Dan + Shay Give Acoustic Performance Of “Nothin’ Like You” On March 25, 2015 In Front Of Small Audience

Early on in their careers, Dan + Shay did some acoustic performances that drew me in. There were a few of them that I watched on repeat, including a performance of  “Nothin’ Like You” at Skype Live Studio (now PNC Live Studio) in Portland, Oregon. Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney performed what would be their first number one radio hit later that year to a small audience that was presented by country station 98.7 The Bull. The duo would go on to perform some of the other songs from their debut album Where It All Began. 

With Smyers playing his acoustic guitar, showcasing his harmonies and Mooney singing lead vocals, the performance of “Nothin’ Like You” was nothing but flawless and smooth to me. The Natural Dam, Arkansas native (Mooney) told the song’s story with his beautiful vocals while the Wexford, Pennsylvania native (Smyers) had a chance for his harmonies to shine. If you listen very closely, you can hear his voice! While both guys are two completely different people overall, they happen to be best friends. Plus, their voices blend incredibly well together and they work well with one another, whether it is writing songs, doing work in the studio, or performing live on stage. And this performance is just one example of that! This is one of my absolute favorite clips of them performing acoustically early on!

Below is the “Nothin’ Like You” acoustic video from March 25, 2015 courtesy of PNC Live Studio’s YouTube channel! Enjoy!

Saturday Spotlight With Kara: My Question And Answer Session With Concert-Going, Passionate Dan + Shay Fan (Since 2013)

Here is my fourth Saturday Spotlight that I did via e-mail with my gracious (online) friend and passionate Dan + Shay fan, Kara from Kissimmee, Florida. Over the years I have followed many of the duo's biggest fans on social media and Kara is one of them! I have not kept in touch with her via message applications on social media (I know we will now though after doing this Q&A!). However, she has always interacted with my tweets on Twitter (now X) and my posts and stories on Instagram about Dan + Shay and other country music artists that we both enjoy.

In this fourth session, I added some new questions to change things up. I asked Kara about her local radio station and their history playing Dan + Shay's songs, what she thinks about a few of the duo's music videos that are unconventional (Her answer might surprise you!), and her commentary on many of the concerts she has attended over the years, and more! At the end of this session, you will find a few collages of pictures that Kara created along with her meet + greet pictures with the duo, and so much more! There is also a video of the duo singing "Tequila" at one of the concerts she has been to and a once-in-a-lifetime clip of Dan + Shay singing "Happy Birthday" to her! 

Please enjoy reading my fourth Dan + Shay Fan Spotlight with Kara!

Stacy (S): When did you become a fan of Dan + Shay? Was it in the beginning or later on in their careers? What was the first song of theirs that you heard on the radio? What was your first impression of hearing them on the radio and then getting to know them through social media?

Kara (K): I first started listening to Dan + Shay around the time "19 You + Me" hit the radio. Our local station K92.3 really championed that song and I heard it all the time. I also heard them several times on the Bobby Bones Show in that first year, including their AMAZING cover of Savage Garden (https://youtu.be/zoG9roYcwtY?si=_aSLNVoZaZpMq989), which to this day I still want them to record and release. I knew immediately that they were going to be some of my favorite artists. Shay Mooney's voice has to be one of the best singing voices on this planet. I know a lot of people compared their sound to Rascal Flatts when they first came out, but Shay singing lead and Dan's harmonies really do have a distinct and impressive sound that did make them pretty recognizable off the bat.

(S): How many times have you seen the duo in concert? What is your favorite venue that you have seen them play at? Tell me about a few of the concerts that stand out to you.

(K): This is an estimate, but I am going to say around 15. Our first time seeing them was with Hunter Hayes in Estero, Florida. We were already going to the show because I am a huge Hunter fan, but I tweeted out asking the boys if we should get meet + greet to the show for them and they liked the tweet, so we bought them instantly. I met them soaking wet after a Florida monsoon, but it was six days before my 24th birthday and they sang to me. I actually included a detailed notes app rant about how wonderful it was (posted years after on Twitter because someone was mad at our guys and I wasn't having it). We met them again that same night and Shay dared me to touch Dan's butt. . . not picture evidence, but I have one from just before it happened and you can tell that is where I am looking! Haha!

I proceeded to see them a TON from '14-'18. One of my favorites was a toy drive they did at this really small venue in Lakeland. The radio show was giving out tickets and I got up at like 7 am on a day off from work to be there right at 8:00 because the tickets were first come first serve. I made my mom drive with me and I have a distinct sense memory of listening to Chris Stapleton's "The Traveler" in the car; it had only been out a few months. I was the first person at the radio station and I genuinely think the person there to give out the tickets was confused why I had come before the doors even opened to the building. But it was such a fun night. They sang their songs, they sang Christmas songs, they sang "I'll Make Love To You" by Boyz II Men, and my friend and I were some of the ONLY people in front dancing. It was such a fun night.

They also played Celebrate Erie in 2018, which I flew to Pennsylvania from Florida for. It is a festival that celebrates my hometown and I literally got to see them for free on a random street in the middle of my city while their LARGEST hit "Tequila" was just skyrocketing them into fame!

