A Campfire Christmas with David Nail at The Vixen: A Heartfelt Holiday Experience
As the holiday season envelops us in its cozy embrace, the anticipation of a festive concert can bring an extra layer of warmth to our hearts. On this particular night, The Vixen in McHenry played host to A Campfire Christmas, a show headlined by the talented David Nail with the opening act by the energetic Jacob Tolliver. As a fan of both artists, my expectations were high, hoping for an evening filled with heartwarming music and perhaps a sprinkle of holiday magic.
All Photos By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography
The Vixen, nestled in the heart of McHenry, boasts a capacity of just under 800, making it an ideal venue for an intimate concert experience. Its well-thought-out layout ensures excellent visibility from nearly every spot, and the acoustics are top-notch, allowing every note to resonate beautifully. The friendly and attentive staff added to the welcoming atmosphere, ensuring everyone felt at ease. Walking into The Vixen, I immediately sensed the excitement in the air—a mixture of holiday spirit and anticipation for an unforgettable night.
Jacob Tolliver took the stage with a charisma that was immediately infectious. Known for his role as Jerry Lee Lewis in the Vegas rendition of the Million Dollar Quartet, Tolliver's deep-rooted friendship with the late music icon was evident in every note he played. Jacob was a burst of energy, kicking off his set with a lively rendition of Run Run Rudolph. His Jerry Lee Lewis influence was unmistakable, setting the tone for a high-energy performance. As he transitioned into Here Comes Santa Claus, the audience couldn't help but tap their feet along.
“My friendship with Jerry Lee lasted over 10 years, I opened shows for Jerry Lee Lewis, I was his best man, on the day he renewed his vows, and I was even one of his pallbearers on the day he died.”
Jacob’s relationship with Jerry Lee Lewis was more than just a professional connection; it was a deep friendship that shone through in his storytelling and performance. His rendition of Miss Us, a song they recorded together, was a poignant moment that resonated with many in the crowd. Tolliver's performance was a masterclass in stage presence. He commanded the attention of the crowd, moving effortlessly from the piano, his energy never waning.
The audience was captivated, especially during his rendition of Honky Tonk Side Of Town, a nod to another legendary artist, Randy Travis, with whom Tolliver has also shared the stage. The crowd’s applause grew even louder as Tolliver introduced his original songs, such as Looking For The Lord, a heartfelt piece about Lewis’s later years, and Tomorrow's Come, a gospel tune penned during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, yet to be released.
Click the image for the full Jacob Tolliver Gallery
The pinnacle of Tolliver's hour-long set was undoubtedly Great Balls Of Fire, performed with such passion and precision that it could only be described as a fitting tribute to “The Killer” himself. The audience's response was thunderous, an undeniable testament to Tolliver's ability to honor the past while firmly establishing his own musical identity.
As the lights dimmed, David Nail's presence on stage marked the beginning of an intimate and soulful performance. He opened with Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, setting a festive tone before diving into his own hit, Comeback History. Nail's performance was as much about storytelling as it was about music. He shared anecdotes from his life, including his wife's longstanding wish for him to embark on a Christmas tour—a wish that finally came true this year.
“My wife Catherine has begged me to do a Christmas tour for several years, and I guess the timing just felt right to finally grant her wish. I’m excited to bring some timeless Christmas classics with new music, as well as the normal songs you’re used to hearing! It’s gonna be a blast!”
The connection between Nail and his audience was profound. His performance of the Jonathan Singleton cut, Red Light was a standout moment, with the crowd singing along, their voices merging with David's in a beautiful harmony. Nail told the crowd he even wore a Garth Brooks shirt in the music video to pay homage to his first concert, his wife made a cameo in the video as well. After the song a boisterous fan interrupted the serenity, with a David F’in Nail holler, despite a brief interruption from an overly enthusiastic fan, David maintained his composure, reminding everyone of the evening's intimate focus.
