Surrounded by cowboy hats and BBQ, budding blues artist Eric Heideman took the stage at Cooper's Monday night. Clad in blue suede shoes and a bright blue guitar, Heideman electrified the audience with a set almost as blue as his vestments.
Heideman's blue suede shoes may not have been his only nod to the King of Rock and Roll.
Heideman’s rockabilly influences are evident, crooning the blues like Elvis while bleeding emotion through powerful guitar solos.
Backed by a drummer and bassist, Heideman lit up the stage, turning a curiously empty dance floor into a dancehall by the end of his short and sweet set. Drummer Jason Corbiere can be found backing Texas blues legend, Jimmie Vaughn. Corbiere delivered beats ranging from classic blues to swing, getting feet tapping and couples wishing they could Lindy Hop.
DJ Nour, @capturedbydina
Originally from Salt Lake City, Heideman is experiencing his first SXSW as a resident of the Lone Star State. His SXSW debut is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the “Live Music Capital" and this rising blues talent. He may be young, but having opened for ZZ Top and performed at the Utah Blues Fest, Heideman has already established himself as an up-and-comer to watch.
Heideman's rich set oscillated between yearning, angst, and good old fashioned rock and roll. Spanning from wailing solos to songs full of swing, Heideman brought fire to Cooper's BBQ. His long hair often concealed his face as he took to his guitar with fervor. By the end of his set, the audience was up and out of their seats, dancing along to upbeat songs and aching during his bluesy ballads.
DJ Nour, @capturedbydina
Heideman continues his first SXSW run, with an official show at Saxon Pub this evening and more performances throughout the week. To find out more about Heideman and his upcoming shows, check out his website.
DJ Nour, @capturedbydina