Eli Young Band performs in Bradenton

Mike Eli and James Young, the story goes, met when they were randomly assigned to be roommates in the dorms in their freshman year at North Texas State University, which is known for its music programs. They started strumming guitars together and eventually wrote a song or two, and then performed around town as a duo. They added a bassist and drummer and called their new outfit Eli Young Band.

That was 15 years ago and EYB has just been getting better and more popular ever since.

They'll be at Joyland in Bradenton on Saturday.

Their first album came out in 2002, but they hit the super-big time in 2011. Their song "Crazy Girl" was the No. 1 country single on the year on the Billboard charts, and was named the Song of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards. The band was also named Breakout Artist of the Year at those same awards.

They also had a No. 1 single in 2013 with "Drunk Last Night" and their latest album, "10,000 Towns," topped the country charts in 2014.

Details: 7 p.m. April 16, Joyland, 5520 14th St., Bradenton. Tickets: $17.50 advance, $20 at the door. Information: (941) 756-6060. joylandcountry.com.

-- Marty Clear

This story was originally published April 13, 2016 at 6:03 PM with the headline "Eli Young Band performs in Bradenton ."