Wilder Blue

 Texas-based outfit “The Wilder Blue” travels the borderland between musical genres, busting down the gates that separate country, bluegrass, folk, and acoustic rock.

Primary front man and songwriter Zane Williams was already a well-established solo act with a loyal fan base and seven albums under his belt when he reached out to fellow Texas troubadour Paul Eason about starting a band.  Paul had three solo albums of his own, not to mention a coveted side-man position playing lead guitar for Texas legend Kevin Fowler, but was immediately intrigued by the project.

Houston-based drummer Lyndon Hughes was next hop on board, bringing his passion for group vocals and extensive engineering and producing experience working with artists like Cody Johnson, Sundance Head, Roger Creager, David Grace, and more.  A jam session at a demo studio brought them all together with multi-instrumentalist and singer Andy Rogers on banjo, dobro, mandolin and guitar, and the chemistry was immediate.  Eventually the band’s unique vocal blend crystallized with the addition of Austin’s own Sean Rodriguez on bass and vocals.

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May 3 2024 (Friday)

Tiaa bank field jacksonville fl, may 4 2024 (saturday), handlebar pensacola fl, may 10 2024 (friday), alamodome san antonio tx, may 11 2024 (saturday), antone's nightclub austin tx, may 17 2024 (friday), levi's stadium santa clara ca, may 31 2024 (friday), state farm stadium glendale az, june 6 2024 (thursday), steele-n-jo's bone (bone store) iona id, june 7 2024 (friday), rice-eccles stadium salt lake city ut, june 14 2024 (friday), sofi stadium inglewood ca, june 15 2024 (saturday), edio vineyards at delfino farms camino ca, june 22 2024 (saturday), granada theater dallas tx, june 29 2024 (saturday), red river station st jo tx, july 4 2024 (thursday), louise hays park kerrville tx, july 13 2024 (saturday), jones von drehle vineyards thurmond nc, july 14 2024 (sunday), handpicked house concerts seymour in, july 18 2024 (thursday), ballard park ridgefield ct, july 19 2024 (friday), metlife stadium east rutherford nj, july 20 2024 (saturday), pearl street warehouse washington dc, july 26 2024 (friday), fedex field md, july 27 2024 (saturday), floydfest check va, july 28 2024 (sunday), bird's nest listening room dunn nc, august 1 2024 (thursday), doc's tavern greenville sc, august 2 2024 (friday), paycor stadium cincinnati oh, august 4 2024 (sunday), cherrybend pheasant farm wilmington oh, august 9 2024 (friday), nrg stadium houston tx, august 10 2024 (saturday), dosey doe spring tx.

August 17 2024 (Saturday)

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The Wilder Blue Drop New Single “I’m Your Man,” Just In Time For Tour With Luke Combs

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The Wilder Blue Concert Setlists & Tour Dates

The wilder blue at highmark stadium, orchard park, ny, usa.

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The Wilder Blue at American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI, USA

The wilder blue at george's majestic lounge, fayetteville, ar, usa.

• Picket Fences
• I'm Your Man
• The Conversation
• Roll, Betty, Roll
• Dixie Darlin'
• True Companion
• Canción del mariachi
• Pablo and Maria

The Wilder Blue at Main Street Crossing, Tomball, TX, USA

The wilder blue at timber & torch, steamboat springs, co, usa.

• Wave Dancer
• Palomino Gold
• The Ghost of Lincoln

The Wilder Blue at World Chicken Festival 2023

The wilder blue at the heights theater, houston, tx, usa, the wilder blue at braun brothers reunion 2023, the wilder blue at knuckleheads garage, kansas city, mo, usa.

• Ogallala Rail
• Shadows and Moonlight
• Hey Susannah

The Wilder Blue at The Big Barn at Dosey Doe, The Woodlands, TX, USA

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• Palomino Gold ( 5 )
• Wave Dancer ( 5 )
• Adios ( 4 )
• Canción del mariachi ( 4 )
• Dixie Darlin' ( 4 )

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The Doobie Brothers Eagles Zane Williams Steve Young

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About This Event

This show is 18+

YOU   MUST HAVE A VALID PHYSICAL ID .  A PICTURE OF YOUR ID IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.

No oversize bags or backpacks will be allowed into the venue. All bags/purses are subject to search. This show is G.A. Seating will be first come first serve. The Mezzanine is accessed by a staircase. For ADA seating requirements please contact the venue directly before purchasing tickets. “There is music. And then there is The Wilder Blue, who feel so transcendent, they’re in acategory all of their own.” —Saving Country MusicThe Wilder Blue began in 2019 when Zane Williams, already a seasoned troubadour with sevensolo albums under his belt, pulled together a select group of multi-talented musicians from theTexas music scene. Their debut albumHillCountry(2020) and its follow-upTheWilderBlue(2022) garnered comparisons to early Eagles and 80’s-era Alabama by interweavingfive-partharmonies with bluegrassy arrangements of folk-rock and country songs.For their newest releaseSuperNaturalin the fall of 2023, the band enlisted Grammy-nominated Brent Cobb to produce the album and perform on the title track, a song he and theband co-wrote in the studio. Brent’s groovy, vintage sensibilities proved a naturalfit for a bandwith influences as diverse as Little Feat, Del McCoury, and Robert Earl Keen. A cover of theEagle’s classic “Seven Bridges Road” also features band admirer Luke Combs, who has addedThe Wilder Blue to his 2025 stadium tour lineup.