When 2019 happened and they announced the Arena Tour dates, I jumped at the chance to buy tickets to see them in Pittsburgh and Orlando and wasn't able to make either show. I was so excited to see them in PA. I grew up north of Pittsburgh and have been to the city often. Passed by Wexford on the highway all the time. Seeing a hometown show, in my favorite city, it was like "HERE WE GO (Dan will get that)!" But then due to COVID-19 related reasons on my end, I couldn't make the show, and COVID-19 related reasons on their end, they cancelled the Orlando date as well. I was devastated. They did end up taking Florida Georgia Line's opening spot on the Kenny Chesney stadium tour that was postponed due to COVID-19, which was honestly the best surprise and I wouldn't be shocked if I was the only person in Raymond James wearing Dan + Shay merch to the show!

So, fast forward to 2022. K92.3 announces that Dan + Shay are headlining their acoustic guitar pull and I am immediately buying the closest tickets I can get, and to be honest, there is a pretty funny story attached to this event, so now I am going to shamelessly plug my podcast ("Get In, We're Going To...)", found on Spotify, Apple, and Amazon) episode on this topic if you want to hear the story! *As a heads-up, this episode is marked explicit because they mention a song that has a swear word in the title.*

(https://open.spotify.com/episode/74VWywhAGXn43BSL627Pvj?si=gow_VxtyTGSSAG8zDxQO9g) 

This then leads to my three most recent shows where I last minute flew to Columbus and drove to Savannah to see them along with attending the scheduled Tampa show for the Heartbreak On The Map tour, which may be their best work to date.

On top of just being awesome and sounding awesome, they have toured with some of my absolute favorite artists out there like Hunter and Cam. I was also reminded, looking back through scrapbook memories, they introduced me to another favorite Pittsburgh boy Steve Moakler who has for sure written on some of your favorite radio hits like "I Ain't Sayin" by Jordan Davis. His version of "Riser" is just, chef's kiss!

(S): How many time have you had the opportunity to meet Dan + Shay? What was the first meet + greet like? Did anything they say to you stick out to you that you still remember today? Tell me about a few of your other meet + greets with the guys that were special.

(K): In that 2014-2017 era, I think I met them at most shows. I would put the number at eight. My most memorable night meeting them was definitely the first night. I listen to the clip of "Happy Birthday" just about every year. But, I can think of a fun little moment from just about every meet + greet. That is just how special they make you feel.

(S): Dan + Shay have a few unconventional music videos that don't portray the actual storyline of the song like "Tequila", "How Not To", and "Steal My Love". They used a completely different storyline. Please describe what you think about each of these videos and if you like the guys going outside the normal when it comes to music video concepts.

(K): My podcast co-host and I laugh about this all the time. For me, when TRL ("Total Request Live") died, most videos also died. I can honestly say, I have never seen them. They are not all l something I seek out for any artist. This is no shade to Dan + Shay, this is a flaw within myself! :D

(S): What is the name of your local country radio station that you listen to? Do they play Dan + Shay's songs often? Which songs do they play the most?

(K): I listen to K92.3 the most if I am going to listen to regular radio. Back in 2014, I was constantly listening to that station and 103.5 out of Tampa. "19 You + Me" was on the radio all the time. I truly didn't feel their radio play at that magnitude again until "Tequila", which saw crossover success, so there were times you couldn't change the station without hearing it. I do think that K92.3 did a great job of playing most of the singles, but after a few years of them becoming popular, I changed to streaming which means Dan + Shay have been multi-platinum in my car for YEARS!

(S): If you had to pick your top two favorite Dan + Shay albums and top five overall songs (including from their Christmas album), what would they be? Tell me why those songs and the two albums overall connect with you.

(K): Where It All Began will always be my favorite. I think debut albums tend to hold a special place in my heart because they are what make you fall in love with an artist.

I am going to give my favorite song off of each album because it truly is hard to rank them. These songs are like children. . .

1. "Nothin' Like You" - I knew this song would be a fantastic single, and I was right.

2. "How Not To" - Same with this one! lol

3. "Alone Together" - Serious jam.

4. "Give In To You" - When I sing this song, I feel like I can sing. I cannot, but I feel like it.

5. "Breakin' Up With A Broken Heart" - This was was my IMMEDIATE favorite off the album. Such a great way to kick it off and draw you in.

Also, all of these songs would or do absolutely slay live.

. . .after going through their discography to get those songs titles, I didn't realize how hard it would be to a song off of Good Things, so that might be my second favorite album.

(S): Dan + Shay have been very active on social media over the years. Are there any special interactions/memories that you have had with them on social media that you would like to share?

(K): Getting a follow on Twitter was awesome. They are so interactive with fans. There are so many likes and replies on Instagram, it actually starts to feel kind of normal. I am also like a huge fan of their bass player Dustin who I would 100% buy a house from if I lived in Pittsburgh and won the lottery, and how he also interacts with fans.

(S): If you had the opportunity to have dinner with Dan + Shay and spend quality time with them afterward, what questions would you ask them? What would you talk about? 

(K): I would ask these three questions:

1. If you could pick any artist, dead or alive, who are you going on tour with?

2. Taking all of your songs the table, build me a dream setlist (17-21) songs, seems like a sweet spot) you'd love to perform.

3. What is your favorite emoji and why?

(S): Is there anything else you would like to add? 

(K): This is neither fun or interesting, but I need to know, does anyone else call them Daniel Shay, like they are one person?! No, just me?! Ok.

