It has been almost a decade since I first spoke with Ryan Humbert about a new band and album he was working on called, Shooter Sharp & The Shootouts. The Akron-based group was going to perform traditional country and honky tonk, and as Humbert pointed out, “there weren’t too many young bands doing that around here.”
The group, now known as The Shootouts, has stayed true to their mission and have become known across the nation for their Americana music with a unique blend of rustbelt country. They released their fourth album, Switchback, earlier today (May 30) via Transoceanic Records and will celebrate with a show at Goodyear Theater in Akron tomorrow, Saturday, May 31st at 7:30pm (Doors open at 6:30pm).
Switchback, showcases The Shootouts’ signature sound with a fresh blend of lyrics and melodies with a vast array of musical influences including Vince Gill, Rodney Crowell, Sam Bush, Lindsay Lou, Logan Ledger, and Mickey Raphael.
Joining The Shootouts for the album release show is special guest, Grammy winning artist Jim Lauderdale, who will open the show.
For this special album release concert, a seven-piece version of the band will perform the new album in its entirety, from start to finish, along with some of their favorites from the previous three albums.
Since the group formed in 2015, they have been performing across the country at shows and festivals like SXSW, AmericanaFest, Sirius XM Outlaw Country, and more. The group’s third album, 2023’s Stampede, was co-produced by Ray Benson of Asleep at The Wheel and spent over 15 weeks in the Top 10 of the Americana Radio Chart. They have shared the stage with artists like Marty Stuart, Steve Earle, Sheryl Crow, Chris Isaak, Jim Lauderdale, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
Switchback made it’s debut at #20 on the Americana Music Association Album Chart (5.21). It was the highest debut of the week, and one spot ahead of Zach Top and Billy Strings (Me & Billy) and just one spot behind Willie Nelson (Oh What A Beautiful World).
Additionally, they’ve played the Grand Ole Opry eight times since 2023 and have artifacts currently on display in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The band has performed in 26 US states and recently at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. And, they even performed for our pet fundraiser in 2017 called PetFest at Thirsty Cowboy in Medina.
If you are looking for a great Saturday night of authentic Country Music, check out The Shootouts album release concert. Tickets are available at goodyeartheater.com for $20, $25 and $30.
To order merchandise, including limited edition vinyl copies of Switchback, visit shootoutsmusic.com