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Have tickets for Luke Combs' concerts in Jacksonville? Here's what you need to know

A little less than eight years ago, Luke Combs was fairly unknown, playing clubs like the old Mavericks Live in the Jacksonville Landing. Now he’s headlining two shows at EverBank Stadium , and doing the same at stadiums across the country. 

In the intervening years, he’s gotten three Grammy nominations, been named Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year twice, released one of the funniest Number One hits in years with “When It Rains It Pours” and brought down the house at a nationally televised Grammy Awards show by duetting with Tracy Chapman on her hit “Fast Car.” 

Combs plays Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4, at the stadium, with a different cast of opening acts each night.  

Here's what you need to know about the shows.

Where is Luke Combs playing in Jacksonville?

Luke Combs will play two concerts at Jacksonville's EverBank Stadium , the home of the Jaguars .

Can I still get tickets for the Luke Combs concerts? 

Yes, through the stadium’s website, everbankstadium.com. Combs will have a general admission “pit” near the front of the stage, where tickets are $176. Seated areas on the floor go for $119.50-$176. Seats in the bowl are $59.50-$219.50.  

Does one ticket get me into both Luke Combs concerts? 

Afraid not. The events are separately ticketed.  

Has Luke Combs ever played a concert in Jacksonville? 

Combs’ history of playing live in Jacksonville goes back to July of 2016, when he played at the old Mavericks Live in the Jacksonville Landing. He also played at the Florida Theatre in December of 2017, the Players Championship Military Appreciation Day in May of 2018 and VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in October of 2021. 

More big concerts in 2024: 24 big shows coming to Jacksonville in 2024: Strait, Willie, McGraw, NKOTB

What other stadiums is Luke Combs playing on the Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour? 

The tour includes stops at the home stadiums of the Milwaukee Brewers, Buffalo Bills, Penn State Nittany Lions, Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners, San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, Utah Utes, Los Angeles Rams/Chargers, New York Giants/Jets, Washington Commanders, Cincinnati Bengals and Houston Texans. He’s playing back-to-back nights at all of the shows except Penn State.  

Will Luke Combs play “Fast Car” and my other favorites? 

That’s hard to say for certain, but it seems likely. Combs played back-to-back nights in April in Milwaukee and played “Fast Car” and “When It Rains It Pours” both nights. 

What songs is Luke Combs singing on tour in 2024? And is he signing the same songs both nights? 

In Milwaukee, Combs played 25 songs during the first night’s show. He mixed up the order, but 20 of the 25 songs were repeated at the second night’s show. 

Where can I park for the Luke Combs concerts? 

The stadium’s website has a link to parking options , ranging from $49-$107.50. There are thousands of spots in lots and garages in the nearby downtown area, but many of those will be occupied by workers on Friday.

Getting there: How to get to events at EverBank Stadium

 What time do parking lots open for the Luke Combs concerts? 

How many people will be at the luke combs concert .

Officials are expecting around 45,000-50,000 fans at each night’s show. 

What time does the stadium open for the Luke Combs concert? 

Gates open at 5 p.m. 

Can I jump into the EverBank Stadium swimming pools if I get overheated during the Luke Combs shows? 

No, the “spas” on the north end of the stadium will not be open during the concerts. The entire north end of the stadium, which is behind the stage, will be closed to the public. The seats in Daily’s Place, the amphitheater attached to the southern end of the stadium, will be used as a cooling-off area for fans.

Desperately seeking shade: Where fans can find the coolest spots at TIAA Bank Field

Can I leave the stadium and come back in? 

No. There is no re-entry allowed. 

What time does the first act come on stage? 

Showtime is 5:40 p.m. both nights. 

Who is opening for Luke Combs in Jacksonville?

The opening acts for Friday's show are The Wilder Blue , Hailey Whitters , Charles Wesley Godwin and Cody Jinks . 

The opening acts for Saturday's show are Colby Acuff , Drew Parker , Mitchell Tenpenny and Jordan Davis . 

Will the Luke Combs concerts be rescheduled if it rains? 

As the man himself says, “when it rains, it pours.” Acts may be postponed due to lightning, but the shows are rain or shine. The stage will be covered, but the fans won’t be. 

What can I bring with me to the Luke Combs concert? 

Policies will be the same as at a Jaguars game. You can bring in one factory-sealed water bottle that is 16.9 ounces or less. All bags brought into the stadium must be clear and no larger than 12-by-6-by-12 inches. Backpacks of any kind (even clear) are prohibited. 

Can I bring a camera to the Luke Combs concert? 

Not if it has a detachable lens, but you can shoot all the photos you want with your cell phone. Go-Pros, HD video cameras and drones are also prohibited. 

I have a gift for Luke Combs. Can I bring it to the show? 

Sorry, you’ll have to find another way to get it to him. “Wrapped gifts for the artists” are specifically prohibited. Also, you can’t profess your love for him (or deliver any other message) on a sign larger than 16-by-20 inches.  

Can I hold up my phone and record the whole Luke Combs concert? 

There’s no rule against that, but the people sitting behind you will hate you for it.  

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Luke Combs crushes 2024 stadium concert tour kickoff at Milwaukee's American Family Field

Luke Combs took to the stage in Milwaukee Friday like a bear roaring out of hibernation.

"First show back in five months — here we go," the country superstar cheered after the third song for the kickoff of his "Growin' Up and Gettin' Old Tour" at American Family Field. The tour's second show, for the only the second time in the city's stadium concert history, includes another night at the Milwaukee Brewers' ballpark Saturday.

