Show Review: Mendon Hale at Red Fox Bar and Grill in Climax Springs, Missouri
I’d like to introduce you to a fun new country star you might not have heard of: Mendon Hale!
Mendon Hale. Photo credit: Stephanie Roske.
It all started with a serendipitous cleaning of my kitchen while listening to Johnny Cash on my streaming app. After Johnny ended, I was taken aback by what I heard next. The voice on the other end of those headphones was one you’d swear you’d heard before, singing a song you’d swear you’ve known forever.
As I slow-danced with my mop to the song “Jack and Coke” by an artist named Mendon Hale, I knew I had to know more. That’s when you know an artist has you hooked. It only took one song. Needless to say, my kitchen ended up being spotless, even void of any fingerprints on the windows, because I didn’t want to stop listening.
I started digging to find out about this artist and learned he’s from St. Joseph, Missouri and currently resides in Glen Rose, Texas. He’s an experienced performer with a diverse musical background who developed his country sound beginning in 2021. He seemed to have such an easy approach to life; his songs are a reflection of that. My growing fascination drew me from Minnesota to Missouri on a solo trip.
My first time experiencing Mendon live was an acoustic set at Red Fox Bar and Grill in Climax Springs, Missouri, on the shore of Lake of the Ozarks. It was an intimate setting, and everyone was having a great time. Some of his friends and family came from Nebraska to surprise him. It doesn’t get much better than that, I thought…until he started playing of course.
With a giant smile on my face, I watched folks dancing, Mendon making conversation with the crowd, being appreciative of every person he saw. He drew a pretty large crowd on an extremely steamy Missouri afternoon. Mendon is so dedicated that he played for four hours in 100-degree weather outside. His approach to music comes with so much fun and lyrics everyone can relate to. You can slow dance, you can jump around, you can tap your foot or you can just nod your head; one way or another, Mendon’s music makes you move.
I had the pleasure of seeing Mendon two days in a row at the Red Fox. The next day was even better: more people, more fun and, of course, the same great music. “Welcome back,” Mendon said when he saw I’d showed up for the second show. I was excited it was not 100 degrees and even more excited to see him play again. His music is diverse; if you’re looking for some old school country, Mendon’s got it. If you’re looking for more current country, Mendon’s got it. He doesn’t try to be flashy; he just wants everyone to have a good time alongside him.
His songs vary from an ode to rural and small town living called “Gravel Roads” to a sentimental song about his pup Sophie Jo called “Raising Humans.” He even has a positive approach to relationship woes, which we’ve all suffered at some point in our lives; his song “Girly Drinks” is about remembering the fun times, the good times. If you’re looking for a tune about finding new love, “My Number” is the perfect song. “Cheap” is about how life is easy if you want it that way. “No Problemo” says everything is okay no matter how life might shake out for you. “Hand on the Heartland” represents for us Midwestern folks.
Mendon Hale. Photo credit: Stephanie Roske.
After the second show, I had the privilege of meeting Mendon. He brought that fun vibe he had on stage to our conversation. I learned that as a country artist he’s only toured in Texas and the Midwest but would like to eventually play venues around the country. I was also excited to hear that he’s currently working on a new album.
Later, I requested to interview him in more depth and he agreed. Given his magnetic performances, I hoped to hear why he’s passionate about making music. “It’s all very personal, and a way of expressing myself that I might not be able to do otherwise,” he told me. Had he ever considered quitting? I wondered. “Absolutely, there’s been a time or two,” he said. “But when it’s a part of you, you can’t just quit it like you can stop drinking too much caffeine.”
I asked about his approach to playing live. “I play every show the same regardless if there’s four or 40,000 people there,” he said. “What if the audience seems bored?” I pressed. “I keep a smile on my face and play with the same intensity as if they weren’t,” he replied. “You never know who’s watching or listening. Plus you should love playing.”
I was curious to know what advice he’d give to other artists. “Just be true to yourself, whatever that means to you,” he said simply. “And I think every musician should remember to not take themselves too seriously. Music can be your business, but it should also be fun. David Lee Roth once said, ‘Life is just a game, and no one gets out alive.’”
Having only seen him play solo acoustic, I wanted to know what fans can expect from a full band show of his. “They’re more energetic and engaging and fun,” he replied. (I’m sold: I’m planning to head to Kansas City in April to see a full band set!)
What’s so special about this artist? Everything. When you see a diamond in the rough, you want to hold onto it. In my opinion he was worth every gallon of gas, every mile I traveled, and every dollar I spent. I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. He is a rare person. Mendon’s songs ring true about life, how he enjoys it, how he wants to live it. Even seeing him do just a solo acoustic set, you can tell he’s enjoying being himself. If you get to a Mendon Hale show, make sure you shake his hand and buy him a drink.
I hope we get Mendon up here to Minnesota someday, but while we wait, please check him out on Spotify, social media and his website!
AUTHOR: STEPHANIE ROSKE
Stephanie Roske. Photo courtesy of the author.
Stephanie Roske is a Minnesota-based freelance writer who landed her first interview in 1998 with Blink-182 at the Quest in downtown Minneapolis. She’s covered bands such as Cherry Poppin Daddies and Reel Big Fish and done promotional work for musicians. Now that her children are older, she’s back on the journey she started 25 years ago, inspired to dive into independent artists, and more driven than ever!
