Lucky Goose Grill & Bar Launches with Beni Paulson Concert

A crowd of approximately two dozen gathered at the newly opened Lucky Goose Grill & Bar in Bowman, North Dakota, on March 16, 2023, for the venue’s inaugural concert featuring country artist Beni Paulson. The event, which began at 20:00, was announced just one day prior on the bar’s Facebook page, showcasing the venue’s commitment to engaging the local community.

Despite the short notice, Jeff Gooss, the owner of Lucky Goose, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the overall atmosphere. He remarked, “I think it was amazing. [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 singer Patrick Lee, who unfortunately fell ill on the day of the concert. Paulson addressed the audience, humorously stating, “He’s not going to make it, so you’re stuck with us for a while.” Undeterred, he engaged the crowd for over an hour, sharing stories behind his songs and connecting with attendees on a personal level.

Born and raised in North Dakota, Paulson has spent the last eight years writing music with his band, Breaking Eight. He released a new album on March 4, 2023. Despite his growing recognition, Paulson does not consider himself solely a musician; he views music as an extension of his identity as a rancher. “We stand out in the scene of country music because I’m an actual rancher—I’m an actual cowboy,” Paulson stated. He aims to highlight the importance of ranchers in sustaining the land and feeding communities.

Gooss emphasized the significance of Paulson’s local roots, saying, “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.” Lucky Goose aims to foster a sense of community by showcasing North Dakota talent.

Among the audience was Joe Blankenship, a longtime friend of Paulson’s and his former roommate at Dickinson State University. Blankenship played a pivotal role in connecting Paulson with Gooss. He praised the authenticity of Paulson’s music, noting, “The ranching, the rodeo, it’s real. It has an impact on the people that are in that lifestyle.”

Blankenship reminisced about the days when they would practice music together, highlighting his favorite song from the evening, “I Been a Cowboy,” which was written by Paulson’s father. Gooss shared his appreciation for the same song, noting its emotional depth: “When you listen to him sing it, you notice it has a significantly different tone. It’s very obvious it’s a very special song to him.”

The concert also attracted attendees from neighboring regions, including Tyler Hett, who traveled nearly 50 miles from Buffalo, South Dakota. Hett shared his motivation for attending, stating, “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 event, with Gooss revealing plans for more community-centric activities, including comedy nights and additional concerts. Paulson viewed the performance as a stepping stone toward his larger aspiration of reaching broader audiences. “My goal is to do it for real,” he said. “I want to play big stages for thousands of people and tell our story to the world.”

The successful debut concert at Lucky Goose Grill & Bar marks an encouraging beginning for the venue, setting a precedent for future events that celebrate local talent and foster community engagement.