Dustin Lynch Performs Special Soundcheck for Military Heroes Before Sold-Out Texarkana Show

Budding country music superstar Dustin Lynch performed to a sold-out crowd at Shooter's Sports Bar in Texarkana Saturday for the Taste of Country Christmas Tour. Before the show, thanks to the singer and Ashley Furniture, members of the military were invited to an exclusive 'American Hero Soundcheck,' where they were treated to an intimate performance of Lynch's latest single, 'Hell of a Night,' along with his other hits.

Ashley Furniture sponsored the special soundcheck -- an event Lynch said he was proud to be a part of. "My uncle is a Ranger and my Grandpa was in the Air Force," he shares with KKYR.

Marine John Orozco said he was thrilled to be at the show. "I heard about the concert and that he was coming to town, so I signed up to come to the show, of course," Orozco said, adding. "I listen to all the popular guys."

B.J. Nettles was in the Army for 27 years before she retired. She spent the evening at a table with other Army pals John and Rita Leroy, who also retired from years of active service.

"We met on the way to Iraq," shared Rita Leroy, nodding her head toward her husband. That was about 22 years ago. John Leroy spent 28 years serving his country.

All military members present were able to get up close and personal with Lynch, hear him sing before the official show, make requests and get their photos taken with the young superstar.

Following the soundcheck, Lynch performed to a sold-out crowd at Shooters. At just 29, the singer is already on a fast track to becoming a household name. His ability to blend solid country music with songs like 'She Cranks My Tractor' and add a hint of rock n' roll has brought a slew of fans to his feet.But Lynch almost didn't take a music path at all.

"I went to school to become a doctor," Lynch dished just before taking the stage Saturday night (Dec. 6). I majored in pre-med and was accepted to medical school. But I've been singing since I was 15 and I really love being onstage."

"I've always had a fire inside of me to sing and write music," he added.

Logan Mize -- a singer who hails from Clearwater, Kansas -- opened the show, playing for a solid 30 minutes. He delivered 'Can't Get Away From a Good Time' and a host of other fast-paced country songs as the crowd continuously attempted to feed him whiskey. At 29 years old, Mize said he no longer gets nervous when he takes the stage.

"I only get nervous if it's televised," he said, smiling. "I've been singing since I was 10 and playing the guitar and piano since I was a teenager."

Mize began his career as a songwriter but soon captured the eye of talent executives who saw promise in the young singer. Now, besides caring for his wife and 3-year-old (and another baby on the way) it's all he loves to do.

"I stay busy," he said.

Headliner Lynch played an almost 90-minutes set, though he was only scheduled for 75. Drawing from his muses, he joked, danced, played a beer-drinking game and held the crowd's attention the entire evening. The 'Where It's At' singer's contagious energy filled the packed and vibrant club.

"Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson and George Jones. Those are my three main dudes," Lynch told us. "Those are the men in country music I admire."