St. Pete, Fla. — Fans of tight vocal harmonies have a reason to celebrate this week. Four‑time Grammy‑nominated group Little Big Town is set to perform Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Mahaffey Theater for the opening night of their national tour promoting their twelfth studio album, It’s a Dying Art.
Why the tour matters
Unlike many country acts that rush to a greatest‑hits compilation, Little Big Town waited more than two decades before releasing a retrospective collection, underscoring their commitment to artistic growth over quick cash‑ins. The quartet—Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook—has maintained the same lineup since their self‑titled debut in 2002, a rarity not only in country music but across popular music genres.
What makes the group unique
Sweet told St. Pete Catalyst that the band’s longevity stems from mutual respect, shared laughter, and a willingness to “check your ego at the door.” He recalled their early days driving a van, earning gas money, and buying sandwiches on the road, describing those humble experiences as the glue that bonded them.
Their sound blends country storytelling with the melodic richness of classic harmony groups like Crosby, Stills & Nash and Fleetwood Mac. While they honor country roots, they avoid the “barstool boot‑stomping” stereotype and steer clear of the cookie‑cutter pop‑country that dominates many radio playlists.
Collaborations and new material
It’s a Dying Art features contributions from Jason Isbell, Kelsea Ballerini and Ashley Monroe, among others. Sweet highlighted how Ballerini’s voice added a “sexy, smoky” element to the track “Closing Time,” while Isbell’s “stark and haunting” touch helped shape the album’s mood. Monroe’s involvement in writing “Sucker For a Sad Song” further illustrates the group’s collaborative spirit.
The album’s lead single “Hey There Sunshine” tackles serious depression with an uplifting tone, a departure from typical radio‑friendly country fare. Sweet emphasized that the record was crafted without pressure to chase chart success; instead, the band focused on serving the song and preserving artistic integrity.
Spotlight on Karen Fairchild
Fairchild, often seen as the group’s frontwoman, also co‑produced the new album. Sweet likened her role to a quarterback, noting that each member can step into the lead vocal role when the song calls for it. He praised her for immersing herself in the writing and production process, earning producer credit alongside the rest of the band.
Tickets and details
The Mahaffey Theater concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available through the venue’s online portal. Attendees can expect a setlist that spans hits such as “Pontoon,” “Girl Crush,” “Better Man,” “Little White Church,” “Tornado” and “Boondocks,” alongside new tracks from the latest album.
For St. Pete residents and surrounding communities, the show offers a chance to experience a blend of country storytelling, sophisticated harmonies and heartfelt lyrics—all delivered by a group that has proven its staying power through more than two decades of music‑making.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
