Ana Popovic delivered the rock and blues with help from special guest Nick Snyder.

Sometimes, everything just comes together. On a perfect night for an outdoor concert, with a backdrop of a glowing moon only a sliver away from being full, a devoted crowd came out to hear a night of exceptional rock and blues led by the spirited guitarist and singer, Ana Popovic.

A threat of rain later in the evening kept some people away, but the dedicated fans who came out were rewarded. Everyone at the Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill got rocked, rolled, and bluesed.

An up-and-coming blues artist, Nick Snyder, led off the evening with a ten-song set that showed why Dallas is so important in the national blues scene. The young man has established himself in the local blues community and continues to grow as a musician.

Starting with “Big Legged Woman,” he showed a maturity well beyond his years. His easy strokes turned mesmerizing solos and inspiring jams. Bassist Canyon Kafer and drummer Mayo Valdez completed the trio and kept the crowd cheering.

“Woke Up This Morning” and “Ain’t Nobody’s Business” gave Nick a chance to shine on both vocals and instrumental. Robert Johnson’s “Dust My Broom” was another highlight of his guitar prowess. Solos and jams finished his set as the crowd showed their appreciation.

The anxious crowd didn’t have to wait long as Ana Popovic came out to a loud ovation. She began with her traditional opening song, “Ana’s Shuffle,” containing a guitar riff that set the tone for her set.

Ms. Popovic’s beautiful voice pleased the fans on “Can You Stand The Heat” and the more sensual “Object Of Obsession.” She moved gracefully across the stage in a black, leather skirt commanding everyone’s attention with her presence. She kept the crowd enthralled with her lightning-fast fingers on the fret during Albert King’s “Can’t You See What You’re Doing To Me.”

Touring to promote her new album, Trilogy, Ana then played several cuts. She started with a hollow string sound that accompanied “She Was A Doorman.” Next was the soulful blues song, “Johnnie Ray.” The guitar seemed to be an expression of her feelings as she picked single notes, strummed long solos, and played chords reminiscent of Joe Bonamassa.

The dancers in the audience came out for “How’d You Learn To Shake It Like That?” It turned into a full-blown jam and continued into “Long Road Down.”

“This is how guys should see a perfect woman,” Popovic said before playing “Woman To Love” with its solid keyboard backing. The rock song “If Tomorrow Was Today” came next and her expressive solo amazed the crowd.

In a tribute to blues icon Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ana put her soul into “Navajo Moon.” Her calm and easy demeanor made it seem like she was playing for friends in her den. It concluded with an impressive jam.

Everyone got a solo for the modern funk/blues “Train” where she demonstrated why she is continually rated as one of today’s best guitarists. It segued into “Crosstown Traffic” as she showed her playfulness on stage. An awesome display of guitar antics finished her tremendous night of entertaining her fans.

Ana again proved to be an outstanding singer, guitarist, and entertainer. Her stage presence was a joy for everyone to see and she delivered a solid performance in every way. As she stated to this reporter after the show, “I love playing in Texas. Texas musicians such as Stevie Ray Vaughan and ZZ Top have been such a big influence on my music.”

Nick Snyder is gaining a foothold in the Dallas music scene. Check his Facebook page for upcoming shows in the DFW area.

Ana Popovic is set to begin the international leg of her tour before returning to the US in January. She then embarks on the Experience Hendrix Tour.

You can stream Ana Popovic on Amazon as well as “Daddy,” the latest single from Nick Snyder.

Special thanks to Fabio and Chris at GMBG for their help.

Joe Guzman of National Rock Review was on hand to photograph the event.

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Ana Popovic
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Nick Snyder
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Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill
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Event Date: 14-Oct-2016