Combs clearly relished being back in tour mode, roaming all over the stage and runways, crooning and belting until his face turned heirloom-tomato red for show starters "Must've Never Met You," "She Got the Best of Me" and "Lovin' On You" — the latter two among 13 No. 1 Billboard Country Airplay chart-toppers that made Friday's 27-song setlist.

But I'd wager there were a whole lot of Combs fans in Milwaukee Friday who were more excited for this show than he was.

More: Luke Combs at American Family Field: Everything to know for Milwaukee stadium tour kickoff

More: What you should know about parking at Luke Combs' American Family Field shows in Milwaukee

The full-volume singalongs were Exhibit A in that argument, but some historical context is important.

Milwaukee is spoiled by the sheer volume of country A-listers who routinely come to town (Dan + Shay were here last week, and Tim McGraw is going to be here next week). Combs, too, came through early in his career for three shows at the Rave and the late Northern Lights Theater; he also opened for Blake Shelton at Summerfest in 2018 and made a Farm Aid appearance at Alpine Valley Music Theatre in 2019.

But that's it. As his trophy case filled up, as the hits kept coming, as he moved on up to stadium headliner status, Combs — very much still at the top of the A-list with a leading eight ACM Award nominations announced this week — had yet to do a major Milwaukee headlining show.

Until this weekend, when he rewarded Milwaukee fans' patience with an impassioned, hits-loaded show and a couple of custom nods to the city — from the blue Brewers ballcap that served as the signature piece of his humble concert ensemble to the lyrical swaps of "Milwaukee" into a handful of songs. That didn't quite work as a sub for Panama as he sang about deep sea fishing for "When It Rains It Pours" Friday — but the cheering crowd made it clear the gesture was appreciated.

And the Milwaukee fans adored the beer-centric portion of Friday's program. Fans got to vote for one of three songs via text to make the setlist Friday, and "Beer Can" beat out "Don't Tempt Me" and "Memories Are Made Of." He paid his respects to hometown favorite Miller Brewing — possibly displeasing any American Family Insurance execs in the crowd when he suggested he still thought of the Milwaukee Brewers stadium as Miller Park — and shotgunned a can of Miller Lite during "1, 2 Many."

And of all the big hits Combs played Friday night, "Beer Never Broke My Heart" had one of the most heartfelt singalongs.

That, and his cover of Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car." The biggest hit of his career, Combs' take is pretty straightforward, letting Chapman's beautiful lyrics and melodies lead the way. But there's still clearly something special about his version, isn't there?

It's the same thing, Friday's show indicated, that has made Combs' such a superstar.

As a songwriter, as a storyteller, he's as polished as any of his peers in heavy rotation on country radio. But there's more soul and vulnerability in his voice, with just a touch of grit, than most of his centrist country star contemporaries.

So Combs, a back-to-back CMA Awards Entertainer of the Year recipient, was as expected a likable, stadium-electrifying party host.

But his ability to make the stadium filled with 41,000 to 44,000 feel small, to make songs feel personal in that space, that was his greatest strength Friday — whether he was crooning "This One's for You" alone on electric guitar while his seven-piece band took a breather, or tenderly belting "Better Together" accompanied by pretty melodies on a piano.

But the most intimate and moving stretch of the night included "Love You Anyway," "Forever After All" and "Beautiful Crazy," which Combs said were inspired by his wife Nicole Hocking, who was in attendance Friday. Combs prefaced the song singing her praises, including how she helped him with his daily anxieties — and expressed remorse for missing the birth of their second son last year while he was on tour in Australia. Calling it the best and worst day of his life, Combs choked up, took a beat, and wiped tears from his eyes. And then he poured all the emotion, all the gratitude that he felt in that highly vulnerable moment into those songs.

As the show hit the hour-and-50-minute mark Friday, and Combs more than earned the right to head backstage for some family time, he struggled to peel himself away from the stage.

Nine minutes after Combs sang the final lyrics of the night's final song, "The Kind of Love We Make," the seats across the stadium were largely empty. But the pit was still full of fans, and Combs was still on that stage, signing autograph after autograph after autograph.

More: Before Luke Combs plays in front of the 'best fans' for his Milwaukee concerts this week, he tours Miller Brewery and even shotguns a beer

More: Luke Combs introduces heartbreaking new baseball-tinged song at American Family Field

Cody Jinks, Charles Wesley Godwin and the Wilder Blue opened Friday night's Luke Combs concert

Cody Jinks was a standout at the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival in Veterans Park last summer , fueled by a hellbent desire to win over the crowd as the event’s lone country act. As the primary opener Friday at a big ol' country show, that kind of pressure was off. And, consequently, Jinks’ fire didn’t burn as brightly, despite solid renditions of tunes like “Fast Hand” and “Mamma Song” aided by a honky-tonk-tuned band.

Immediately winning points with a customized Brew Crew jersey, singer-songwriter Charles Wesley Godwin turned out to be the most animated of Friday's openers, storming the catwalk and banging his head for “Hardwood Floors.” But even in “stadium mode,” Godwin brought intimacy and tenderness to tearjerkers like “Miner Imperfections,” which he dedicated to his father. Godwin may not be at the level of his good friend Zach Bryan yet ( who he opened for at Summerfest last year ), with stadiums full of people mesmerized by every word, but Friday’s set suggested it could be in the cards. Next up for Godwin in Milwaukee: a headlining set at Summerfest’s Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard June 28, which could prove to be too small a stage for his fanbase.