I could literally talk about these two guys for days. I love them. If you'd like to hear me do some of that (shameless plug), feel free to listen to this podcast episode about the Kenny Chesney tour I mentioned above. (https://open.spotify.com/episode/3EADwVDHJ9yNfkxU1j8EF2?si=_dD5Wj1ARf2qs0h6lKf9Jg)

Kara’s picture collage and concert ticket	Kara’s picture collage and concert ticket
Kara’s picture collage and concert ticket	Kara’s Meet + Greet pictures with Dan + Shay
Kara’s note about Dan + Shay
	Dan + Shay singing "Happy Birthday" to Kara!

 Dan + Shay singing "Tequila" in 2018

                                                                                                                       

                                                                                  

                                   

            

                                                

                                                                                  

                                                                                 

My Dan + Shay Trivia Questions From 08/26/2025

Below are the Dan + Shay trivia questions that I posted on my social media pages on August 19th! Whether you participated in the polls on my blog Facebook and/or Instagram pages or not, please feel free to write in the comments of this post what you think the answers are! To give everyone plenty of time, I will update this post in one week with the correct answers! I will be excited to see what everyone's responses are! Have fun and happy guessing!

Question 1: Fill in the correct missing word in this lyric from Dan + Shay's song "What You Do To Me": “I drive away from your house, chasing _______ out.”

Possible Answer #1: Dragonflies 

Possible Answer #2: Butterflies 

Possible Answer #3: Moths

Question 2:  Fill in the correct missing word in this lyric from Dan + Shay's song "Take Me Home For Christmas": "When I see the trees light up When they hang the _______.”

Possible Answer #1: Ornaments

Possible Answer #2: Decorations 

Possible Answer #3: Mistletoe 

Question 3: Who co-produces Dan + Shay’s albums with Dan?

Possible Answer #1: John Williams 

Possible Answer #2: Scott Hendricks 

Possible Answer #3: George Smith 

Dan Smyers Gives Fans A Taste Of His Producing Skills in "I Should Probably Go To Bed" Vocals Only Video

The very first time I listened to Dan + Shay's debut album Where It All Began back in March of 2014, one of the things that stood out to me was the production on each track. Every song had its own unique instrumentation style and overall sound. From starting at track one (the infectious, upbeat "Show You Off")  and making my way all the way to track 12 (the slower love song "Close Your Eyes) at the end of the project, I felt like Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney took me on an adventurous ride. I was truly impressed when I found out that Smyers produced their first album alongside Scott Hendricks. The two have been a team since them, producing each of the duo's albums together.

Months after they released their self-titled album, Dan + Shay released vocal-only versions of their hit songs "Tequila" and "Speechless". Hearing these for the first time, I was blown away. I had not heard the duo sing acapella before and the second song listed above, they left me speechless. This took their talent to a whole new level for me and I thought to myself, "Dan + Shay can sing with our without instruments, any genre of music, and their performances will always leave me amazed. Stay tuned for future posts with my commentary on both vocal-only tracks!

On July 31, 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the duo put out a new single called "I Should Probably Go To Bed". To me, it was their craziest vocal performance yet. I could tell that both guys had been in a creative pattern while they were in lockdown like the rest of the world. Smyers produced the song with Mooney in his home studio when it was safe to have a small gathering. 

Fast forward to August 7, 2020 when the duo posted a short YouTube video of what it looked like on Smyers' laptop when he produced the vocal portion of the song. Being able to hear Mooney’s lead vocal and Smyers’ harmonies and background vocals gives me chills and goosebumps every time I listen to it. And seeing both of their vocals each light up and go up on the screen every time one member of the duo is singing was pretty cool.

Dan + Shay have truly become my favorite duo and overall artists in country music. I continue to be in awe of Smyers’ inventive, creative, out-of-the box producing skills and his work ethic. He puts every ounce of his energy into making the duo’s music the best it can be and steps up his producing game from one album to the next. While a lot of the time there is a long wait anticipating their new music, it is because Smyers is taking his time, polishing every detail until he knows that it is ready. I really appreciate these things about him. While I do not like waiting, the wait to hear the new music is always worth it in the end!

Below is the vocal only clip of  “I Should Probably Go To Bed” courtesy of Dan + Shay’s YouTube channel! Enjoy! 

                                            Video courtesy of Dan + Shay's YouTube channel

Duo Gives Fans A Glimpse Into First Radio Tour in YouTube Documentary Series

Since day one of becoming a fan of Dan + Shay, the duo has always been good at giving us behind-the-scenes look at what they are up to. This started with their "Road To Radio" series on YouTube in September, 2013 when Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney gave everyone a look at what it was like for them to visit country radio stations all over the United States and meet their program directors, disc jockey's, etc.

Week one of the series started on the East coast. Their first stop was in Portland, Maine at 101.9 WPOR. Mooney said he had never been to Maine prior to this and chuckled at the fact that he did not know they had beaches until he saw the Welcome To Maine photograph in the airport that featured one. They then traveled by car to the station and are seen in a conference room playing their guitars acoustically for the staff. The duo also visited a second station in the state, 99.9 The Wolf. 

After they were done introducing themselves to the country radio stations, the duo did some sightseeing around the cities, walking around town being their goofy selves in one of the clips, as well as seeing the Atlantic Ocean.

