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Summer Nights

Catching up & Dancing with David Voss on a summer evening at Whiskey Row

Article by Tanya Lewellen

Photography by Blushing Cactus Photography - Tracy & Jeremiah Scheffer

Originally published in Gilbert City Lifestyle

This summer is all about FUN and when you have the best local entertainment right here in the East Valley, you better believe that's where you should be for the rest of the summer and into the fall. Many of you know David Voss from Whiskey Row in Downtown Gilbert, but he also plays in other East Valley venues; and during the day you can find him working for a mortgage company in the real estate industry.

Although David has roots in Texas, Kansas, and Utah, he has spent more than 20 years calling Arizona home!  And Arizona is the birthplace of his own dream; David Voss & Big Country.

As is the case with most music lovers, music has been used to define the biggest moments of his life. Each song from his life channels memories and invokes emotions of all types and feelings.

Most of David's musical roots come from his seven brothers and sisters and parents who also love music. His earliest memories are of his parents filling their home with the varied music of The Beatles, Barbershop Quartet, Gospel Choir Music, Rod Stewart, The BeeGees, John Phillip Sousa, The Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, and Neil Diamond. 

Sharing a room with his high school age oldest brother introduced him to bands such as Pink Floyd, Queen, Sex Pistols, Michael Jackson, and a slew of early 80's hairbands such as Ratt.  With his older brother leaving the home after high school, David's older sisters continued to shape his musical tastes introducing him to 80's Rock and Pop.  David listened to everything from U2 , Erasure, and Depeche Mode to Metallica and 80's Glam hairbands such as Bon Jovi, Poison, Def Leppard, Cinderella, Warrant, Motley Crue, and White Snake. It is interesting that up to that point, there was no exposure to David's current art form and muse; Country Music.

It wasn't until high school that David was exposed and found love for the simplicity and majesty of "Three Chords and the Truth."  A new kid moved into the neighborhood from North Carolina. This friend listened to almost nothing else but country. This being the early 90s, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, and George Strait were the kings of the moment. From there, David fell in line with the mainstream crowd immersing himself with the riffs, harmonies, and poetic lyrics from the two-stepping tunes and the love songs of the time. However, David's high school friend gave him more than a taste of the founding fathers such as Hank Sr., Hank Jr., Waylon, Merle, Johnny, Conway Twitty, and David Allen Coe.

Since then, David has continued to love all genres of music amassing hundreds of tapes, thousands of CDs, purchasing thousands of dollars of music from early iTunes and now enjoying the norms of unlimited streaming.

David Voss & Big Country is the culmination of this history, much life experience,  and much more that still needs to be written.

Local entertainment, especially when it involves country music and dancing, offers a unique and enjoyable experience that brings people together, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. Gathering with friends to enjoy the summer while supporting local businesses and musicians creates a vibrant atmosphere filled with laughter, music, and memorable moments.

Country music and dancing have a special way of setting the stage for a fun-filled evening. The energetic rhythms and catchy melodies evoke a sense of nostalgia and create an irresistible urge to hit the dance floor. Whether it's line dancing, two-stepping, or simply swaying to the beat, the joy of moving to the music is infectious.

Attending local entertainment events not only provides an opportunity to have a great time, but it also supports the local economy and talent. Local businesses, such as bars, clubs, or music venues, often host these events, offering a platform for local musicians to showcase their talents. By attending these shows, we contribute to the livelihood of these artists and the sustainability of the local entertainment scene.

The social aspect of gathering with friends for a night of country music and dancing is priceless. It's a chance to create lasting memories, strengthen bonds, and unwind from the stresses of everyday life. The shared enthusiasm for the music brings people together, fostering a sense of belonging and creating a community within the venue.

So, gather your friends, put on your dancing shoes, and immerse yourself in the local entertainment scene. Support local businesses and musicians while creating cherished memories. Enjoy the carefree spirit of summer as you dance under the stars, sing along to familiar tunes, and embrace the joy of being surrounded by like-minded individuals who share your love for country music and a good time.

Gathering with friends to enjoy the summer while supporting local businesses and musicians creates a vibrant atmosphere filled with laughter, music, and memorable moments.

Businesses featured in this article