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Parti-Gras Comes to CMT Crossroads with Memorable Bret Michaels and Chris Janson Mash-Up
by Rich and Laura Lynch
Since 2002, CMT's popular program CMT Crossroads has been coupling country artists with musicians from other realms in a live setting. Each episode features the pairing playing each other's music. This concept also includes conversations with the stars as they get to know each other before sharing the stage. These talks are spliced into the concert footage for the show.
Chris Janson and Bret Michaels preview next summer's Partis-Gras concerts in Spring Hill.
On November 14, 2023 another action-packed installment was filmed. The line-up featured Bret Michaels and Chris Janson who presented a high energy performance to a very enthusiastic crowd at Worldwide Stages in Spring Hill, Tennessee. This explosive episode premiered on CMT on December 20, 2023.
"On behalf of Chris Janson & myself, there are not enough words in the universe to thank all the incredible family, friends, fans & CMT as Crossroads was a bucket list for both of us. It was a party from the get-go & your energy was unstoppable. To all the fans, bands & crew at Worldwide Stages last night, you rock my world. I am forever grateful. Happy Holidays!," posted Bret after the filming.
Bret Michaels is best known as the lead singer for the glam metal band Poison who have sold millions of records. Bret has also enjoyed a successful solo career that includes acting as well as music. In recent years, he has become the master of ceremonies for Parti-Gras a concert experience that he created to thank family, fans and friends who have rocked with him through the years. They are celebrations of good energy and live music from a wide array of artists. Michaels certainly brought that Parti-Gras vibe to CMT Crossroads.
Chris Janson added his own "Good Vibes" to the show. Chris is a popular country singer and songwriter with a growing fan base called "Janson Junkies". In addition to his own hits such as "Buy Me a Boat", Chris has penned singles for Tim McGraw, LoCash, Randy Houser and Hank Williams Jr. At Worldwide Stages, the pair ran through Janson's tunes first. Since this was being recorded for TV some of the songs were played more than once giving CMT a few options. All good, as the crowd happily clapped and sang along to the festive "Fix A Drink", "All I Need Is You" and the now classic "Buy Me A Boat".
Now it was time to play Bret's material starting with Poison's "Talk Dirty To Me", their version of "You're Mama Don't Dance" and of course the power ballad "Every Rose Has A Thron". Each run through was energized and everyone appeared to be having a good time which is what live performing is all about.
On stage, the two seemed like they were best friends. Both come from blue collar backgrounds and are passionate about their crafts. At one point, Janson thanked Michaels for his songs while recalling that when he played Poison covers at bars Chris got generous tips. Both men were generous with their complements to each other, and they worked well together. So much so, that it was alluded to that Janson might be on a future Parti-Gras tour.
With Bret and Chris, CMT Crossroads once again delivered a mash up of music from different genres. Yet, in many ways Michaels and Janson are a lot alike in that they take their artistry seriously in a feisty yet fun format that has wide appeal. They appeared to be really enjoying themselves while stating that they had spent the whole day together. So be on the lookout for these fast friends to be sharing more stages in the future and watch CMT Crossroads for more creative combinations.
Launched back in 1983, CMT (Country Music Television) was the premier channel devoted to country music, country music videos, concerts, specials and biographies of the genre's stars. In time, CMT's catalogue expanded to include lifestyle/reality programming, sitcoms, and more. A show such as CMT Crossroads is a fine example of CMT being "a little bit country and a little bit rock 'n roll".
Related Links:
For more information on CMT CROSSROADS and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -
CMT.com |
Bret Michaels |
Chris Janson |
Worldwide Stages
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