“I would get in town and get off the bus and drive home, there were so many Sundays I would make that drive it was a short drive, but I was completely convinced she wasn’t going to be there, that her car wasn’t going to be there, her clothes would be out of the closet. Not only was she there, a lot of the times she would be out in the driveway waiting on me. I won’t get into what she would say, cause her language was lot like this fella down here, not appropriate for a show like this. So, I won’t repeat those words, but you get the drift, she wasn’t exactly pleased with the type of person I was. Looking back, I thought when I purposed to my wife that I knew all that there was to know about her, I thought that there were no more surprises, she’s not going to wake up and tell me something crazy one day, but the one thing I realized 3 to 4 years into our marriage, her greatest quality that I found out was that she was a fighter. This is one of my favorite songs I have ever recorded, maybe the most beautiful song I have ever recorded. It’s a true story word for word.” – About “Fighter”
One of the standout moments of the evening was when David introduced the song Fighter, a touching tribute to his wife co-written with Scooter Carusoe. The sincerity with which he delivered this song resonated deeply, and you could feel the audience's emotional response. Following this, he performed That’s How I’ll Remember You and Night’s On Fire, each song building on the energy of the last. A particularly special moment came when David introduced, I'll Be Home For Christmas, the first Christmas song he ever recorded. He shared a personal anecdote about recording his Christmas album during the sweltering Nashville summer, expressing how he had to envision the holiday spirit to bring authenticity to the music. This personal touch endeared him even more to the audience.
The emotional peak of the night arrived with his rendition of In The Ghetto, originally by Elvis Presley. David's version was hauntingly beautiful, and the room was so silent you could hear a pin drop. The audience was visibly moved, many with tears in their eyes as the song's powerful narrative unfolded.
“I grew up following my dad around the band room, and high school my entire life from when I was a little baby, I would just follow my dad around everywhere and I was surrounded by music. So fast forward 10 -15 years I’m in Nashville, Tn and all these people are saying David we think you sound fairly decent, we think your songs are ok, but we are not exactly sure you sound country. So, I drove back home to Missouri, and having a conversation with my dad in the car and he say’s so how’s Nashville. Well Dad they say I don’t sound country, my songs are ok, but evidently growing up in southeast Missouri 3 miles from Arkansas I sound like the biggest redneck, my dad pulled over the car in the Sonic parking lot in my hometown and said son I don’t know about Nashville and I don’t know about the Music Industry, but country is something you are, not something you sound like. It changed my life, I went back to Nashville and started singing from my heart. As you know by now, I close my eyes when I sing a lot, that’s because I believe these shows are not a beauty pageant, I’m trying to move people, I’m trying to make you feel something. This is the first song I ever sang in my one-bedroom apartment with no pictures on the walls, trying to figure out what the David Nail that didn’t care what he sounded like was going to sound like.” - About “In The Ghetto”
He then shared Skyline, a new collaboration with Lori McKenna, a poignant reflection on the changes around him, including the Nashville Skyline, with his marriage as his only constant anchor. The set continued with fan favorites Songs For Sale, Let It Rain, and Grandpa's Farm, each performed with the passion and precision that Nail's fans have come to expect. The McHenry crowd, thoroughly engaged and enthusiastic, cheered him and the band back for an encore.
Closing the show, David delivered an unforgettable performance of Home, Whatever She’s Got, and a jaw-dropping rendition of Silent Night. The final notes left the audience enveloped in the holiday spirit, with even the most enthusiastic fan in the front row—dubbed the “David F'in Nail” guy by those around him—standing in appreciative awe.
The atmosphere at The Vixen was electric yet comforting. The audience, a mix of devoted fans and local music lovers, was fully engaged from start to finish. The space itself seemed to foster a unique sense of community, where performers and attendees alike shared in the joy of live music. Laughter, applause, and the occasional tear were common threads throughout the night, punctuated by moments of silence that spoke volumes as the music took center stage.
Reflecting on the evening, A Campfire Christmas with David Nail was a heartwarming experience that exceeded my expectations. Both Jacob Tolliver and David Nail delivered performances rich in emotion and festivity, creating an atmosphere that was both joyous and reflective. Each performance offered something unique: Tolliver's fiery homage to musical legends and original artistry, paired with Nail's heartfelt and soul-stirring showcase of storytelling and song. The night was a resounding success, a reminder of the power of music to connect us all, especially during the holiday season.
For music fans seeking an authentic and heartfelt concert experience, I wholeheartedly recommend catching David Nail on his next tour. This night at The Vixen was more than just a concert; it was a shared celebration of music, love, and the holiday spirit.
Click the image for the full David Nail gallery
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Make Sure To Check Out A Show At The Vixen
David Nail Set-List:
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Hugh Martin Cover)
Comeback History
Red Light
Come Back Around
Fighter
That’s How I’ll Remember You
Night’s On Fire
I’ll Be Home For Christmas (Bing Crosby Cover)
In The Ghetto (Elvis Presley Cover)
Skyline (New Song)
Songs For Sale
Let It Rain
Grandpa’s Farm
Encore:
Home
Whatever She’s Got
Silent Night (Joseph Mohr & Franz Gruber Cover)
