Eli Young Band in Ruidoso

Eli Young Band is an American country group formed in Denton, Texas, in 2000 by University of North Texas students Mike Eli and James Young, later joined by Jon Jones and Chris Thompson. The band is known for songs including “Crazy Girl,” “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” “Drunk Last Night” and “Saltwater Gospel,” as well as the albums Life at Best and 10,000 Towns. Live at the Jolly Fox documented the group’s early years on the Texas club circuit. In 2012, Eli Young Band joined Rascal Flatts and Little Big Town on the Changed Tour, taking material from Life at Best into amphitheatres and arenas. The band’s later concert history has included repeated appearances at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry.