It was only a matter of time before The Red Clay Strays took over the biggest stage in Texas.
I saw Brandon Coleman and his band of Alabamian brothers perform at RODEOHOUSTON on Tuesday, March 17 and they're the reason modern country-rock still has a soul.
Walking into NRG Stadium on Tuesday, March 17, the energy was already buzzing from a day of mutton busting and steer wrestling. But let's be honest. While the rodeo is the draw for some, the 62,000 fans packed into the stands were there to see if the "Wondering Why" hitmakers could translate their swampy, grit-soaked sound to a venue that seats more people than their Mobile hometown.
Spoiler alert: They did.
From the second the rotating stage began to turn and Coleman let out that first earth-shaking note of "Ramblin'," it was clear the Strays weren't just "happy to be there." They were there to own the mammoth space.
Coleman, looking every bit the rockstar in his signature pompadour and vintage-cool attire, has a stage presence that feels like a cross between Elvis Presley and a Pentecostal preacher. When he leaned into the microphone for "Stone's Throw," his baritone didn't just fill the stadium; the sound reverberated through the dirt floors.
The setlist was a masterclass in pacing. The fellas burned through high-octane tracks like "Drowning" and "Devil in My Ear" before stripping things back for the moments that made the Texans' home field feel like a smoky dive bar. When the opening chords of "Wondering Why" hit, 62,000 fans became an informal choir. It was one of those hair-standing-on-end moments that only happens when a band truly "arrives."
They closed the night with the powerful "No One Else Like Me," leaving the dirt-covered floor of NRG Stadium smoldering.
Final verdict: If you missed them The Red Clay Strays time around, don't make the same mistake twice. Coleman and co. are on a vertical trajectory, and while they're playing stadiums and arenas now -- including New York City's Madison Square Garden on Aug. 9 -- they still play every set like their lives depend on every note.
Ready to see the pride of Alabama for yourself? We've got everything you need to know and more about how to catch The Red Clay Strays live below.
Inventory to see The Red Clay Strays live is available on all verified ticketing sites.
We recommend checking out StubHub, Ticketmaster and Vivid Seats to find the seats that makes the most sense for you.
A complete calendar including all tour dates, venues and links to buy tickets can be found here:
As you may have noticed, Coleman and co. have a number of multi-day musical extravaganza stops on their '26 jaunt. To make sure you're in the loop, here's when, where and who they're performing with.
On Feb. 12, The Red Clay Strays released the single "If I Didn't Know You."
The sensitive yet muscly piano ballad starts small before exploding into a rockier, Chris Stapleton-like sound while sprinkling in deliciously vivid lyrics like "every man is an island until a good woman calls him home."
All we know is that we'll be playing this one on repeat all spring.
To hear for yourself, you can find "If I Didn't Know You" here.
At all shows on their upcoming tour, The Red Clay Strays will be joined by an opening act or two. To make sure you're acquainted with their respective sounds, you can find their most-streamed songs below.
Other than music and the rodeo (obviously), the recently-wrapped RodeoHouston offers a number of exciting activities.
The annual three-week affair, which has been going strong since 1932 (!), also features time-honored favorites include the BBQ contest, trail rides, horse show, wine tastings and a carnival with rides, games and food as mentioned above.
There's also the livestock show, calf scramble, auctions as well as many, many shopping and dining opportunities.
If that doesn't sound like fun for the whole family, well, heck, we don't know what is.
Many of the biggest names in boot scoot and boogie bangers have mapped out huge tours over these next few months.
This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows - and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame to name a few. Please note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.