Red Clay Strays Deliver Powerful, Sold-Out Nights of Faith and Community at Bridgestone Arena

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What a night in Nashville as The Red Clay Strays played to a sold-out crowd at Bridgestone Arena. Center Stage Magazine was thrilled to have been invited to cover this night of feel-good, positive music and community during the band’s Grateful Tour. With uplifting messages throughout the evening, combined with personal experiences and the reminder that we need to have faith to get us through, it was probably one of the most meaningful experiences.

The Alabama-born band (formed in Mobile in 2016) has risen rapidly from regional gigs to arena headliners. Their 2022 debut Moment of Truth featured the viral breakout “Wondering Why,” they signed with RCA, released the Dave Cobb-produced Made by These Moments in 2024, and dropped their third album Grateful in 2026. They previously sold out three nights at the Ryman Auditorium and a headlining show at Madison Square Garden in August 2026. These October 22 and 23, 2026, dates at Bridgestone Arena (with special guests Sierra Ferrell and Brent Cobb) marked their first time headlining the venue and sold out quickly enough that a second night was added.

By the early part of the set (reports place the guest appearance around the fourth or fifth song), they brought out country artist Zach Top. The crowd erupted into loud cheering, screams, and pure elation as the two acts traded vocals. The performance that especially tugged at heartstrings was their cover of the late John Anderson’s 1983 CMA Single of the Year, “Swingin’.” Anderson, a Country Music Hall of Famer known for that hit and others like “Seminole Wind,” had died the day before (October 21, 2026) at age 71. Brandon Coleman and Zach Top delivered a grooving, heartfelt tribute that was executed brilliantly. 

Shout-out to the sound team for making the show sound even better than the record, especially the drums. They were absolutely incredible. One of the standout elements was the backing vocalists, whose beautiful voices enhanced the already outstanding performance, it was breathtaking. (The band’s sound often incorporates gospel-tinged elements, consistent with the soulful, faith-infused material on Grateful.)

The Red Clay Strays gave a very commanding performance with strong stage presence. Frontman Brandon Coleman has a powerful voice and sharp style that evokes an earlier era of music many still love. Drummer John Hall was animated and clearly enjoying himself while interacting with bandmates. The full lineup includes Drew Nix (electric guitar, vocals, harmonica), Zach Rishel (electric guitar), Andrew Bishop (bass), and Sevans Henderson (keys).

The Grateful Tour continues after these Nashville shows, with upcoming dates including Knoxville (October 28), Birmingham (October 31), Atlanta’s State Farm Arena (November 13), and Las Vegas’s MGM Grand Garden Arena (December 5). The band has also announced the 2027 leg, beginning January 22 in Raleigh and including three hometown shows at Mobile’s Regions Arena on March 25–27, 2027.

Overall, it was a night of high-energy Southern rock/country storytelling, community, and meaningful tributes that showcased why The Red Clay Strays have become one of the hottest live acts in the genre. Do yourself a favor and get yourself to one of their shows, you will not be dissappointed. ~Missy