On May 3, 2025, amidst the roar of thousands of fans echoing through the evening, country star Jon Pardi took the stage at the Lone Star Smokeout – captivating the crowd as AT&T Stadium glowed in the background. 

Fitting that Mr. Saturday Night himself headlined the inaugural festival’s Saturday night main event, following a series of rising country music stars like Tucker Wetmore and Dylan Gossett. And with his usual lively performance and charming stage presence, Lone Star Smokeout’s debut weekend was a memorable experience, setting the bar high for future festivals.

Texas Lifestyle Magazine had the pleasure of speaking with Jon Pardi and learning how his recent experiences as a husband and father have influenced his music.

You recently headlined the Lone Star Smokeout Festival. Can you tell us about your experience leading this festival and what made it unique?     

Lone Star Smokeout was awesome. It’s always fun to be a part of the first year of a festival; you get to really set the tone for the years to come. The weather was perfect and the ladies were looking good, specifically in summer. I love being outside of Fort Worth. Texas always impresses me!

How do you like your BBQ? Any favorites from the festival?

I got in late, so I didn’t get to enjoy the festival BBQ, but the band guys loved it, and they are snobs. I love making barbecue on the Traeger at home. For summer, I make a bunch of tri-tip.

Your new album, Honkytonk Hollywood, features some great fun and emotionally driven songs, like “She Drives Away.” Can you tell us what went into making this album?

For this album, I wanted to do it differently. We worked with Jay Joyce for the first time and took time off the road so that we could do three weeks straight in the studio. It’s definitely my most grown-up album. You still have the beer drinking, sexy songs, but this one goes a little deeper, being a husband and dad. 

Where can fans find you next?

We are out on the first leg of my Honkytonk Hollywood tour with Corey Kent and Kassi Ashton. That runs through June, and we just announced the second leg coming in the fall with Colby Acuff and Jake Worthington. I know we’ve got a few more shows in Texas this year! We are playing all over, so check it out at JonPardi.com. 

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Cover photo Corey Wernecke

Martin Ramirez is a brisket-eating, Shiner-loving, road-tripping enthusiast of all things Texas. This Dallas-born writer / adventurer is ready to take his ‘78 El Camino to find the best in food, fun, and fitness throughout the Lone Star State.