Alt-country act the Wilder Blue started off the night with a gentle but effective rendition of the national anthem, then kept things mellow for Eagles cover “Seven Bridges Road” and “I’m Your Man,” a new single out Friday that, played live, was more blue-cool than red-hot swagger. The polite but understandably sleepy crowd would have to wait for something, well, wilder.

More: How Milwaukee Brewers' American Family Field became one of country's top concert stadiums

More: How Milwaukee became a must-play market for country music

6 takeaways from Luke Combs' Milwaukee concert Friday

• At the risk of ruining this for everyone catching a concert at American Family Field in the future (including myself): I once again followed Journal Sentinel reporter Claire Reid's traffic-avoiding tips and drove into the stadium lots from Blue Mound Road. I first hit the brakes at 5:28 p.m., and I was parked by 5:41 p.m. The Journal Sentinel splurged on premium parking this time out, so that cut down on my parking time, but I still was shocked at how quickly I got in. But getting out, there's really nothing drivers can do to avoid that headache. People started filing out in large numbers around 10:50 p.m., but the drive out of the lots around me didn't really clear up until about 12:10 a.m.
• A friend texted me a photo from his seats at Friday's show — with a massive, suspended speaker stack blocking a good portion of the stage, even though his tickets weren't classified as "obstructed view." He debated with customer service to no avail and embraced a positive attitude, and I gathered he was still able to see Combs on the screens clearly and when he'd walk the stage. But given the complications getting to the show and the cost, it's too bad my friend and others seated near him had to deal with that.
• Beyond "Fast Car," there were other covers Friday, including a stirring take of Ed Sheeran's "Dive," a rendition of Brooks & Dunn's "Brand New Man," and a medley of three songs with a few of Combs' bandmates taking lead vocals: Shania Twain's "Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?," Train's "Drops of Jupiter" and Dierks Bentley's "What Was I Thinkin'?"
• Combs covered a whole lot of hits, but not every one of his Billboard Country Airplay chart-toppers made the setlist. Left out Friday: "Even Though I'm Leaving," "Does to Me" and "Doin' This." But it was worth cutting one of those to make sure he added unreleased fatherly love song "The Man He Sees in Me" Friday.
• A head's up: Combs’ openers Friday won’t be the same openers Saturday. Expect a more country radio vibe with (in order of appearance) Colby Acuff, Drew Parker, Mitchell Tenpenny and Jordan Davis. And if you get to the lots by 3 p.m., you can see two more acts — Ryan Larkins and Graham Barham — at the Third Base Plaza at American Family Field.
• Most interesting conversation from the pit: A woman near the stage yelled at a security guard, “Next time I have to pee you’re coming with. That was (expletive) brutal coming back in here.” Understandably, the security guard looked horrified.

Luke Combs' American Family Field April 12 Setlist

• ”Must’ve Never Met You”
• ”She Got the Best of Me”
• ”Lovin’ on You”
• ”My Kinda Folk”
• ”Brand New Man” (Brooks & Dunn cover)
• ”One Number Away”
• ”Houston, We Got a Problem”
• ”The Man He Sees in Me”
• ”This One’s for You”
• ”Going, Going, Gone”
• ”Dive” (Ed Sheeran cover)
• ”Whose Bed Have You Boots Been Under?” (Shania Twain cover)/“Drops of Jupiter” (Train cover)/“What Was I Thinkin’?” (Dierks Bentley cover)
• ”Where the Wild Things Are”
• "Love You Anyway"
• "Forever After All"
• "Beautiful Crazy"
• "Fast Car" (Tracy Chapman cover)
• "Hurricane"
• "Cold As You"
• "When It Rains It Pours"
• "1, 2 Many"
• "Beer Never Broke My Heart"
• "Better Together"
• "The Kind of Love We Make"

Contact Piet at (414) 223-5162 or  [email protected] . Follow him on X at  @pietlevy  or Facebook at  facebook.com/PietLevyMJS .

Luke Combs collabs with Miller Lite beer to bring new merch, a sweepstakes and more

Luke Combs and Miller Lite have announced a concert tour collaboration together, renewing Combs' partnership for another North American tour with the beer by his side.

The two have collaborated on a concert sweepstakes, custom merch and a new Combs themed beer can.

Combs posted a picture from the "fine pilsner" brewery in Milwaukee, WI on Tuesday wearing a safety vest and hard hat in front of a wall of beer cans.

The caption said, "Really appreciate the folks at  @millerlite  showing me around their brewery and letting me get an up close look at how my beer cans are made from start to finish."

Here's everything we know so far about the 2024 collab.

What is the Luke Combs and Miller Lite concert sweepstakes?

Luke Combs is hitting the road for his "Growin' Up and Gettin' Old" 2024 tour in North America. He kicked off the tour on April 13 in Milwaukee, WI, where he toured the Miller Lite brewery.

The tour will continue with two stadium dates in 13 cities. The tour includes guests Cody Jinks, The Avett Brothers, Charles Wesley Godwin, Hailey Whitters, The Wilder Blue, Jordan Davis, Mitchell Tenpenny, Drew Parker and Colby Acuff.

On Miller Lite's website , fans can enter their information for a chance to win a trip to see Combs in concert on the tour.

Miller Lite's website says, "Continue below to enter for your chance to win a trip to see Luke Combs play live and other prizes from your friends at Miller Lite. Now you know why ice-cold beer never broke Luke’s heart."

The sweepstakes began on March 3 and will end on Sept. 30.

