As a musician, it’s not every day you get invited to test out the sound system in a brand-new concert hall, but tonight was one of those unforgettable experiences. Samantha Gray and the Jukebox Jam had the privilege of performing at the Hard Rock Casino in Bristol, just days before the grand opening. And let me tell you, it was everything we hoped for—and then some.
When I first heard about the plans for the Hard Rock Casino in Bristol, I have to admit, I was a skeptic. Local governments often announce grand projects that never quite live up to the hype, so I didn't know what to expect. But the Seminole Tribe has proven that they can make it happen. What was once a vacant Bristol Mall has been transformed into a vibrant 24/7 casino and entertainment hub, and the energy here is contagious.
We've been performing at Hard Rock for the past few months, but tonight was different. This time, we were invited to help test the new sound system in the main concert hall, which seats 1,800. Blake Shelton is set to officially open this stage on Thursday, and it’s clear that this place is built to rock. From the moment we walked in, everything was fresh—new extension cables, DI boxes, cords, and all the high-tech gear you could imagine. It was a true techie's dream come to life.
Earlier in the month, my friend Steve Bailey and his company, EAV Audio, were setting up the sound system. After decades in the business, I’ve seen my fair share of audio setups, but nothing quite like this. The sound, the lighting, the video systems—this was next-level technology. Jeremiah, a young sound tech from EAV, mused about my Moog when I was setting up my stage rig, and we were all too excited to see the system come together.
The staff was incredible tonight too. They helped us unload, take down and treated our little band like we were headliners. Their system of lights, sound and video are state of the art and when fans walk into this room in the future, they're sure to be treated to a multi-media experience they will never forget. There's three large LED screens and the when it comes to the gear and the tech - there simply isn't a better sound stage for hundreds of miles!
As the evening wrapped up and we were getting ready to head out, our contact, Kevin, invited us to stay for dinner. We were treated to a tour of the new hotel, the steakhouse, and of course, the casino floor. The place is filled with iconic music memorabilia, from Ozzy Osbourne's gear to Little Nas X's outfits, and even a display featuring Faith Hill’s Corvette. It’s like walking through music history, all while enjoying top-notch entertainment.
One of the standout features of this casino is how they’ve integrated the local culture. A façade resembling State Street greets you at the entrance, and inside, the walls are lined with artwork celebrating the region's rich musical history. It’s a perfect balance of local pride and global rock 'n' roll energy.
The night was still young as we tested the sound in the main auditorium, but it was also a family and friends night around the casino, and the buzz was palpable. Even though the big crowds haven't rolled in yet, you could feel the excitement in the air. This weekend, the test run was a hit, and these folks are more than ready to rock.
For Samantha Gray and the band, it’s a thrilling time. We’ve got two more performances lined up this year, including a VIP event Wednesday on the new Steak House stage and ringing in 2025 at the Cafe stage. As we toured the facility, I could already picture how incredible those experiences will be.
By the time we finished our set, the room was thick with smoke, and the lights cascaded like fluorescent waterfalls. It was a perfect way to end an incredible night. Later, as we sampled the drinks and steaks, I looked over at Mary and Tommy, and we all agreed—the Hard Rock Casino is just the beginning of something huge for Bristol. This place is going to be the start of a million new stories, and hopefully, one of the area’s most successful ventures yet.
For local musicians like us, it’s an exciting time. With four stages around the facility, there’s a real chance for live music to be a daily feature here. This is a game-changer for the local music scene, and we’re proud to be a part of it.
Bristol has long been known as the Birthplace of Country Music, and now, with the Hard Rock Casino, the Seminole Nation has upped the ante. More artists than ever will have the chance to make their mark here at this incredible venue. The future of music in Bristol has never looked brighter.
What a thrill. What an honor.
