Local Bar Launches with Beni Paulson’s Engaging Concert

Lucky Goose Grill & Bar in Bowman, North Dakota, marked its grand debut in the live music scene on March 16, 2023, with a concert featuring local country artist Beni Paulson. The event attracted a modest yet enthusiastic crowd of over two dozen attendees, showcasing the bar’s commitment to community engagement and local talent.

First Concert Draws Local Fans

With just one day’s notice, the concert was announced on the bar’s Facebook page, leading to a lively atmosphere as Paulson took the stage at 8 p.m.. Despite the short preparation time, Jeff Gooss, the owner of Lucky Goose, expressed satisfaction with the event. “I think it was amazing,” he said. “[Paulson] is a genuine, good guy. He’s from this area, so there’s no better person to have at our first concert.”

Originally, Paulson was set to perform alongside fellow artist Patrick Lee, who unfortunately could not attend due to illness. Paulson, undeterred, entertained the crowd for over an hour, sharing the stories behind his music while playing a selection of his songs. “He’s not going to make it, so you’re stuck with us for a while,” he humorously informed the audience.

Authenticity at the Core of the Performance

Paulson, a rancher and former bull rider, has been writing music with his band, Breaking Eight, for the past eight years. He released a new album on March 4, 2023, yet he refrains from labeling himself solely as a musician. To Paulson, music is an extension of his ranching life, serving to highlight the importance of ranchers in society. “We stand out in the scene of country music because I’m an actual rancher—I’m an actual cowboy,” he said. “We don’t just play country music, we live country music.”

Gooss emphasized the importance of showcasing local talent, stating, “His ranch is out here, and he knows many of the people in this bar—they grew up with him. That really embodies the essence of what we are.”

The audience included several of Paulson’s friends, such as Joe Blankenship, who attended the concert after suggesting the venue to Paulson. Blankenship, who shared a history with Paulson at Dickinson State University, remarked on the authenticity of Paulson’s songs, saying, “The ranching, the rodeo, it’s real. It has an impact on the people that are in that lifestyle.”

Blankenship’s favorite performance of the night was “I Been a Cowboy,” a heartfelt song written by Paulson’s father. Gooss echoed this sentiment, noting the emotional resonance of the song: “When you listen to him sing it, you notice it has a significantly different tone. It’s very obvious it’s a special song to him.”

The concert attracted attendees beyond the local community. Tyler Hett, who traveled nearly 50 miles from Buffalo, South Dakota, expressed his excitement: “I needed to get out of the house for a little bit. I heard Beni was playing, so I drove all the way up here.”

Both Gooss and Paulson reflected positively on the evening. Gooss views the concert as the beginning of a series of community events, including comedy nights and additional concerts. For Paulson, the performance serves as a stepping stone toward his larger ambitions in music. “My goal is to do it for real,” he stated. “I want to play big stages for thousands of people and tell our story to the world.”

The successful concert not only highlighted local talent but also reinforced the sense of community that Lucky Goose Grill & Bar aims to cultivate. As Bowman’s newest entertainment venue, it promises to be a hub for future events that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the region.