What do the new Luke Combs Miller Lite beer cans look like?

Combs' Instagram post shows his custom 16-oz Miller Lite can, which features a guitar headstock with American traditional tattoo-like text that says "Beer Never Broke My Heart," a nod to Comb's 2019 song.

The front of the can includes Combs' name under the traditional logo.

Miller Lite on Instagram: "Luke Combs is back on tour. To celebrate, we're dropping the new Miller Lite x Luke Combs Tour Trucker hat on 4/17, restocking daily until 4/20. Get yours while they last."

When did Luke Combs begin his partnership with Miller Lite?

In 2022, Combs partnered with Miller Lite, releasing his first limited edition custom can with the brand.

"Last year’s limited-edition Luke Combs cans did really well for us," Jamie Rubinstein, associate marketing manager for Miller Lite, told Beer & Beyond .

"Plus, we got great feedback that they worked well with our Americana displays, so we’re looking forward to seeing how this year’s cans come to life at retail this summer."

When will we see the 2024 Luke Combs Miller Lite cans in stores?

It is unclear when the new cans will be available for purchase in stores.

Fans speculate the cans will be available at Combs' upcoming arena tour stops.

What other Luke Combs and Miller Lite merch is there?

Combs and Molson Coors have collaborated to release the Miller Lite x Luke Combs Tour Trucker, a special edition hat. The hat features Combs' signature vintage style and is also a potential ticket to one of his shows.

Starting on April 17, Miller Lite began selling a limited number of the hats at their merch store online. On April 18, 19 and 20 a limited number of hats will be sold at 8 a.m. CST.

Each hat purchased is also an automatic entry in a sweepstakes contest, entering fans in a contest to see Combs at a summer show of their choosing.

“He’s the most genuine brand fan we could have asked for, and we’re excited to share his love for Miller Lite with consumers this summer,” Rubenstein said to Beer & Beyond.

“If you’re a fan of Luke Combs, you’re probably a fan of Miller Lite. It’s a match made in heaven.”

See Luke Combs kick off 2024 stadium tour in Milwaukee with Cody Jinks and more

Around the World and Back

Tomsk: siberian houses.

… German-Russian house…

On my second and third days in Tomsk, I went sightseeing in two of the city’s historic districts that contain old Siberian wood houses.  I was very impressed with the intricate and delicate wood carving as well as some of the painted windows and doors and some that had the entire houses painted.  The three most famous of the wood houses are the German-Russian house (above), the dragon house (below), and the Peacockhouse (undergoing reconstruction, orange and pink paint with white trim, also below).

… the Dragon House…

… the Peacock House…

Despite the reconstruction efforts, I was able to see some of the intricate wood carved trim.  the German-Russian, Dragon, & Peacock Houses all served as museums.  It is likely that the reconstruction efforts are done in the fall when after the tourist season is over.  The logs of each home are skillfully linked at the corners.  The more luxurious homes are then covered with a wood facade made of planks or boards that are then painted.  Even the wooden pillars are artfully carved.

Other homes in the historic districts of Tomsk are “regular” homes wherein normal Russian families live in them.  Some were meticulously maintained and were quite impressive looking.  Others needed some maintenance attention but still retained beautiful wood carving and a “rustic” log cabin look.

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This entry was posted on October 27, 2009 at 12:31 pm and is filed under Travel with tags backpacker , backpacking , dragon house , German-Russian house , log cabin , Orient Express , Peacock house , Russia , Russian wood house , Siberia , Siberian houses , Siberian log cabin , Siberian wood houses , Tomsk , Tomsk carved wood houses , Tomsk wood houses , trans-Siberian Railroad , Travel , wood carving , wood house trim , woodwork . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response , or trackback from your own site.

9 Responses to “Tomsk: Siberian houses”

Love that Blue one. This is really fun, almost like traveling with you. Sending love & prayers to you in Siberia.

I am too glad I find these pics. I am doing an architecture class and need to show designs for wood carving on houses. Thanks you!

You are welcome, I am glad you like them.

You site very interesting , I’ll back in one day.

I’m glad you liked it, do check back from time to time :-)

Very nice photos of the Siberian houses. I am an architecture professor and I will share this link with my classes.

Thanks, I’m glad you liked them!

Super photos, great post!

Thanks, I appreciate it.

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Trans-Siberian: Visiting Tomsk – a Winter Wonderland

March 14, 2015 by Silvia 15 Comments

My favorite stop along the Trans-Siberian route isn’t actually on the Trans-Siberian train line. We had to switch trains in the middle of the night to go up to Tomsk, something that might have seemed like a hassle had Tomsk not turned out to be my favorite city not only in Siberia, but in all of Russia.

In fact visiting Tomsk probably ended up being one of the highlights of my entire six month journey from Asia to Europe, and I think this Tomsk travel blog will show you just why.

At over 400 years old, Tomsk is one of the oldest cities in Siberia, which means that instead of only uniform Soviet architecture, the city is also full of traditional “gingerbread” style wooden houses.

I really loved that Tomsk only has 500,000 inhabitants and is such an easily walkable city. With several universities, Tomsk is also full of students, which gives the city a great energy. But what I most loved about Tomsk was that Aleksey lives there!

I met Aleksey in Israel through Couchsurfing , so when I realized that we’d be passing nearby his hometown of Tomsk I insisted that we make a detour to visit him. Because Aleksey is the coolest.

