The Red Clay Strays

Lake Tahoe, NV (9/4/26) – The Red Clay Strays brought their ‘Grateful’ tour to the crisp mountain air of Lake Tahoe. On this tour stop, they brought the Australian band Sweet Talk, as well as singer/songwriter Dylan Gossett as supporting acts.

The crowd was quite surprised when Sweet Talk took the stage. Everyone was quite pleasantly surprised by how great they sounded, but even more surprised that there were two supporting acts. For whatever reason, there was no mention of Sweet Talk on any of the promotional material for the show. Sweet Talk performed with an infectious groove and had the early attendees on their feet and dancing. I have no doubt that from their performance, they gained quite a few new fans.

As the sun dipped below the Eastern Sierras, bringing even colder temps, Dylan Gossett took the stage with the feat of heating things up. Gossett appropriately kicked his set off with ‘Tree Birds’ from his 2025 debut studio album, Westward.

“Burnt fingers and broken lighters

We’re far away from the house

And we’re singin‘ songs like the tree birds

Melodies just sound better from your mouth”

“Far away from the house” indeed. One of country music’s fastest-rising artists, Gossett hails from Austin, Texas, and is steeped in Red Dirt tradition and Texas lore. Having racked up 1.5 billion streams thus far, the crowd was definitely tuned in from the very first harmonica note.

Gossett and Co. performed a fantastically comprehensive 13-song set weaving in many of his most popular songs, as well as his latest release, ‘Loving You Like That’, which is the first single from his brand-new album ‘Ramblin’. The sophmore album has a release date of September 25^th via Big Loud Texas / Mercury Records. Autographed copies of Ramblin’ can be pre-ordered at https://www.dylangossett.com/

A rousing rendition of ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ was also flawlessly worked into the set. This really showcased the stellar musicianship of not only Dylan Gossett, but the entire band as a whole.

Whether it’s the soulful longing of ‘Sweet Lady, the painful murder ballad of ‘Lone Ole Cowboy’, the remorseful ‘If I had a Lover’, or the mournfulness of ‘Back 40’ and ‘Coal’, Dylan Gossett possesses the amazing ability to vividly paint each scene lyrically with admirable authenticity.

Speaking of ‘Coal’, as an introduction to the song, Gossett said “if y’all know this one sing along with me.” Having been certified 2x platinum, the entire crowd not only knew it, everyone in attendance was singing along like “Tree Birds”.

With his deeply introspective lyrics and having performed with the likes of George Strait, Mumford and Sons, Morgan Wallen, and Noah Kahan, it’s no surprise that Dylan Gossett is one of country music’s fastest-rising artists. Dylan will be co-headlining many dates with Charles Wesley Godwin later this month.

Dylan Gossett Setlist:

Tree Birds

Sweet Lady

Lone Ole Cowboy

Clothesline

Beneath Oak Trees

Finally Stop Dreaming

If I Had a Lover

Loving You Like That

Back 40

Hangin’ On

Folsom Prison Blues (Johnny Cash cover)

Coal

Somewhere Between

Having performed at legendary venues such as New York City’s Madison Square Gardens, the revered Grand Ole Opry, as well as the Mother Church of Country Music itself, the Ryman Auditorium, The Red Clay Strays are quite simply one of the absolute hottest bands around.

Being one that is generally proud of getting in on the ground level of an amazing artist/band, I must admit that I missed the boat on The Red Clay Strays. My social media algorithm is predominantly fueled by friends, bands, and collaborators that I’ve made through music and nearly every one of them has touted how amazing The Red Clay Strays are. Stubborn as I am, I didn’t listen.

Sure, ahead of this assignment to cover the show I streamed a few songs. Witnessing The Red Clay Strays live though, that borders on life changing. I have since purchased every album, which has been on repeat for the past three days. Where else can you find a band that flawlessly weaves themes of struggle, redemption, mental health, personal growth, spirituality, and God?

Genre wise, The Red Clay Strays simply do not categorically fit into any singular mold. They expertly meld the lines, combining classic country, Pentecostal gospel, rockabilly, rock and roll,50’s soul, and even Delta blues into a rockin’ gothic country style that is truly their own.

Ahead of their set at the Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre at Caesars Republic, the sold-out crowd had the opportunity to become a part of the light show by scanning a QR code for an app that synchronizes their phone’s flashlights with the lights of the amphitheatre. As The Red Clay Strays walked out onto the pitch-black stage, it was really awesome to gaze out into the crowd and witness a sea of flashing lights.

Once The Red Clay Strays were in position, one lone spotlight illuminated Brandon Coleman (lead singer, guitar, piano) with his signature classic pompadour hairstyle, reminiscent of 1950’s Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. For this first song, Brandon was all vocals (without his guitar) while singing ‘Demons In Your Choir’, backed by Drew Nix (guitar, vocals), Andrew Bishop (bass), John Hall (drums), Zach Rishel (guitar), Sevans Henderson (keyboard), and a trio of choir-like fantastic backup singers.

Early in the set Brandon Coleman took a moment to introduce himself, saying “my name is The Red Clay Strays and I’m from Mobile, Alabama.” I felt that that was incredibly humble, classy, and noble all at the same time. He could have easily introduced himself by name, followed by, and we’re The Red Clay Strays.

After the clearly evident crowd favorite, ‘People Hatin’’, Brandon let us know that he felt that the song was quite misunderstood by many. He went on to say that every single person in the band has vastly different beliefs, but they’ve been together for ten years, and although they’re all very different, they still get along very well. That is the point, to love each other no matter the differences.

We also had a very special guest in the audience. The wife of the one and only Drew Nix was in attendance, and on her very own birthday no less. Her birthday wish was to sing a song with the band (mostly with Drew), which was obliged. With his wife next to him, Drew let us know that they would sing a song about an ex-girlfriend of his. He went on to elaborate that if it wasn’t for that relationship ending, he would not now have his beautiful bride. Drew and Laurie Anne went on to absolutely crush ‘Between The Lines’

Throughout the night, The Red Clay Strays ushered a common theme of hope. In fact, multiple times in the set, they were sure to remind us that if anyone is struggling, there is hope, and we are not alone. Having recently lost my brother to suicide, this message is one that I hold incredibly near to my heart.

With this being a tour in support of The Red Clay Strays latest album, ‘Grateful’, the band performed 8 songs from the release. The nearly two-hour show was complete with a staggering four song encore.

The Red Clay Strays may be one of the hottest bands around right now, but that’s only because they are one of the most unique and absolute best bands around. I’ll be completely honest, I’m grateful to have finally discovered The Red Clay Strays. I’m grateful to have a new favorite band. I’m grateful to be alive at the same time that The Red Clay Strays are making music. I can guarantee that if you attend any of The Red Clay Strays shows, you too will be grateful.

If you’ve made it this far, I’m glad you’re here. If you’re struggling, believe me, you’re not alone. If you’re struggling with suicidal ideation, please call 988 (veterans, press 1). This world is better with you in it. More importantly, your family’s world is so much better with you in it.

Something that has really helped me, is to think of three things I’m grateful for every day. So, I challenge you to think of three things you’re grateful for. If you don’t have three things you’re grateful for, think of two. Or even one, if that’s all you’ve got. It’s not a cure-all, but it does help.

I’ll see you tomorrow.

The Red Clay Strays Setlist:

Demons in Your Choir

Ramblin’

Stone’s Throw

Don’t Wanna Know

Disaster

If I Didn’t Know You

Do Me Wrong

Devil in My Ear

Sunshine

Ghosts