Lakeport >> Chad Bushnell is country to his core. The musician, who performs at Library Park tonight, grew up on the rodeo circuit and now spends his days shoeing horses — when he’s not performing, that is. But it’s not just his lifestyle that embodies much of the country music culture, it’s his attitude as well. “I’m just happy to be able to do what I do. I feel blessed to be able to do it,” he said. He continued on to thank both his family and God for the opportunity he’s had to pursue music professionally. It’s the kind of statement you’d expect from a down-to-earth homegrown country singer.
It’s clear that family plays an important part in Bushnell’s life. When he was just 5-years-old, he began his music career singing with his great-grandmother at church, an activity he still takes the time to do today. His dad, who performed in a country band in Bushnell’s hometown of Red Bluffs, also encouraged the beginnings of his music pursuits.
When Bushnell entered high school, he got serious about his music. Then, upon graduation, he took it up a notch, picking up a backing band and beginning to pursue music professionally. He’s has some pretty big gigs since. For three years he performed at an FFA convention in Fresno to a crowd of nearly 5,000 people. He’s opened for and performed with numerous people, from Teddy Gentry of Alabama to Scotty McCreery. A highlight of his career so far was the time he got to play on stage with one of his childhood idols, Brian White.
Bushnell has never questioned his decision to try and make a career out of music. And though he has to shoe horses part time and he performs mostly around the Sacramento area, Bushnell is working hard to turn music into a full-time occupation. “I’ve just always loved it,” he said. “It’s been what I wanted my whole life. I feel like it’s the right thing to do.”
Country music has always been at the forefront of Bushnell’s mind. He grew up loving Dwight Yoakam, Vince Gill and George Strait and his own music favors that time-honored, old-time twangy style. “I’ve always liked the traditional sound of country music,” he said.
Though he’s a country singer through-and-through, during his shows Bushnell performs some covers that stray from the traditional genre. He throws in an oldies set with songs by Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash and even Elvis Presley. While the first two musicians might not be so unexpected, Elvis certainly seemes to come from left field. But Bushnell finds the king of rock and roll inspiring, not necessarily for his sound, but for his stage presence. “I just have always been a huge Elvis fan. That’s why I like him so much, because of the energy he put on stage when he was performing,” Bushnell explained. “That’s the kind of show I like to put on.”
For his original music, Bushnell crafts his songs like any other singer, through life experience. And fortunately for his music, his life has been full of country-worthy moments. “I’m also a big rodeo fan, I grew up doing rodeo,” he said. “That’s been a big part of my music and my life.”
Tonight’s show marks Bushnell’s first visit to Lakeport and he’s looking forward to watching the crowd gather and clap, sing and dance along to his music. “Thanks to my fans and I hope to see everybody there,” he said.
Chad Bushnell performs at 6:30 tonight at Library Park in Lakeport as part of the 2015 Summer Concert Series.
Jennifer Gruenke can be reached at 900-2019.
