Country star and Texas native Pat Green will perform at the Varsity Theatre next Thursday, April 7.
Green has recently toured with Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney and the Dave Matthews Band.
Collaborating with each artist brought something different to the touring experience, but Green said his favorite touring partner was Urban.
“He had the best catering,” Green said.
The Varsity has been Green’s home for many years.
“I’ve played the Varsity probably more times than any other club in the U.S.,” Green said. “It’s always a good party. It’s an easy place to get excited.”
University Greek Life has always been supportive of Green, said Chris Lundgren, Varsity marketing director and talent buyer, in an e-mail.
“They were the ones to originally embrace his music and carry him to his current level of success,” Lundgren said. “Pat is a great guy and genuinely enjoys coming to Baton Rouge.”
Green said he hopes to put on a lively show for Varsity patrons.
“If you’re in Louisiana, you want to play any of the Louisiana songs,” Green said. “I like to make it an up-tempo show.”
Sarah Edwards, English literature senior, said she is looking forward to seeing Green play again.
“He’s a big performer, and I was surprised to see he was performing at the Varsity,” Edwards said. “Pat Green is not just country music. He’s also kind of mellow. … It’s perfect if you like Dave Matthews.”
Green also has new albums in the mix.
“We’ll also have another new material album out in early 2012,” Green said. “We’re working with friends of mine like Jack Ingram. Ed Roland from Collective Soul is going to come in.”
Green disagrees with critics who call him pop-country.
“I think [my music] is a mixed bag. It can sit just about anywhere,” Green said.
Of the new songs, Green’s favorite concerns a night in New Orleans.
“‘Good Night in New Orleans’ is one of my favorites of the new stuff,” Green said. “I’ll be playing it when I come.”
Green said the songs on his new album are more personal than his past work.
“I’m working a lot with my band, as opposed to studio guys,” Green said. “I tend to write about what’s right in front of me.”
Green looks up to rock legend Bruce Springsteen and country star Willie Nelson.
“Bruce Springsteen for the show and Willie Nelson for the writing,” Green said. “I try to take anything that Duran Duran did and try not to do it.”
Green said his family plays an integral part in his music.
“I think about doing a good job for them, and it keeps me motivated,” Green said.
Green said he has had his share of trouble with record labels.
“Nashville has always been the country home. It’s really just difficult to get anything on the radio without help from a major record label,” Green said. “If I can keep my hands on the music … and then allow them to sell it on radio and in stores, that’s the best relationship.”
Green said his college experience played a big role in shaping his art.
“I had a wonderful trip during Texas Tech, and I just enjoyed the whole college experience,” Green said. “Those are the first things I wrote about. Those are the ones that ‘brought me to the dance.'”
Tickets are $21 in advance and at the door.
 
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