We were also really lucky with the weather in Tomsk. It snowed the day we arrived (bizarrely that was our first day in Siberia without perfectly clear skies) and then the sun came out to make all the freshly fallen snow sparkle! I mean, it was really cold – I think around -25°C – but I didn’t really mind because it felt so perfectly Siberian!

Tomsk in winter is just so magical, and while I definitely plan to visit Tomsk in the summer as well, I’m really glad my first trip here was a frosty one.

And then something super exciting happened! Remember when Dan and I found the ice slides in Ulan-Ude but didn’t have time to try them out? It was pretty devastating (I might have toned down my disappointment when I wrote about it , because I like to play it super cool on this blog). But then we found some in Tomsk! Imagine our squeals.

Also, are these not the prettiest ice sculptures you ever did see? I guess it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Siberians are so skilled with ice.

Aleksey also invited us out to his friend’s birthday celebration, which taught me some things about Russian culture. Like when Dan ordered a shot of vodka for the birthday girl and she looked at it in horror, shaking her head saying she simply  couldn’t drink vodka. And then everyone else refused to drink it as well, until finally one of the guys took it, but not without a big shudder. Way to defy stereotypes, Russians!

We ended the night at someone’s apartment talking about movies, politics, and poetry. Well, the Russians talked about poetry, and stared in disbelief when Dan and I admitted that neither of us has read any Pushkin. Sorry, Russia!

Now, thanks to Tomsk, Dan and I are already planning our next Russian adventure – hopefully in the summertime (though sadly not this summer). I just think Tomsk would be magical in the summer. Well really, I think it’s probably magical anytime of year. But Russians keep on telling us to visit Russian in the summer, so I think we definitely will need to return here then.

Where to stay in Tomsk

We stayed with Aleksey, but since I know a lot of you aren’t so into Couchsurfing I made sure to ask him for some other accommodation in Tomsk as well.

Best luxury hotels Tomsk

If you want a luxury hotel in Tomsk, stay at the Magistrat Hotel in the city center. It’s in a grand building and very luxurious, while still being quite good value. Aleksey said that this is the place to stay when you come to Tomsk! Check current rates and availability here

Best mid-range hotels Tomsk

If you’re on a smaller budget, then you should definitely stay at Abazhur Hotel, located in an beautiful old Russian wooden house in the center of town. This hotel has tons of character, lovely clean rooms, and is amazing value. Check current rates and availability here

Best Tomsk hostels

Alesksey recommended two hostels:

The Eco Hostel is supposedly the best hostel in Tomsk. It’s right by the river, the staff is amazing, and the beds have curtains for added privacy. They also have all female or male dorms, and private rooms.  Check current rates and availability here

Nice Hostel is also very, well, nice. They also have beds with curtains, a vibrant and clean design, and the all male/female dorms are the same price as mixed dorms (and slightly cheaper than Eco Hostel). Aleksey said that personal he would choose Eco Hostel, but if you’re on a tiny budget then Nice Hostel is also good. Check current rates and availability here

Read more about traveling the Trans-Siberian

Read about my other stops along the Trans-Siberian railroad through Russian here

Read about my time in Mongolia, and my trip from Beijing to Mongolia here

Read “Standing on the Deepest Lake in the World” here

When was the last time you fell in love with a new city?

Just so you know, the hotel links are affiliate links, so if you book these or any hotels through my links I’ll earn a small commission, at no extra expense to you – this helps cover the cost of running my site. Thanks, guys!

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jameela deen says

March 14, 2015 at 1:12 am

Wow the ice sculptures and slides look incredible. How was your backside after all the sliding? Can’t imagine the cold… brrrr let’s just say I’m a ‘like it hot’ kinda girl and I much prefer the 35 degrees we’re having today in Jeddah. On the other hand we can’t get ice sculptures here 🙁

Silvia says

March 15, 2015 at 2:35 am

Haha it was pretty cold on the slides – most people slid down them on their feet instead of bottom. But whoa, I’d definitely prefer it over 35 degrees!!

March 14, 2015 at 2:58 am

So funny to me as all the Russians I know (ESPECIALLY the ones from Tomsk) are always like… eh… Tomsk. Guess that makes sense as they were all the people who escaped to Moscow from Siberia!

March 15, 2015 at 2:36 am

That is awesome, because people we talked to in Tomsk were all really negative about Moscow. It’s good to know everyone really appreciates their homes at least! (But seriously, Tomsk is amaaazing.)

Jo-Anne says

March 14, 2015 at 7:38 am

Bloody awesome photos, really makes one want to visit there just to see these wonderful things

I’m still daydreaming about Tomsk – definitely worth a visit!

Justine says

March 14, 2015 at 10:03 am

Yay, I’m glad you included the map to track where you’ve been. Because sadly, my geography skills are not up to snuff for that part of the world. Anyway, I love this city already! How amazing that it has such old (and cute) buildings. And very cool that you were able to meet up with your old friend there. There’s no better way to get to a know a city than through someone who lives there. Ahaha, I love that everyone shuttered at the thought of taking a shot of vodka. How disappointing! But the fact that the night ended discussing politics and poetry. That seems so perfectly Russian 🙂

March 15, 2015 at 2:38 am

Haha honestly I need the map for myself too, to track exactly where in Russia I went. That country is huge!! I was pretty surprised at the hate towards vodka, but you’re right, the discussions of politics and poetry definitely proved that they were in fact Russian. I love how artsy and romantic so many Russians seem to be!

Rachel says

March 15, 2015 at 6:25 am

Woah, that slide looks awesome! And how pretty is Tomsk! I wish I’d given us more time to see more of Russia when we took the train across, it would have been great to detour off it to see places like this, ah well: just have to return!

