Tuscan Road, a local country/rock band, performed at Rookies Sports Pub in Stevens Point on Saturday September 22.

The show took place under a tent outside Rookies, with special guest The Cowtippers, who opened up for the band. Fans came out in record numbers and the first 500 guests received a free Tuscan Road Point Beer mug.

Rookies was packed as Tuscan Road took the stage at 6 p.m. Fans were ecstatic, as they danced and sang along with their free Tuscan Road mugs filled. While talking to some of the audience members, it was clear that Tuscan Road has gained great popularity among their followers.

“Working with a group of guys that you enjoy making music with is the most rewarding thing to me. I also love traveling to new places and meeting all kinds of people while we’re on the road. It keeps it interesting,” Salin said.

Tuscan Road consists of five musicians who met over the Internet and through word of mouth between other musicians. They are known for their high-energy live shows and modern take on country music.

Tom Salin, who plays electric guitar and sings vocals, has had a strong passion for music ever since he was young.

“I listened to all the old records and bands from all genres of music growing up. The only way for me to become more involved was to play music and create something of my own,” Salin said.

The current members of Tuscan Road have been together for about 6 months and consist of Kevin Moore, Steven Freehill, Tom Salin, Phil Smyth, and Paul Bannach.

In June of 2011, Tuscan Road was awarded the Wisconsin State Country Band Championship at the Hodag Country Music Festival in Rhinelander. They were also voted number one local band on WISNs A-list Awards in Milwaukee.

The band especially looks up to other country music artists that have paved the way before them and have gone against the grain using unconventional methods to reach success.

“We all have our individual tastes but as a collective choice, I think we can all agree that Zac Brown Band has become a band favorite at the time. They’re doing some really awesome stuff and are incredibly underrated as musicians,” Salin said.

Tuscan Road has shared the stage with national artists such as Joe Nichols, Neal McCoy, Sawyer Brown, Lee Brice, and Thompson Square to name a few. At the end of 2011, they released their first self-proclaimed album with 8 original songs.

“Being able to share something memorable with the audience is the best part about being on stage. We come out and bring our music and energy to our audience, and in turn build off their energy as they sing and dance with us. Some nights it’s just right and it goes full circle building up bigger and bigger until we both create something really sensational,” Salin said.

If you enjoyed the show on Saturday, or if you want to see the band catching the attention of listeners all over the region, check them out this Saturday September 29th when they perform at Smitty’s Bar in Antigo at 9 p.m.