The second state on the radio tour was Massachusetts. Smyers and Mooney got to tour Fenway Park where the Boston Red Sox play baseball before heading to the next station, 102.5 WKLB in Boston. The guys are featured singing their song "First Time Feeling" to the radio staff who applauded when they finished. The female staff member gushed over them. The duo are now on their way to the next station and Mooney is in the middle seat of the car, singing "moo" a few times, holding out the "o" sound and showing off his incredible range. "It's a new song, Dan + Shay, it's coming out, it's our second single," the lead vocalist joked. "It's called "Moo"?, the driver asked. "Cow theme," Smyers said. They never fail to amuse me with their humor!

Up next on their east coast adventure was a visit to Providence, Rhode Island. They played songs for the staff at 98.1 WCTK (Cat Country), which included "Stop Drop + Roll" from the duo’s debut album Where It All Began that would be released on April 1, 2014. The guys are later seen enjoying breakfast at a local restaurant.

After they left the station, the guys headed to Springfield, Massachusetts where they got ready to be openers for country artist Hunter Hayes on his tour at The Big E fair. They are seen doing soundcheck on the outdoor stage followed by performing live acoustically to a huge crowd. The duo sang their upbeat song "Show You Off" and the audience enthusiastically sang the "ay-o ay-o" line back to them. To end their set, Dan + Shay are shown taking pictures with some fans. I have loved witnessing in person at shows and in videos that I have watched the way these guys interact with the audience during their songs. And I love that they still take the opportunity to meet and take pictures with as many fans as possible before and after their concerts.

The next short clip features the guys in New York City spending their free day walking around and exploring.

For the final stop on their week one radio tour, Smyers and Mooney headed to Baltimore, Maryland. The first item on their agenda was to check out their tour bus for the first time. Both members of the duo said seeing their tour bus and getting to ride in it for the remainder of their radio tour and beyond was a better Christmas present than getting their Nintendo 64 game consoles many years ago! Mooney apologized to his mom for this! 

Their final country radio station to meet the staff and play at was 93.1 WPOC in Baltimore. Smyers and Mooney performed their first single "19 You + Me" on their acoustic guitars.

Stay tuned for a post with my rundown of the week two YouTube video from Dan + Shay’s radio tour in 2013! I have seen some of these videos, but not all of them. So it will be fun to revisit some of them and watch the others with fresh eyes! I love that the duo has always given their fans a detailed glimpse into their professional lives, starting with this tour early on! 

Below is the first installment in Dan + Shay’s “Road To Radio” YouTube series! Enjoy watching the footage of the guys traveling from state to state, performing at the radio stations, exploring each city, and everything in between!

Abby Smyers Shares Heartfelt Instagram Post Of Her And Dan Smyers' Rescue Dogs To Celebrate National Dog Day

Today is a holiday that celebrates our furry friends. It is National Dog Day! To celebrate the occasion, Dan Smyers' wife Abby took to her Instagram account to post about their four rescue dogs, Chief, Joy, Ghost, and Macaroni (Mac for short). 

"Happy #nationaldogday to the great four in our lives!!!, she shared in the caption. "Rescuing Joy was the first domino to fall and my life changed forever. 🐶🐶🐶🐶" She ended it with, "Adopt your pets, please and thank you!"

Abby also included individual pictures of their furry friends and a family picture that includes her and Dan in the post. The first shot shows Abby and their dog Joy posing at the beach. The next three shots of Abby with Chief (photo 2) Mac (photo 3), and Ghost (photo) were taken by a professional photographer. The family picture (photo 5) was taken in front of the couple's home in Nashville, Tennessee. 

I always enjoy seeing Abby post positive content on her Instagram stories of her (and sometimes Dan) walking their dogs, seeing them (their dogs) discover and enjoy the lake or ocean depending on where the couple's travels take them, watching them enjoying their meals at home, and seeing still shots of their furry friends in an adorable pose! Their dogs are very photogenic!

Stay tuned for future posts about their four dogs, which will include individual stories of the horrible situation each one was in before the Smyers' rescued them and helped bring them back to being 100% healthy so they could live their best lives.

Here is a link to Abby's Instagram post. Screenshots of each picture are posted below!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DN02Shy4s5H/?img_index=5

Screenshot courtesy of Abby Smyers' Instagram post from 08/26/2025

Screenshot courtesy of Abby Smyers' Instagram post from 08/26/2025

Screenshot courtesy of Abby Smyers' Instagram post from 08/26/2025

                                

Screenshot courtesy of Abby Smyers' Instagram post from 08/26/2025

Dan And Abby Smyers Give Fans Joyful Christmas Content In 2023 Clip

Whether it is the duo posting Christmas content on social media or creating the best Christmas original and classic songs to listen to, Dan + Shay always give their fans many reasons to enjoy the holiday season to its fullest. Dan Smyers and his wife Abby came through to fulfill their fans wishes in a video posted to the duo's YouTube channel and social media outlets on November 24, 2023. 

Set to Dan + Shay's first original joyful, upbeat Christmas song "Take Me Home For Christmas", the Smyers' were seen decorating their home for the holidays, specifically putting up their fake tree. In the fast motion clip, Dan was climbing up a ladder, setting the different pieces of the tree on top of one another while Abby wrapped the lights around the tree. The couple's rescue dogs, Chief, Joy, Ghost, and Mac are also featured in the video walking around the area, trying to figure out what was going on. By the end of the clip, their tree was all lit!

