By JORDAN MARSHALL

Staff Writer

Greg Gardner and the Voodoo Cowboys, a Texarkana-based band, performed April 30 at Cactus Jack's Cantina and Grill.

With the bar packed, Gardner and the Cowboys stepped on stage. This country-rock group may not have stolen the audience's attention, but they did provide excellent music for the rowdy crowd.

John Larson, on electric guitar, provided a little bit of rock 'n' roll to the country band.

While the lyrics to most of the songs were typical of a country band, the vocals from Gardner and Larson made the show entertaining.

Jeff Hough, a senior architecture major, said he thought the band was used to a different crowd.

"I don't think people were going to see them, but they sounded good," Hough said.

Marc Givens, Gardner's booking agent, said he enjoyed the show at Cactus Jack's.

"I have been representing Greg for the past six years, and I am extremely excited about his future," Givens said.

Gardner said he loves playing in front of college crowds.

"[College students are] my favorite crowd because the college students are so willing to support and follow a band they like, quick to get rowdy and loud and appreciate good live music, especially the bands that play mostly originals," Gardner said.

Gardner said Ruston is one of his favorite places to play.

"The band and I have always said that the folks in Ruston know good music, know how to party, and we wonder where they get all the pretty ladies," Gardner said.

Gardner and the Cowboys are on the road in support of their 3-year-old album, "Hard Liquor and a Handgun."

Gardner said the album was supposed to be produced by the late Eddy Shaver, but the day Gardner scheduled studio time, he received the news of Shaver's death.

"I just don't feel we had enough time, nor could we focus our energy on this the same after the loss of Eddy," Gardner said. "I would not be afraid to put the material in front of anyone."