After criss-crossing the country, The Hard Working Americans put Texas in it’s sights for a 3 night run.  On Saturday, they pulled into Austin, TX for a show at Stubb’s.  Fronted by Todd Snider (vocals), this super group comprised of Dave Schools of Widespread Panic (bass), Neal Casal of The Chris Robinson Brotherhood (guitars/vocals), Chad Staehly of Great American Taxi (keys) and Duane Trucks of King Lincoln.  Also on tour with the group was Jesse Aycock (guitar) and a special appearance by Elizabeth Cook. 

Opening for The Hard Working Americans was The Departed. Led by Cody Canada (guitar, vocals) with members Jeremy Plato (bass), Chris Doege (drums) and Steve Littleton (Keys). Their soulful southern rock style set the stage for the rest of the night.  Though a seemingly short set, The Departed brought vibes to get the night started.

A set change later, The Hard Working Americans came out on stage ready to play. Opening with with their cover of Stay A Little Longer, the band with special guest Elizabeth Cook hooked the crowd.  Spontaneous eruptions of joy filled the air throughout the night as the band powered through their set.  Album titles like Blackland Farmer, Another Train, Down to the Well were interspersed with some of Todd’s favorites like Is This Thing Working, finally ending with Stuck on the Corner.  Afterward, they came back out to give the crowd an encore that included Straight to Hell and Stomp and Holler.  If you get a chance to catch The Hard Working Americans while they are out on tour, it would do your soul some good.