Below is the clip courtesy of Dan + Shay's YouTube Shorts page! Enjoy!🎄

My Memory Watching Dan + Shay Perform "All To Myself" On "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve"

Every year for as long as I can remember, my family has tuned in to Live on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin Eve live television special from Times Square in New York City. From watching the interviews with the artists, chit-chat among the hosts, the slew of musical performances, and of course toasting with my family at midnight for the ball drop, I have always enjoyed every second of this tradition on New Years Eve.

That tradition became even more special for me when it was announced that my favorite country music duo Dan + Shay would be one of the many artists who would perform a few of their hits during the event on December 31, 2018, this year with Ryan Seacrest as the main host. My mom and I watched the entire live telecast and I had a huge grin on my face each time Dan + Shay took the stage! 

One of the songs that Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney performed that night was their upbeat love song "All To Myself" from the duo's self-titled album. The track was released to country radio in February, 2019 as their next single and reached number one status later that year. Despite the rain that fell during their performance, that did not stop Smyers or Mooney from giving it their all. Smyers and Mooney both moved around the stage to engage with the massive crowd, and even had some audience participation moments during the song. In addition, the duo's producer (Smyers) and lead vocalist (Mooney) put all of their energy into telling the story of the song. The crowd cheered and applauded the guys after they sang the last note. To me, it looked like the duo genuinely had a lot of fun performing on the biggest stage on New Year's Eve! 

This was Dan + Shay's first time being part of the line-up in New York City and I have a good feeling that it will not be their last based on the three performances I got to witness that night. Stay tuned for future posts with my thoughts and review of their performance of "Tequila" and "Speechless"!

Below is the "All To Myself" performance video from Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest that was posted on Dan + Shay's YouTube channel January 2, 2019. Enjoy!

                                            Video courtesy of Dan + Shay's YouTube channel

Dan + Shay Join Forces With The Jonas Brothers To Sing, Instill Hope, And Help Garner Donations On Stand Up To Cancer Telecast

Musical artists in various genres joined forces on Friday August 15th at the Pinnacle in Nashville to perform songs, raise awareness, and help garner donations for the organization Stand Up To Cancer. When I initially saw the performer announcement, I thought Dan + Shay would be singing one of their songs during the event. To my surprise, they sang a cover of U2's "Beautiful Day" alongside The Jonas Brothers who have made pop music together and have also had individual careers.

Dressed in their Stand Up To Cancer t-shirts, the brothers, consisting of Joe, Nick, and Kevin Jonas, traded off vocals during the first verse and chorus of the song. Then the pop music group brought out Dan + Shay to continue the song, who were also sporting their Stand Up To Cancer t-shirts. Shay Mooney sang the second verse and chorus while Dan Smyers provided his beautiful harmonies. The duo and The Jonas Brothers collaborated on the bridge, final verse, and chorus.

With the second verse's lyrics, "You're on the road, but you've got no destination/You're in the mud, in the maze of her imagination/You love this town even if that doesn't ring true/You've been all over, and it been all over you" and the chorus' lyrics, "It's a beautiful day/Sky falls, you feel like/It's a beautiful day/Don't let it get away", and other painted pictures throughout the song, it was the perfect cover for this event. The lyrics talk about that while times in your life can be rough, it is still a beautiful day and things will get better. The track spreads hope and positivity, especially in the chorus amidst the challenges that someone might be facing in their life.

Below is the video of the five artists performing "Beautiful Day" on the Stand Up To Cancer telecast courtesy of BdDaniel's YouTube channel! Enjoy!

What Would You Pick From Dan + Shay’s Merchandise Selection?

Photo courtesy of Dan + Shay’s Instagram post from 03/24/2024

Photo taken by Rob Norris

When I saw Dan + Shay perform for the first time in October of 2014, every fan who wanted to meet and take a picture with the duo after the concert had to purchase a piece of their merchandise. I bought a black t-shirt with a picture of the duo on it and the Where It All Began tour dates on the back. I remember this being one of the most comfortable t-shirts I had ever worn. Plus, the artistry on it was very creative in my opinion. The t-shirt and picture of me and the duo is featured at the bottom of this post.

Over the years, I received a black t-shirt with their fourth album title Good Things imprinted in pink on the right corner, which was part of a celebration package when that record came out. I have also bought two crewneck sweatshirts, one with duo’s logo on it and one with the “Bigger Houses” lyrics on it. The last piece of merchandise I have so far is a black t-shirt with a gold plus sign on it that I bought when their song “From The Ground Up” was released. 

While the price on their apparel and merchandise items in general has increased as the guys have become more popular, the items are always worth it for me. I wear the crewneck sweatshirts all the time because I love to wear long sleeve clothing. They are both made with quality material and are very warm and comfortable. Their t-shirts are also very comfortable.

Next on my list, I plan to buy the tie-dye hoodie and joggers (sweatpants) that were released for their Heartbreak On The Map tour!

At the top of this post is a screenshot of the duo’s Instagram post from March 25, 2024 that features all of the items that were available on their winter and spring tours last year, most of which is still on their website to purchase as well as their Christmas merchandise! Feel free to visit https://www.danandshay.com/tour to browse the store and purchase any of their awesome, colorful, comfortable, and warm pieces of clothing, mugs, caps, and more!

Stay tuned for future posts where I post a collage of pictures of me today in all of my Dan + Shay apparel as well as details about the duo’s drummer, Andrew Cook who has a hand in designing a lot of their artwork on their apparel!

My Dan + Shay Trivia Questions From 08/19/2025 - I Welcome My Readers To Participate!

