If you weren’t at the Haute Spot in Cedar Park for the Drake Milligan show, you missed one heck of a show. 

Drake Milligan – yes, that Drake Milligan – is the Elvis-smooth crooner from the hit tv show America’s Got Talent. He rolled into town and brought the kind of energy that turns a good Friday night into a great one.

The Haute Spot, with its open-air setup, intimate stage, and relaxed vibe, was the perfect setting for Milligan’s mix of old-school country, rockabilly flair, and youthful charisma. The crowd ranged from cowboy-hatted diehards to couples on date night and even a few curious first-timers, all ready to dance, sing, and sip something cold under the Texas sky.

Before Drake hit the stage, Jack Blocker, a young guitarist from Dallas who came in third on Season 22 of American Idol, kicked things off. He totally held his own, bringing a cool mix of heart and energy to the performance. The crowd was into it, and his laid-back vibe made for a really fun start to the night.

From the moment Milligan took the stage, the energy shifted. Dressed in his signature Western wear, denim, boots, and a belt buckle you could spot from the back, he greeted the crowd with a humble “How y’all doin’ tonight?” before diving into his set. He kicked things off with a medley of Elvis’ “Blue Suede Shoes”  and George Strait’s “The Fireman” and right then, it was clear: we were in for a high-octane, honky-tonkin’ good time.

Backed by a tight, rowdy band that knew exactly when to let loose and when to pull it back, Milligan moved effortlessly between toe-tapping, two-stepping numbers and heartfelt ballads. He paid tribute to his musical roots with a few nods to the legends, George Strait, Johnny Cash, and of course, a little Elvis, but never lost his own unique sound along the way.

Milligan’s stage presence is worth mentioning, too. He’s got that classic entertainer feel, polished but never fake, confident but not cocky. Between songs, he joked with the crowd, thanked the venue, and even took the time to sign a few autographs for some fans. It’s the kind of personal touch that makes a performance feel less like a show and more like a shared experience.

The sound at Haute Spot was crisp, the weather cooperated (thank you, Texas), and even the food and bar lines moved quickly, always a plus. The whole night had a laid-back, community feel, like a backyard party with a world-class artist playing just a few feet away. 

In short? Drake Milligan delivered. Whether you came as a fan or left as one, it was the kind of show that reminds you why live music is so special. Cedar Park got a taste of Nashville, Vegas, and good ol’ Texas country all wrapped into one, and we’re already looking forward to when he swings back through town with Lainey Wilson in September at the Moody Center in Austin. 

Be sure to follow the Haute Spot on instagram, @hautespot.live, or visit their website for all of the great upcoming shows, https://hautespot.live/calendar. Coming up later this month the Haute Spot welcomes Stoney LaRue, Dos Borrachos ft. Kevin Fowler & Roger Creager, and the month of May comes to a close with Pat Green & Friends ft. Cory Morrow & Django Walker. See you there!

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Cover Photo Brian Maass

Brian Maass, a lifelong Austinite, is passionate about music, travel, and capturing life’s moments through his camera lens. He resides in Round Rock, Texas, with his wife, Dana Kent Maass, and their loyal dog, Chester.