March 19, 2015 at 4:15 am

There are so many places in Russia that I didn’t get a chance to see – it’s just too huge! Definitely worth another trip 🙂

March 16, 2015 at 6:37 pm

Nice! Our favorite places when we travel always end up being where we have the best stories of connecting with people. Next time we are in Siberia, we’ll have to check out Tomsk. If you are in Russia in the summer you might want to check out Petrozavodsk — it’s pretty close to St Petersburg, and has even more surreal white nights. And lots and lots of history (I suppose not unusual for that part of the country)

March 19, 2015 at 4:20 am

Thanks for the tip! I think I’ll need longer than just 30 days (which I get on the visa) to see Russia in summer – so many beautiful places!

becky hutner says

March 17, 2015 at 12:42 am

Silvia, your winter game is so impressive.

Oh you know I take winter SUPER seriously!

December 17, 2018 at 8:30 am

I’m in the middle of planning my Trans-Siberian adventure so this post is really useful – thanks! One question: what time of year did you visit Tomsk? It looks so beautiful in the snow!

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Tomsk: Cultural treasure of central Siberia

Tomsk. Church of the Resurrection on Resurrection Hill. East view. September 24, 1999

At the beginning of the 20th century the Russian chemist and photographer Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky developed a complex process for vivid color photography. His vision of photography as a form of education and enlightenment was demonstrated with special clarity through his images of architectural monuments in the historic sites throughout the Russian heartland.

In June 1912, Prokudin-Gorsky ventured into Western Siberia as part of a commission to document the Kama-Tobolsk Waterway, a link between the European and Asian sides of the Ural Mountains. The town of  Tyumen  served as his starting point for productive journeys that included Shadrinsk (current population 68,000), established in 1662 on the Iset River. By the time of Prokudin-Gorsky’s visit, the town already had several enterprises, including a ceramics factory, and a population of some 15,000. 

Prokudin-Gorsky’s photographs of Shadrinsk include the rapid construction of pine log buildings for a railroad station complex – part of a secondary rail line built in 1911-1913. The partially completed buildings show an efficient use of standardized design, with measured log stacks in the foreground. Tall, spindly pine trees complete the picture.

Shadrinsk. Construction of standardized log buildings for a railroad station complex. Summer 1912

In a broader context, these photographs reflect the expansion of Russia’s rail system from Yekaterinburg to the Far East. Although Prokudin-Gorsky did not reach Tomsk (in central Siberia), I visited there in the late Summer of 1999 and saw the extensive use of log structures in an urban environment.

Tomsk beginnings

Tomsk. Church of Kazan Icon of the Virgin at Virgin-St. Aleksy Monastery, south view. Built in 1776-89; bell tower added in 1806. September 26, 1999

Archeological evidence suggests that Tomsk Region, part of the vast Ob River basin in central Siberia, has been settled for at least four millennia.

Epiphany Cathedral, southeast view. Built in 1777-84; expanded in 19th century; severely deformed in Soviet period for use as factory. This historic photograph shows the process of restoration, completed in 2002. September 25, 1999

By the time detachments of Russian Cossacks arrived in 1598, the native inhabitants included the Khants and Siberian Tatars, who, in 1603, accepted the authority of Tsar Boris Godunov.

In 1604, a fort was founded on the banks of the River Tom (a tributary of the Ob) and, throughout the 17th century, the Tomsk settlement served as a bulwark against the Kalmyk and Kirghiz steppe tribes.  

Church of the Resurrection on Resurrection Hill, north view. Built in 1789-1807; excellent example of "Siberian Baroque" architecture. September 26, 1999

With the expansion of Russian control to the south during the 18th century, the military significance of Tomsk was replaced by trade and transportation, centered on caravans of tea from China.

Former Stock Exchange Building, begun in 1825. September 25, 1999

The expansion of the Moscow Road through Siberia in the middle of the 18th century provided further stimulus for growth that was reflected in the construction of large brick churches, such as the Epiphany Cathedral (first completed in 1784) and the Church of the Resurrection (1789), a masterpiece of Siberian baroque architecture.             

Alexander Vtorov & Sons Building, Lenin Prospect 111. Built in 1903-05 as a department store & hotel; a major example of Art Nouveau architecture in Siberia. September 24, 1999

During the 1830s, the development of gold mines in the territory greatly increased the town's significance as a center of mining operations and administration. Tomsk Region also continued to serve as a place of political exile, as it had in the 17th and 18th centuries.             

‘Diverted’ opportunities

N. S. Zaslavsky "Fashionable Store," Lenin Prospect 105. Built in 1898-99; example of "Brick Style" commercial architecture. September 24, 1999

During the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway at the end of the 19th century, Tomsk missed a second golden opportunity when the Ministry of Transportation decided to place the railroad crossing over the Ob’ River to the south. There are conflicting explanations for this decision, which slighted Tomsk, but created the town of Novonikolaevsk, subsequently to become the major Siberian metropolis of Novosibirsk.

Former building of the Flour Exchange, Lenin Square 14. Built in 1906-08; an example of Art Nouveau architecture. September 25, 1999

Tomsk settled for a branch line constructed in 1896 through the small junction of Taiga (80 kilometers south of the city) and that spur enabled Tomsk to remain a center of trade and agricultural development in central Siberia.             

