In the cozy, funky, dimlit restaurant and live music joint, Stickyz Rock’n’Roll Chicken Shack, tenders were eaten, songs were sung and the best of times were had.
Located in Little Rock’s River Market District, Stickyz showcased singer/songwriters Darryl Rahn and Jake Minch and his band.
During the musician’s third show of the tour, both strummed away at their own tunes and audience members sang alongside them, echoing the singer’s songs back.
Rahn opened for Minch and his band with a smile that never left his face and music that was good for the soul.
Fans called out to Rahn to request some deep cuts of his that had been out for many years. and while he was appreciative of their knowledge of his discography, he giggled into the microphone and confessed, “I can’t do those songs justice right now, it’s been too long and honestly I think they’re cringe now.”
He sang his own written tunes like “Silent Acknowledgement” and “Heaven’s a Dive Bar” as the crowd sang and danced in front of the stage.
As the night continued on, the time for the main star of the show to appear grew closer and the audience’s excitement was hardly containable.
Jake Minch, a 22 year-old artist and storyteller, made a name for himself by posting videos of him singing his written lyrics on TikTok and with hits like “Handgun” and “Fingers and Clothes.” His ability to write about vulnerability and heartbreak stood out to fans and viewers.
Audience members discussed the importance of Minch’s lyrics and the impact his songs had on them.
Soon the lights dimmed and Minch and his band took the stage.
Three curly headed, doe-eyed boys started playing and throughout the performance Minch’s band members rotated, added and excelled with all sorts of instruments such as the banjo, the electric piano, acoustic guitar and more.
Minch writes a more chill and acoustic vibe but his song from his album “George,” titled “Say Uncle,” is a unique track for the artist with its upbeat yet heartfelt message.
The audience went nuts for him and his song, and following fans’ outburst of love for the song Minch said, “I’m so glad you guys aren’t scared of looking stupid, because you did and that’s okay.”
Minch’s laid back and cool energy was carried with him throughout the entire performance and made the experience feel like listening to friends next to a cozy campfire.
Minch and his band sang mostly from his album George that was released this past summer in July but also included some of his first hits that put his name on the map as well as a cover of Phoebe Bridger’s 2020 song, “Kyoto.”
Throughout the night fans went crazy, Minch dove into the heartfelt meanings behind some of his songs, Rahn joined the band and took the stage again, and a fan’s 18th birthday was celebrated with the band and crowd singing to her.
“I had a really great summer thing and I really thought it was going to work and then…it didn’t. And it’s been an awesome, awesome coincidence that this song came out on the day that we’re in the home town that I never got to see,” Minch said when discussing his newest song that was released on November 7, the same day of the show that’s called “Leave.”
“I definitely left a little all over Little Rock today,” Minch continued in regards to the release’s theme of wondering where love goes after a relationship ends.
The musicians on stage were natural and charming performers that let their emotions run wild through the use of song.
Minch’s tour will continue throughout November, ending on the 25 in Hamden, Connecticut. Tickets can be purchased online now