Below are the Dan + Shay trivia questions that I posted on my social media pages on August 19th! Whether you participated in the polls on my blog Facebook and/or Instagram pages or not, please feel free to write in the comments of this post what you think the answers are! To give everyone plenty of time, I will update this post in one week with the correct answers! I will be excited to see what everyone's responses are! Have fun and happy guessing!

Question 1: Fill in the correct missing word in this lyric from Dan + Shay's song "Lipstick": "She's putting on her lipstick Turning up the _______?

Possible Answer #1: Radio

Possible Answer #2: Volume

Possible Answer #3: Music

Question 2:  Fill in the correct missing word in this lyric from Dan + Shay's song "I Heard Goodbye": "I watched you ______ away."

Possible Answer #1: Walk

Possible Answer #2: Fade

Possible Answer #3: Turn

Question 3: Fill in the correct missing word in this lyric from Dan + Shay's song "My Side Of The Fence": "And when I'm holding you the ______ makes sense."

Possible Answer #1: World

Possible Answer #2: Earth

Possible Answer #3: Globe

Dan + Shay Embrace Live Crowd Post-COVID-19 Pandemic During Hopeful "Glad You Exist" Performance at 2021 iHeart Radio Music Awards

Dan + Shay always pour out their hearts and souls into every live performance whether they are on tour, guests on a talk show, in the lineup at an award show, or invited to a special event. The duo's appearance at the 2021 iHeart Radio Music Awards in Los Angeles to sing their single "Glad You Exist" was no exception. In fact, this opportunity on May 27th of that year was extra exciting and special for the duo because it was their first performance in front of a live audience (with everyone masked minus the artists) since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Performing on a springtime-feeling stage that included cherry blossom trees, the duo's apparel matched that vibe. Dan Smyers wore a dark lightweight long flowing overcoat featuring some red flowers over a black t-shirt while Shay Mooney sported an open button-down shirt over a white t-shirt. Both guys wore black pants.

With his beautiful vocals, Mooney told the story of "Glad You Exist" about being grateful for your family and friends, while Smyers backed him up with his exquisite harmonies. He (Smyers) started the performance on guitar, then engaged with the crowd playing no instrument, and ended the song sitting, playing the piano. Their road band also accompanied the guys in the background. The duo had the crowd on their feet dancing and clapping along the entire time.

Below is the video of this performance courtesy of Dan + Shay's YouTube channel. Enjoy!

                                            Video Courtesy Of Dan + Shay's YouTube channel

Duo Deliver A Stellar, Upgraded Acoustic Version of 2018 hit "Tequila" in January, 2023 Video

When it comes to releasing music, Dan + Shay are known for putting out acoustic versions of many of their hits. A few that come to the top of my head are "Speechless", "You", and "Tequila". Along with the acoustic cuts that fans can stream or purchase, the duo have also made numerous videos of them performing these songs with just their voice and a guitar or piano.

One of my absolute favorite acoustic videos that Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney posted was on January 10, 2023. Five years to the day that "Tequila" was released, the clip features the guys in what looks like the recording studio, sitting on stools. Mooney upped his game on the lead vocal, especially during the bridge when he showed off some off the upper register of his voice. Smyers provides the harmonies while playing his guitar. If you listen very closely to this performance, you can also really hear the duo's producer's voice.

I have been following Dan + Shay since close to the beginning of their careers and have noticed the growth and maturity in their vocals, songwriting, and Smyers' producing from album to album. I have also noticed the growth and maturity in them with the acoustic videos they post. To me, the five year celebration video of "Tequila" being released is top notch and shows how far the guys have come as artists as well as human beings. 

In the coming months and years, I cannot wait to see my favorite country music duo continue to soar with the new music and videos they release! They raise the bar for themselves and for their fans on each new album and I know studio album number 6 will be no different.

Below is the January 10, 2023 video of Dan + Shay performing "Tequila" acoustically courtesy of their YouTube channel. Enjoy!

I Want To Read Feedback From My Readers - At The Three Month Mark Of Starting My Blog

I started this blog on May 14th and have been writing daily posts for just over three months now. I truly am enjoying blogging about Dan + Shay, my favorite country music duo every day. In the last month, I have been trying to do a mix of shorter and longer posts to keep things interesting. I have also been doing a mix of posts, from breaking down Dan + Shay songs and their music videos to posting my social media trivia questions, breaking down their talk show and award show performances, and posting about their short content videos from YouTube. I also have done my monthly fan spotlight pieces and my trips down memory lane with the duo.

I want to hear from my readers! I have a list of questions so I can improve your reading experience and also improve my blog. I would truly appreciate your answers and feedback. Please leave a comment below and put a number before each of your answers.

1) What type of posts that I listed above do you enjoy reading the most? What other types of posts do you want to see that I have not done yet? What type of posts do you not like?  

2) For those of you who follow my Facebook and Instagram pages, do you enjoy the weekly content I do on there (Music Monday, Trivia Tuesday, Welcome Wednesday, Throwback Thursday, Flashback Friday)? Do you feel like it is easy to participate in each activity, especially the Monday-Wednesday ones that require some sort of participation?

3) Is it easy for you to find my blog? I include a link to each of my blog posts in a Facebook post every day. I also post a picture related to the post on my Instagram account and the link to my blog is in my bio. Do you find it easy to navigate to my bio to get to my blog and the most recent post?

