28 Mile Hosts Noah Hicks for a Honkytonk Night
28 Mile Distilling Co. is an upscale bar halfway between Milwaukee and Chicago. It offers a unique blend of elegance and charm with chandeliers and a disco ball hanging from the ceiling. The tasting room features reserved seated tables, general admission standing tables, and an open outdoor patio for a delightful listening experience. It’s far from your typical honkytonk in the northeast suburbs of Chicago.
The night kicked off with 16-year-old Liam Sheridan, a sophomore at Lake Forest High School, who performed covers of Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers, and Luke Combs. Despite being only two years into his musical journey, Liam’s stage presence exuded confidence. If he was nervous, it certainly didn’t show. He was supported by his mom, who was also in the crowd listening. He even stepped down from the stage to serenade some dancers up front. He impressed listeners by multitasking with a harmonica and guitar for “Pink Skies.” Zach Bryan must be a favorite of his because he closed with “Revival.”
Taken with iphone
Next up was Lara Bell, who performed a mix of originals and covers from Taylor Swift, Kelsea Ballerini, and Trisha Yearwood. Haling from the northern part of Illinois, Highwood felt right at home in Highwood. Her soft vocals were supported by her drummer and guitarist. Lara’s style, complete with a cowhide rug and white maxi skirt, gives country chic. She is perfect for fans of Carter Faith, Carly Pearce, or Lauren Alaina. Lara is currently touring around Illinois and Wisconsin.
Taken with iphone
The highlight of the evening was Noah Hicks, fresh off a stretch of shows opening for Lanco on their “We’re Gonna Make It” Tour. Hicks, who has opened for big names like Jon Langston, Scotty McCreery, and Brantley Gilbert, headlined the 28 Mile Distilling Co. tasting room. Noah captivated the audience with “Drinkin’ in a College Town,” recorded with fellow country stars Jon Langston and Travis Denning. The music video, featuring Hicks, Langston, and Denning as old men, is a must-watch. Hicks has collaborated with other notable artists like Rhett Akins, Ashley Cooke, and Justin Moore.
Taken with iphone
Noah’s personality is bigger than his body. He has a presence that can't be contained. Noah’s energetic performance included him belting lyrics from the atop of the bar. Fans of Florida Georgia Line or Brantley Gilbert would appreciate Hicks’ bro-country style, which vividly depicts simple small-town life with upbeat sounds.
Taken with iphone
Growing up on a chicken farm in Georgia, Hicks’ music evokes the feeling of being 17 again, sitting on a tailgate in a cornfield. “Dirt on It” and “I Can Tell You’re Small Town” give a vivid image of what it was like growing up in his hometown. While Hicks’ songs often revolve around one stoplight towns, dirt roads, and bonfires, he has a wide variety of love, breakup, and somewhere in the middle songs. This is depicted in the unreleased “Better Bad Habit” about a love he should avoid. He covered songs by Thomas Rhett, Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean, and Luke Combs with the same sound. Hicks also introduced new tracks from his upcoming EP. A standout unreleased song was “Might as Well Be Gone,” which has a rock edge.
Taken with iphone
Hicks stayed after his performance to take photos and meet with fans as a thank you for coming out. Aspiring, relentless, and eager to make it big, this 26-year-old still has the fire in his belly to become a household name. You can catch him at a county fair or festival near you this summer.
