Justin Moore’s recent concert at The Hat Factory in Richmond, Virginia, featured a very poignant moment as Justin slowed the show down to play “Grandpa,” a loving tribute to his ailing grandfather. He told the crowd that it has been getting harder and harder to perform the song live because his grandfather is hospitalized battling cancer.

Justin’s grandpa, Tom Moore, passed away soon after the Richmond concert, the day before Thanksgiving. (Watch Justin perform “Grandpa” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaQ0zvyLhjY ) Justin also lost his Aunt Glenda this week, a woman he thought of as a “second mom,” he told fans on Twitter.

Our condolences go out to Justin and his family.

Justin Moore at The Hat Factory in Richmond, Virginia

If you get the chance to see Justin Moore live, take it! He may only have one CD under his belt but he puts on a great set of originals and covers that kept the crowd at a recent show at The Hat Factory in Richmond, Virginia, on their feet and dancing along.

And singing along, too. It was like a chorus joined in when Justin performed his number 1 single “Small Town USA.” – almost everyone seemed to know (and sing) every word. “Backwoods,” his current single. was another crowd favorite.

Justin did almost every song from his current CD. My personal favorite was the sexy “love-under-the stars” ballad “Like There’s No Tomorrow,” which he told the crowd he had to include on the CD because in Nashville “you can’t put out a record without at least one love song on it.” It’s great on the CD and even better live, really showcasing Justin’s deep voice and soulful, sexy delivery.

The 80-minute set also included several covers, including a great version of John Anderson’s “Seminole Wind.” His voice and accent work perfectly with the country classic and the crowd loved the performance, which stuck close to the original. He also got the crowd dancing with ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man” as well as his own rockin’ and rapping “Back That Thing Up.”

The ladies in the control in particular loved Justin’s charm and moves on the songs “Backwoods” and “Hank It,” which both feature sexy lyrics that Justin performed with a swagger and a smile. He really connected with the crowd and made sure to make as much contact as possible with everyone gathered right up against the stage.

Moore ended the show with the song that got him attention early in his career, “I Could Kick Your Ass.” The rowdy crowd loved the lyrics about putting a rich guy in his place; Justin’s performance had just the right mix of humor and bravado.

Where singing with the full band or performing with just an acoustic guitar, Justin Moore puts on a great show. Catch him when he comes to your town.

Vicky Dobbin is a country music lover in Falls Church, VA. Read her country music blog at www.lovemycountrymusic.com and follow her at http://twitter.com/vdobbin.