-As a friendly reminder, I invite you to follow my Facebook and Instagram pages if you have not already.

https://www.facebook.com/dailydashofdanandshay

https://www.instagram.com/dailydashofdanandshay

4) When I post my social media trivia question on my blog each week or any posts where I ask for participation, is it easy for you to navigate to the comment section to post your answers? If it is difficult, WHAT specifically makes it difficult? I want to know so I can make it easier for you to participate!

I truly appreciate all of my readers and social media followers being here and I cannot wait to read your feedback and implement it into my blog and posts moving forward! 

Where Does Happiness Live In Your Daily Life?

Video courtesy of Dan + Shay’s YouTube channel    from 07/23/2024

Dan + Shay’s latest number one song “Bigger Houses” is about appreciating what you have and not taking them for granted. Stay tuned for a future post where I break down the parts of the song as well as one about the music video!

In the chorus, there is a line that says “the thing about happiness I found is It don’t live in bigger houses.” 

For me, happiness lives in smiling daily when I listen to Dan + Shay’s music on repeat. It also lives in attending their incredible live shows when I can. I have been incredibly lucky to see them live in concert six times so far and I hope the seventh time will happen soon!

Outside of Dan + Shay and country music, happiness lives in watching my favorite television shows. In the last year, I have dived into the popular 2000’s show “Gilmore Girls” and I am currently rewatching it for the fourth time! Through that show, I have become a huge fan of Lauren Graham who plays Lorelai Gilmore, one of the main characters on the show. I have watched all of the shows she has had big roles on and I have read three out of four of the books (so far) that she has written.

Finally, happiness lives in spending time with my family and friends every month! I do not know where I would be without any of them! 

Where does happiness live for YOU in your daily life? I want to know! Feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this post with your lists of things that bring you happiness every day and I will make sure to reply with a response this week! 

Happy Birthday To Dan Smyers of Dan + Shay!

Happy Birthday to Dan Smyers of Dan + Shay who turns 38 today! From donating money to animal rescues and adoption centers, to rescuing his own dogs who were in terrible situations with his wife Abby, interacting with his fans in person and on social media over the years, including giving them meet + greets before shows, and everything in between, the duo's harmonist and producer has a big heart. He has done a lot for me as a fan and I could not be more grateful for his caring, generous, humble, kind heart over the last 11 years and counting!

Abby Smyers posted a tribute to her husband on Instagram today. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY DANIEL!!! 🎉❤️🎂, she started. “ You are the light of my life and I love you infinitely.” Abby posted some pictures and a video of her husband, including a cute picture of the couple with their dogs Chief, Ghost, Joy, and Mac.

Dan, here's to another trip around the sun! I cannot wait to see all of the wonderful things that are ahead for you in the next year, including hearing what I know will be incredible new music and hopefully attending another Dan + Shay concert!

Below is a screenshot of picture two from Abby's Instagram post as well as my two meet + greet pictures with Dan + Shay!

Screenshot courtesy of Abby Smyers' 08/16/2025 Instagram post

Dan + Shay Throw Unexpected, but Funny Twist in Christmas Wrapping Paper Photoshoot Challenge In Video

 Last year there was a viral Christmas wrapping paper photoshoot with dogs on social media. Owners taped a large piece of wrapping paper between an open doorway and their dogs attempted to make a hole in the middle by planting their faces through it so they could be photographed. 

Dan + Shay decided to take on the challenge with Dan Smyers and his wife Abby Smyers' dogs in a social media and YouTube video. However, their attempt failed in the best and funniest way possible! Smyers tapes up the wrapping paper between the open door frame. The couples dogs Chief, Joy, Mac, and Ghost are seen leaving the scene immediately, and the next think you know, Shay Mooney comes in and plants his face through the wrapping paper. With an exuberant and huge grin on his face, the lead vocalist of the duo starts singing lyrics from the duo's original Christmas song "It's Officially Christmas" and then the clip ends.

I have said it before and I will continue to say it: Dan + Shay come up with the most creative, funny, light-hearted, and positive content to post on social media. Stay tuned for more previous and future videos in my upcoming posts!

Enjoy the :12 video below of the duo attempting the challenge!

My Dan + Shay Trivia Questions From 08/12/2025

Below are the Dan + Shay trivia questions that I posted on my social media pages on July 22! Whether you participated in the polls on my blog Facebook and/or Instagram pages or not, please feel free to write in the comments of this post what you think the answers are! To give everyone plenty of time, I will update this post in one week with the correct answers! I will be excited to see what everyone's responses are! Happy guessing!

Picture courtesy of bass player's Instagram account

Question 1: What is Dan + Shay's bass player's name in the picture above?

Possible Answer #1: Dustin Hook

Possible Answer #2: Andrew Cook

Possible Answer #3: Izaac Burkhardt

Picture courtesy of Shay Mooney's Instagram account

Question 2: Shay's second oldest son in the picture above is named. . . 

Possible Answer #1: Alexander

Possible Answer #2: Adam

Possible Answer #3: Aubrey

Question 3: Fill in the correct lyric from Dan + Shay's song "From The Ground Up":

Possible Answer #1: Story

Possible Answer #2: Portrait

Possible Answer #3: Picture

Dan + Shay 2015 Tour Highlight Video Features Footage From Grand Rapids, Michigan Show

After their Just The Right Kind of Crazy Tour had ended, Dan + Shay posted the "Nothin Like You (Live)" video to their YouTube channel and social media pages. According to information at the bottom of the YouTube video, the footage in this clip was taken by Rob Norris and Taylor Bray added the live audio. The video is set to live audio of "Nothin' Like You" from the tour and highlights from the venues they played, including a few shots from their sold out show that I attended at The Intersection in Grand Rapids, Michigan on October 18, 2015.

