Graham Barham Brings Club Country to Chicago
Cover Photo By: Jason KalishGraham Barham’s return to Chicago came with a major milestone: a venue upgrade from the intimate, 250-capacity Carol’s Pub to the triple-sized Joe’s on Weed Street. Since his last Chicago appearance at Lollapalooza, Barham’s momentum has only accelerated, and this show marked the largest headlining venue of his career to date.
Taken with iPhoneOpening the Oil Money Tour was the trio Highway Home, made up of Conner Sweeny, Eamon Owen, and Stanton Langley. Though the band performed one member short due to a personal emergency, their sound and charisma didn’t falter. Relaxed, friendly, and confident, the group delivered a tight 30-minute acoustic set using only their harmonies and a single guitar. They warmed up the crowd with ’90s and early-2000s covers along with a handful of originals, showcasing sharp songwriting on breakup anthem “Trash Out The Trailer.” A standout moment was their newly released “Ring on Red,” a clever tale about betting an engagement ring on roulette.
Taken with iPhoneBarham kicked off his set with the high-energy “Shoot the Lock.” After moving to Nashville at a young age, he established himself as a songwriter for others before cutting his teeth playing Broadway’s bar circuit. His Oil Money EP marked a turning point, solidifying the sound that has allowed him to carve out his own lane. He is pushing the limits of the country music realm with his new era of “club country.” Inspired by artists like Morgan Wallen and Florida Georgia Line, Barham blends country storytelling with rap cadences and dubstep-driven production, making music for the kids who grew up in the country but blasted rap in the back of the truck. Across the past two years, Barham has been releasing music at a remarkable pace. He has put out two EPs and a steady stream of singles, including recently released “Buckshot,” which made its way into the night’s setlist.
Taken with iPhoneThe stage design was intentionally minimal, featuring just a few oil drums and plenty of open space for Barham to move. He delivered a high-energy performance, jumping, dancing, and sprinting across the stage without ever sacrificing vocal quality. Between songs, he shared stories about his upbringing, influences, and the resilience required to push through criticism as he continues to evolve the country genre. A memorable highlight came when he added an extra verse to “Whiskey Whiskey,” showcasing his rapping abilities. He closed the night with “M.I.A.” before weaving through the crowd during TikTok-famous “Oil Money.”
Taken with iPhoneAfter the show, fans who purchased the affordable meet-and-greet packages were treated to a genuinely personal experience. Barham took time with every single fan, posing for photos, signing merch, and offering enthusiastic, patient conversation. The excitement in the room made one thing clear: club country is here to stay.
