Tyler Richton and the High Bank Boys open for Eli Young Band

​Mike Eli with the Eli Young Band, second from left, is shown with members of the Tyler Richton and High Bank Boys band following the show at Alliant Energy Powerhouse in Cedar Rapids on March 24. Pictured are, from left: Edmond Henning, Mike Eli, Kale Latcham and Tyler Richton. Cole Neese is not pictured.
 
Submitted photo

by J.O. Parker
 
   Local county favorites, Tyler Richton and the High Bank Boys, recently hit the big stage.
   The Deep River-based country band opened for the Eli Young Band at Alliant Energy Powerhouse in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday, March 24.
   “Our experience was outstanding,” said Tyler, the band’s guitar player and front man. “Both the venue and the Eli Young Band were incredible to work with.”
     Tyler Richton and the High Bank Boys enjoyed a 30-minute set and played seven songs.
    “We were only allowed to perform our own songs so all seven of them were original,” said Tyler. “This opportunity meant everything to us. Being able to be on a stage like that in front of that many people is something that we’ve spent the last five years working for.”
     Tyler said he and band are grateful for the opportunity.
    “We had a couple of shows on the books over the past year with them (Alliant Energy Powerhouse) but those, like many others, were casualties of the pandemic,” Tyler said before the show. “I’m glad we could finally connect on this one. The first live music experience that I ever had was when my mother took me to the then US Cellular Center when I was in fourth grade to see Billy Currington, Jason Aldean and Trace Adkins. Now me and the guys will be back in that arena but I will be sitting in a much different seat this time. This is what everyone who starts a band in a garage dreams of.”
    The Eli Young Band is composed of members Mike Eli, James Young, Jon Jones and Chris Thompson. The members met when they were students at the University of North Texas. Four of their singles have reached number one including: “Crazy Girl,” “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” “Drunk Last Night” and “Love Ain’t.”
   Tyler plays rhythm and lead guitar and sings; Edmond Henning is the fiddler, mandolinist and keyboardist; Kale Latcham plays bass; and Cole Neese is on drums.
   More information about Tyler Richton and the High Bank Boys can be found on their website tylerrichton.com.
     “As always, we are thankful for those who have been there supporting us every step of the way. This wouldn’t be possible without you,” Tyler added.
       Editor’s note: Debbie Parker contributed to this article.