To start the video at the :19 mark, there is footage of fans lined up outside in downtown Grand Rapids near the venue waiting to get in. Next, at the 1:30 mark, you can see The Intersection crowd with Dan Smyers at the front getting ready to crowd surf! I happened to make it into this video. My face is in the red circle in the screenshot at the bottom of this post! The 1:38 mark features Smyers laying on his back making his way from the front to the back of the venue. I was in the second row with my friend and I remember when he started crowd surfing, he was directly over us! That was such a cool and surreal moment that I will never forget! There is more footage of Smyers crowd surfing at the 1:50 mark and I found myself again! Finally at the 2:38 section toward the end of the clip, Shay Mooney is seen being lifted back onto the stage.

This was the only concert on this tour that the duo crowd surfed. When their set started, Smyers mentioned from the stage that they wanted to do something to celebrate "Nothin" Like You" climbing the country radio chart. The producer announced that he and Mooney would crowd surf later in their set. Somehow I missed that announcement early on, so it was a huge surprise to me when they came into the audience and everyone had to use their hands to move them to the back of the venue and then back to the front again.

My friend and I had a VIP package for this concert, which included early access to the venue so we could be near the stage. We ended up standing in the second row! We also got to take a picture with the duo prior to the show starting.

Below is the screenshot of me from the video. Directly underneath that is my meet + greet picture that was taken before the concert! The YouTube video is beneath the pictures. Enjoy!

Screenshot courtesy of "Nothin Like You (Live)" video on Dan + Shay's YouTube channel

 

Meet + Greet Photo By Rob Norris at The Intersection on 10/18/2015

                          "Nothin' Like You (Live)" video courtesy of Dan + Shay's YouTube channel

Dan + Shay Added to Help Save Lives on Stand Up To Cancer TV Special Airing August 15, 2025

Over the last decade, Dan + Shay have worked with different organizations to raise awareness about animal fostering, rescue, and adoption. The duo have also partnered with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital where they have performed for the childhood cancer patients, participated in radio fundraising efforts for the organization by performing their songs and covers, to name a couple of events. From my experience following Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney over the year, they have the biggest hearts and love to give back whenever and wherever they can. Stay tuned for future posts where I break down each time they worked with a charity over the years.

According to an August 6, 2025 press release on The Stand Up To Cancer official website, Smyers and  Mooney have been added to the television lineup to perform a song alongside fellow country artists Jelly Roll, Jon Pardi, and pop group The Jonas Brothers, to name a few. They will help raise money for Stand Up To Cancer, which was co-founded by journalist Katie Couric, according to the press release.

The TV special will air across several channels, including on the four major networks, ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX, as well as streaming platforms STARZ and tubi, Video On Demand, and through the iHeart radio app starting at 8/7c.

Stay tuned for a post this weekend when I break down the duo's performance on the broadcast.

Reference:

https://news.standuptocancer.org/press/jelly-roll-jonas-brothers-cece-winans-dan-shay-and-more-unite-in-nashville-for-stand-up-to-cancers-fundraising-special/

Dan + Shay Surprise Fans With Cover Of Pop Sensation Niall Horan’s “Slow Hands”

Let me take it all the way back to July 3, 2017 when Dan + Shay posted a short cover of pop sensation Niall Horan’s romantic smash hit “Slow Hands” to their social media pages and YouTube channel. On their acoustic short clip of the song, Dan Smyers showed off his guitar skills and smooth harmonies while Shay Mooney showed off his vocal range with some high notes. Both guys proved that they are great storytellers while singing this tune.

Horan, who was previously a member of the group One Direction, is now a solo artist. He also has been a Coach on NBC’s reality singing competition The Voice like Dan + Shay have, and will return to the show this Fall in the big red chair.

Stay tuned for more covers Smyers and Mooney have done of artists songs in other genres as well as in the country category over the years!

Below is the duo’s cover of Horan’s “Slow Hands” courtesy of their YouTube channel! Enjoy! 

My Dan + Shay Trivia Questions From 08/05/2025

 Below are the Dan + Shay trivia questions that I posted on my social media pages on July 22! Whether you participated in the polls on my blog Facebook and/or Instagram pages or not, please feel free to write in the comments of this post what you think the answers are! To give everyone plenty of time, I will update this post in one week with the correct answers! I will be excited to see what everyone's responses are! Happy guessing!

Question 1: Finish this lyric from Dan + Shay's song "How Not To": "I'll probably turn down your. . . ?

Possible Answer #1:Street

Possible Answer #2: Road

Possible Answer #3: Avenue

Question 2: What is Shay and Hannah's youngest son's name?

Possible Answer #1: Alexander

Possible Answer #2: Adam

Possible Answer #3: Aubrey

Question 3: What is Dan and Abby's dog's name in this picture below?

Photo Courtesy of Abby Smyers Instagram Post from 02/05/2024

Possible Answer #1: Spirit

Possible Answer #2: Ghost

Possible Answer #3: Shadow