Commercial building of A. V. Shvetsov, steamboat magnate. Built in 1882 in the "Pseudo-Russian" style (based on late medieval Russian architecture). September 25, 1999

The impressive scale of its commercial and residential architecture illustrates the diversity of Siberian culture at the turn of the 20th century. The Vtorov firm built one of Siberia’s largest department stores, which still graces Tomsk’s central district. Tomsk also became one of Siberia's preeminent educational centers, the location of Siberia's first university, founded in 1878. Among Russian institutions of higher learning, Tomsk State University is distinguished not only by its academic luster but also by its attractive, spacious campus.             

Main Building of Tomsk University. Built in 1885 in a late Neoclassical style. September 27, 1999

It should be emphasized that Tomsk accepted religious faiths in addition to Russian Orthodoxy. By 1910, the city had a Catholic Church of the Holy Rosary (now restored for use), two mosques (both of which have been restored), a Lutheran church (rebuilt), an Old Believer Orthodox church and a large synagogue that is among the most beautiful in Russia. The dome over its entrance has now been reconstructed.

Catholic Church of the Rosary of the Blessed Virgin. Consecrated in 1833 for the community of Polish exiles. Bell tower added in 1856. September 26, 1999

Architectural heritage

In 1911, the city’s northern area gained the neo-Byzantine Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul, the only church to remain open for most of the Soviet era. Some of the churches were built of wood, such as the Old Believer Church of the Dormition, completed in 1913 and lovingly maintained today by the parish. I was particularly honored to be asked to photograph Metropolitan Alimpy (Gusev; 1929-2003), who was visiting Tomsk at the same time.             

Choral Synagogue, Rosa Luxemburg Street 38. Built in 1902 to replace a wooden synagogue built in 1850. View before restoration of dome above main entrance. September 25, 1999

The most distinctive part of the city’s architectural heritage is displayed in its neighborhoods of elaborately decorated wooden houses, structures of solid logs often covered with plank siding.

Cathedral of Sts. Peter & Paul, southeast view. Built in 1909-11 in Neo-Byzantine style. September 24, 1999

It is no exaggeration to say that the "lacework" of Tomsk's wooden architectural ornament – particularly the window surrounds, or nalichniki – is unrivaled in Russia for its lavish detail and the extent of its preservation. Many of these extraordinary wooden houses were built for merchants who lived in the Tatar Quarter.  

Old Believer Church of the Dormition, southwest view. Wooden structure built in 1909-13 for the Old Believer Orthodox community in Tomsk region. September 27, 1999

The Tatar Quarter also contains the renovated White Mosque and a cultural center, located in a mansion built at the beginning of the 20th century for Karym Khamitov, a Tatar financial magnate.  Other ethnic groups include Russian  Germans, composed of settlers who moved to the area beginning in the 19th century. One of them was Viktor Kress, the governor of Tomsk Region in 1991-2012. 

Old Believer Church of the Dormition. Historic photograph of Metropolitan Alimpy (Gusev), spiritual leader of Russian Orthodox Old Believer Church. Photograph taken with the blessing of the prelate, who is standing in front of icon screen. September 27, 1999

Decline & rebirth

The many positive trends in the region’s development during the early 20th century were crushed by the savage fighting of the Civil War between 1918-1921. After that conflict, Tomsk entered a decline that was reversed by the evacuation to the city of industrial and research facilities during World War II.

Wooden house, Belinsky Street 19. Excellent example of "Carpenter Gothic" style. September 24, 1999

This momentum, reinforced by strong institutions of higher education in Tomsk, continued after the war with the development of nuclear research installations for both military and energy purposes.             

Wooden house built by architect Andrey Kryachkov. Fine example of Art Nouveau architecture in wood. September 26, 1999

With over a half a million inhabitants and a regional population of almost a million, Tomsk remains a leading Siberian center for administration, education, industry and energy resources.

Wooden house & courtyard gate, Tatar Street 46. One of many distinctive wooden houses built in the district of Tatar merchants. September 26, 1999

Protecting the environment has been a major concern, particularly in an area of stunning natural beauty. 

White Mosque, built in Tatar District in 1912-16. September 26, 1999

At the same time, dedication to the city’s historical environment – including its houses of worship – has succeeded in preserving an architectural legacy that represents a Russian national treasure.

House of merchant Karym Khamitov, built in Tatar District in 1894. Under conversion into cultural center for Tatar community of Tomsk region. September 25, 1999

Indeed, a walk through the historic neighborhoods of Tomsk reminds just how much Russian culture belongs to the forest.  

Ornamental wooden gate leading to courtyard of house on Solyanoi Lane 18. September 26, 1999

In the early 20th century, Russian photographer Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky developed a complex process for color photography. Between 1903 and 1916, he traveled through the Russian Empire and took over 2,000 photographs with the process, which involved three exposures on a glass plate. In August 1918, he left Russia and ultimately resettled in France, where he was reunited with a large part of his collection of glass negatives, as well as 13 albums of contact prints. After his death in Paris in 1944, his heirs sold the collection to the Library of Congress. In the early 21st century, the Library digitized the Prokudin-Gorsky Collection and made it freely available to the global public. A few Russian websites now have versions of the collection. In 1986, architectural historian and photographer William Brumfield organized the first exhibit of Prokudin-Gorsky photographs at the Library of Congress. Over a period of work in Russia beginning in 1970, Brumfield has photographed most of the sites visited by Prokudin-Gorsky. This series of articles juxtaposes Prokudin-Gorsky’s views of architectural monuments with photographs taken by Brumfield decades later.

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