Eli Young Band
- Jeff Kulis
- Jun 28
- 2 min read
Tour: Strange Hours Tour
Date: June 28, 2026
Venue: The Cabot Theater (Performing Arts Center)
City: Beverly, Massachusetts
The Eli Young Band brought a Texas sized dose of Country music to The Cabot Theater in Beverly, Massachusetts. The lineup of Mike Eli, James Young, Jon Jones, and Chris Thompson has remained one of music's most consistent live acts for more than 20 years. There is just something about a live performance when you can tell the band is having a good time and locked in.
Biggest Lighting Challenge: Capturing tight, emotional country moments under warm stage lighting while the band moved between acoustic intimacy and full‑band dynamics; keeping clarity on vocal close ups during fast tempo changes was the trickiest part at this venue.
Favorite Shot of the Concert: One of my favorite shots of the night was when I was able to catch Mike Eli surrounded but rays of light. I think it might be one of the coolest photos I have taken.
Lens Used the Most: 70–200mm — the go‑to for isolating Mike Eli’s vocals while also compressing the stage to capture James Young, Jon Jones and Chris Thompson in tight, characterful group moments.
FULL GALLERY BELOW.
The Eli Young Band are a Texas‑born country quartet whose sincere songwriting and road‑tested live craft have made them a mainstay of modern country music. Formed at the University of North Texas, Mike Eli (lead vocals, guitar), James Young (guitar), Jon Jones (bass) and Chris Thompson (drums) built a grassroots following through relentless touring and honest performances that foreground melody and storytelling. With multi‑platinum hits like “Crazy Girl,” “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” and “Drunk Last Night,” the band blends radio‑ready hooks with an authentic, lived‑in sound that translates powerfully onstage.
Musically, Eli Young Band balance warm, melodic country with rock‑tinged dynamics and strong harmonies. The feeling of well‑crafted radio singles alongside intimate acoustic moments. Their recent work (including the Love Talking era) emphasizes uplift and resilience while staying true to their Texas roots; live, they remain a confident, crowd‑first outfit whose shows celebrate connection, singalongs, and solid musicianship.
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About the Photographer
Jeff Kulis is a photographer and creator who uses his lens to capture the authentic, electrifying pulse of live music and the moments around it. With a focus on evocative imagery, he pairs a sharp eye for detail with a personal touch that makes every show, portrait, and scene feel intimate and vital. Through his work, he invites viewers to experience the energy of performance and the beauty in fleeting moments, balancing artistic expression with genuine human connection.
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