Singer, Songwriter, Chris Knight makes his second recent appearance at Indy’s Hi-Fi

Singer, Songwriter, Chris Knight makes his second recent appearance at Indy’s Hi-Fi

By: Kevin Vickery

Chris Knight will take the stage at Hi-Fi located at 1043 Virginia Avenue in the part of Indianapolis commonly referred to as Fountain Square on January 20th with Tim Lynch.

I was lucky enough to see his performance there back on August 12, 2023 along with Ben Danaher and since that was just before this column started, I thought I would share about the experience now since he’s coming back so soon.

I was first introduced to Chris Knight’s music back in the late nineties when I was living in Nashville, TN and a friend who worked for the record label that Knight was recording with handed me a CD copy of his first album before it was even finished. By unfinished, I mean it literally just said “Chris Knight” hand written in blue sharpie on the disk. He said, “Check this out. I think you’ll dig this guy’s stuff.”  He was right and I’ve been a fan ever since.

Once finished, the album went on to be his self titled debut album and featured his song, “I’t Ain’t Easy Being Me” which is literally one of my favorite songs of all time and has been a reoccurring staple in my band’s set list for decades now. Another favorite from that CD was Knight’s song, “William” which is absolutely great but bring your Kleenex because it’s a real tear jerker as it tells the life story of a boy with a rough and abusive upbringing.

That’s what Chris Knight’s songs are all like. They’re something I’ve always called “story songs”.  By today’s terminology, I’d guess he’d be defined as “Americana”, since it’s not got all the flash and over-produced sounds associated with modern country music, but I assure you, he’s a as country as they come.

Growing up and living in Slaughters, KY, Knight used the real world experiences of his family, neighbors, farmers, and miners to paint the pictures that he has turned into life stories about the world he’s grown up around. He never made the move to Nashville either, instead opting to remain in his very small Kentucky hometown to write songs. And these songs come from not only Knight’s experiences, but from his heritage.

I’m particularly a fan of his sort of rough and growly voice which gives those tunes even more authenticity. Knight has said, “I used that material. “I used the material from where I grew up. Things I did. Things my brothers did. The people I know go to town on Saturday night. A song like ‘Oil Patch Town’ was every Friday night in Kentucky … things like ‘Down The River’ was fishing at the Green River,” he explained. “I use everything.”

The night I watched him make his way through his material from his ten album recording career at Hi-Fi was most definitely an excellent experience. 

I had never heard of opening act, Ben Danaher before that night who performed as a soloist, only with his guitar. His voice was excellent and he captivated the crowd in a way that’s difficult for a solo, singer/songwriter to do. The people in the room actually were quiet and respectful during his songs, genuinely listening to his lyrics and taking in his message. He definitely made some new fans in Indiana that night. I’ve personally listened to his song, “Hell or High Water” at least a hundred times since that night.

I also can’t speak highly enough of the venue.  Indy’s Hi-Fi is maybe the most acoustically perfect venue of that size in which I’ve ever been. It was most definitely designed for great sound and is a singer/songwriter or acoustic act’s dream gig. My only complaint would be that there’s not much actual seating and it’s mostly a standing room only vibe which can be hard on this writer’s old man knees. However, as a bonus, it does have an adjoining restaurant and their food is delicious. I highly recommend the Mexican street corn or “Esquites” as it is called on the menu.

I realize that Chris Knight may not be a household name, but if you get the chance to see him live or check out any of his albums, and if you like a good story put to music, you’ll be glad you did.

Keep up with Chris Knight’s work through his Facebook page and other social media or through his official website at chrisknight.net

If you want to experience the sounds of Ben Danaher you can find him as well through the regular social media outlets or at his official website at bendanaher.com

Henry County resident and Ball State alum, Kevin Vickery, is bassist and lead vocalist for The Cousin Brothers. He spent several years working in Nashville for some of the biggest names in Country Music before taking over the reins at his family business. If you have a story idea or an event that you think Kevin should cover, contact him at kevin.makesomenoise@yahoo.com