Chris Holt’s Album Release Show Finds Him Stepping Into the Spotlight

Chris Holt’s Across The Milky Way album release show at the Kessler Theater felt more like a hometown celebration than a typical gig.

A devoted capacity crowd, many of whom have followed his career from his days playing in Sorta and The Slack, filled the room while Holt confidently stepped into the spotlight. Backed by a who’s who of DFW musicians calling themselves The Kitchen Sink, most of whom he’s shared various stages within different configurations over the years, Holt delivered a set that was both musically rich and emotionally resonant.

The uber-charismatic Salim Nourallah opened the show, adding another layer of Dallas pedigree to the bill. Holt played his new album (complete with Milky Way bars on most of the tables) in its entirety.

During the encore, Holt offered a heartfelt tribute to the late great Carter Albrecht with a moving performance of his song “Country Living.” For someone long known as a go-to sideman and collaborator, this was unquestionably a night to celebrate Holt as the main event.

Here are scenes from the night.