Casey James - Up Close and Personal

Casey James - Up Close and Personal - Live at Cactus Theater!
Friday, May 23, 2025
Doors 6:50 pm • Showtime 7:30 pm

Casey James rose to national attention and became a household name overnight as a contestant on American Idol. Using his fierce instrumental skills, emotional tenor and musical talent, he landed high among the finalists, third to be exact. After over a decade of playing shows as a local musician in the DFW area, James suddenly had opportunities he had only dreamed of. The success he experienced during the show brought him a recording contract with a major
country label. He took the offer, although the tight creative limitations on commercial country overlapped only partially with the music at the center of his soul. James made the opportunity work. He landed hits with “Let’s Don’t Call It A Night” and “Crying on A Suitcase” – however, the three-minute time frames and limits on instrumental playing did not allow him to showcase his artistic vision. Five years and four radio singles later, James left his major label deal with hopes of being able to make music without limitations.

With his 2017 album Strip It Down, he made the blues project he’d always envisioned - introducing his music to a whole new demographic, which was well-received worldwide. Teaming up with Grammy Award-winning producter Tom Hambridge was a great start - and James was left with a record that garnered rave reviews from Blues/Rock/Americana media outlets and fans across the world – with the Rock Doctor raving that that Strip It Down was “one hell of a delightful surprise!” He had finally busted into the scene he’d always wanted to be a part of.

With his 2020 follow-up, If You Don’t Know By Now, James dug in deeper on the genre, exploring its range while setting himself apart as an inspired, melodic guitarist as well as an expressive, soulful vocalist. It’s a stark commitment to a musical form lodged firmly in his soul. James attacked the new record with a new level of confidence, thanks in part to his affirming experience with Strip It Down.

“We need to remind humanity what music is about,” James says. “It's not about money. It's not about fame. At the end of the day, you can remove all that, take away technology, take away marketing, but the music will remain. It's un-killable. As long as human beings live, music will remain, and that brings me joy.”

“Real-life-inspired lyricism and multi-genre stylistic influences – which melds the blues, jazz, country, and southern rock...an easy-listen and strong appeal to a wide variety of music lovers.”

Reserved Tickets:
All floor and standard balcony....$20 advance; 25 day of show
Balcony box seats (includes concessions)....$40 advance; 50 DOS

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