Back Roads Bars Hit the Right Notes with Whey Jennings & Co.

It was the Fourth Annual Back Roads Bars party on Saturday at what can easily be called one of the sweetest outdoor music venues anywhere. It was entertaining with incredible music from Missbehavin, the Resisters, The Chitlins and Whey Jennings & his fantastic band.

First, you may be wondering what the heck is Back Roads Bars. In short, it's an internet show hosted and produced by a local Jo Daviess County dude named Bob Farster, who is also the owner of said music venue located on his farm a few short miles east of Elizabeth, Illinois, off of Highway 20.

Bob Farster has attracted an online following and hopes to turn his love for the quirky middle-of-nowhere bars into a television show. You can find more information with a previous WJOD feature article and on The Back Roads Bars Facebook page.

The annual party is Bob Farster's response to realizing how short and precious life is, and it's his fun way of celebrating in style with good friends and great music at an intimate yet incredible space created by Farster on his small farm.

Entering Farster's farm and music venue is akin to stepping into a portal of a previously unknown universe. Upon entry, you discover the perfect spot for a lazy Saturday afternoon barbeque, with relaxing lounge chairs, cold beer, wine, and friendly folks indulging in fantastic music.

It was a muggy yet sublime August summer night enjoyed by everyone lucky to be in attendance. A slight breeze made for a pleasant event with the incredible bands on stage.

The setting was ideal for the spectacular musical lineup, set amongst a treeline canopy and corn fields with stunning views stretching for miles across the rolling hills of Jo Daviess County.

The stage is funky, adorned with roadsigns and other stuff. It's the perfect aesthetic of a back roads bar and the out in the middle of nowhere honky tonk of one's dreams.

That said, the music was undoubtedly the highlight and primary reason for the party. The two opening acts were fun area bands who filled the grounds with their dynamic sounds.

The Chitlins drove clear from the state of Mississippi's bayou and put on a spectacular show featuring their unique, fun, rollicking rock and blues show is pure entertainment. Discover and Follow The Chitlins on Facebook.

Whey Jennings carries on the family tradition quite well. He and his band had just completed a week touring Alaska yet made their way to delight the small but enthusiastic northwest Illinois gathering.

Whey Jennings makes no bones about his substance use challenges, but it's clear he's finding his way forward sober, spiritually, and musically he carries on the family tradition while developing & sharing his voice.

No question, it's fun to hear Whey sing Waylon songs with his distinctive yet familiar Jennings voice. More power to him, as he's fortunate to share an essential part of his family legacy with folks who loved Waylon Jennings's music and appreciated his contributions to country music and American culture over several decades.

That said, Whey possesses a solid and soulful voice in his own right, and he delivers a fun performance backed by a high-quality band.

Watching Whey and the band interact on stage was a real hoot. We can hope Whey and they will continue writing great songs and touring. Those songs already produced stand out in their own right and will likely attract a loyal following. Discover more and follow Whey Jennings on Facebook

Nonetheless, it was a spectacular time, and people are already planning the 5th Annual Back Roads Bars party on Bob Farster's Farm in 2023. Here's hoping Whey finds his way back too.