Singer-songwriter Katie Sires, center, of Katie and the Honky Tonks performs the audience-participatory chorus of her song “Honky Tonk in IOWA” off the band’s debut album “Ain’t No Shame” July 17 at The Dig Inn in Reinbeck. Sires, who hails originally from Gladbrook, is pictured alongside two of her three bandmates including Jesse Cotton, far left, and Johnny Love, far right. Obscured behind her is Luke Sires, who does double duty as the band’s drummer and manager while also matching wits as her husband. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

REINBECK – Not even three weeks had elapsed since their blazing debut album “Ain’t No Shame” started tearing up the music press, when classic country band Katie and the Honky Tonks (KTHT) were back at it on rooted ground – playing for the first time on Thursday, July 17 at The Dig Inn in Reinbeck where three of the four band members graduated high school over two decades ago.

Led by singer-songwriter Katie (née Wedmore) Sires who grew up in Gladbrook – where her folks once upon a time ran one of the best supper clubs this side of Wisconsin, the Uptown Lounge & Supper Club – KTHT packed The Dig Inn’s back patio to nearly the alley curb as they performed all 11 of their debut album’s songs plus a few other honky-tonk tunes.

Prior to their performance, singer-songwriter Travis Feutz of Columbia, Mo. along with his gentle, honest guitar provided the opener, playing a comforting selection of traditional cowboy songs.

“Well my crime is being a honky tonk man. And I’m guilty of leading a honky tonk band. But the songs and the music live deep in my soul. Country music’s my prison, I’m doing life without parole,” he sang, performing his penultimate song “Life Without Parole” off his 2021 album “Country Music Forever.”

Feutz was a fitting opener for KTHT as he shares songwriting credits with Katie on “Women of Country Music,” track No. 6 on “Ain’t No Shame” and one of the best showcases for Katie’s distinct, honey twang of a voice that could probably convince most anyone – even those who’ve never heard of a Texas two-step or haven’t a clue what a pair of Tony Lamas are – into throwing out all their clothes and hobbies to take up the honky-tonky lifestyle.

Singer-songwriter Katie Sires, a member of Gladbrook-Reinbeck Class of 2004, performs July 17 at The Dig Inn in Reinbeck. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

As the sun that evening in Reinbeck set perfectly behind the band, a warm, golden light enhanced the retro, country western vibe. The show was only the third time all four bandmates had ever performed together live after KTHT underwent a complete roster overhaul earlier this year. In addition to Katie (Gladbrook-Reinbeck Class of 2004), the band includes Katie’s husband and band manager Luke Sires (North Tama Class of 2002) who handles drums, and fellow G-R Class of 2004 graduates Jesse Cotton and Johnny Love who play guitar/bass guitar while also providing backing vocals.

Following the show, the band stayed late into the night at The Dig Inn to visit with friends, family, and supporters alike.

When asked if they’d keep coming back in the months (and hopefully years) ahead as their album continues to flare ever higher with both a fall public television special and a 2026 tour on tap, Luke, who partially grew up on a goat farm, didn’t hesitate in his answer.

“We’re loyal to the soil,” he replied with a tip of his cowboy hat.

Upcoming shows

Drummer and band manager Luke Sires smiles up at his wife Katie Sires, lead singer of the band Katie and the Honky Tonks, during their Thursday, July 17 performance in Reinbeck. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

This past Monday, the newspaper reached out to Luke for an update on the band’s schedule.

“It’s been a crazy and incredibly fun last couple weeks!” he said. “And it keeps rolling into Wisconsin this week [for the Sugar Maple Music Festival].”

Locals who have yet to catch KTHT live – which is, by far, the absolute best way to experience Katie’s vocals and the band’s witty energy – they will be performing Saturday, Aug. 23 at The Octopus in Cedar Falls (2205 College St.) with Ty Toomsen & The Twang City Smokers beginning at 8 p.m. And then on Saturday, Sept. 20, they will be at Lofty’s in Evansdale (3480 Lafayette Rd.) beginning at 3:30 p.m. as part of Hardship’s final performance.

“It’s a metal/death metal show we are playing,” Luke explained. “With some of my favorite bands and a local band, Hardship. It’s their last show!”

But for those who prefer keeping it local, KTHT will be back in Reinbeck at The Dig Inn on Saturday, Sept. 27, as part of the fifth annual Becktoberfest where they’ll be “on the street with more space,” per The Dig Inn’s Ben Robertson.

Guitarist Jesse Cotton, left, of Katie and the Honky Tonks sings alongside lead singer Katie Sires, right, on July 17 at The Dig Inn in Reinbeck. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

For a full upcoming show schedule, visit https://www.katieandthehonkytonks.net/upcoming-shows.html.

Bass guitarist Johnny Love, who by day works as a pharmacy tech in town, performs July 17 in Reinbeck as a member of Katie and the Honky Tonks. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Katie Sires’ toddler nephew gets into the honky-tonk swing of things at The Dig Inn on July 17. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER