10:15 - 11:45 PM
OPTIMUM STAGE

“It ain’t black or white, babe; it’s all the greys between,” Shane Smith sings in “The Greys Between,” the first single from Norther. On the surface, it’s a cinematic love song about a relationship’s twists and turns, punctuated by slide guitar, Appalachian fiddle, and sharp storytelling. Take a deeper listen to Shane Smith and the Saints’ fourth studio album, though, and those words also sound like the motto of a band that’s spent the past decade blurring the lines between genres.

Norther is anything but monochromatic. Written and recorded during breaks in the band’s touring schedule, the album captures Shane Smith and the Saints at their most colorful, offering up a hard-hitting version of American roots music that’s influenced by country, folk, and roadhouse rock & roll. It’s a sound that’s been shaped by the road, where the Saints spent the past decade on tour, building a cult audience with each gig. Those years of raw, redemptive performances are now paying off — not only with headlining concerts at bucket-list venues like Red Rocks Amphitheater (which the group sold out in 36 hours) and the Ryman Auditorium, but also with an appearance on the hit TV show Yellowstone, where the Saints premiered Norther‘s final track, “Fire in the Ocean,” with an onscreen performance.

8:15 - 9:45 PM
OPTIMUM STAGE

Treaty Oak Revival didn’t really have a choice but to be a country band. They grew up in West Texas, a market that practically demands bands play country, and, well, it’s also hard to escape your roots. “I have an accent,” said Sam Canty, the band’s lead vocalist, in an interview with BandWagon – and for the record, he sure as heck does. Even so, all that Texas red dirt country the band seemed destined to play couldn’t bury their love of rock and roll, especially in a world of modern crossovers. Canty is unafraid to proclaim his love of big punk acts such as Sum 41 and Blink 182, and so, like Chelsea Grin’s mix of metal and rock or Dropkick Murphys’ blend of heavy-leaning Irish folk, Treaty Oak Revival finds themselves with their feet in more than one arena. But the band loves its roots. So much, in fact that it stuck the fictional jackalope on its merchandise. The animal, and local residents’ joy in tricking others that they exist, is a big thing in Midland, Texas, where the band got together in 2019. Musically, they pay homage to their roots too, especially on their first album, a traditional, country-sounding record. Canty writes most of the songs, though they all have a part in the process, and he based many of the tunes off his own life and observations of his hometown.

6:45 - 7:45 PM
OPTIMUM STAGE

For the past 25 years, Jason Boland & the Stragglers have dazzled audiences all over as one of the leading ambassadors of the Oklahoma and Texas music movement. Millions of fans cheering him on, over 500,000 records sold independently and 10 albums later, Boland is a career musician whose legacy continues to grow. From his early days touring in cramped vans and playing in front of tiny bar crowds to the packed venues he performs in today, Boland’s uncompromising approach has grown his profile dramatically, especially in the past handful of years. Add to that the legions of musicians who are influenced by Boland, and his impact on the scene is undeniable.

5:15 - 6:15 PM
OPTIMUM STAGE

Guitar in hand and mic turned up loud, the tunes do the talking for Tanner Usrey. The Texas-born singer, songwriter, and guitarist pairs straight shooting storytelling with country grit, rock ‘n’ roll energy, and Americana eloquence. As such, he channels a classic spirit from a personal perspective. After piling up tens of millions of streams, packing hundreds of shows, and landing syncs on the likes of Yellowstone, he bares it all on a series of 2023 singles for Atlantic Records and much more to come.

“I let the songs be what they’re going to be, and I pride myself on that,” he notes. “Musically, it ranges from southern rock to country to Americana. When it comes to songwriting, I want to focus on what’s real – I don’t shy away from saying the hard things.”

Growing up in the small town of Prosper, TX, he gravitated towards music as a little kid. By five-years-old, he constantly belted out Alan Jackson songs around the house much to his family’s chagrin. “Everyone used to tell me to shut up,” he laughs. “I was the kid who sang all the time.”

4:00 - 4:45 PM
OPTIMUM STAGE

Sharp storytelling. Gripping and gorgeous five-part harmonies. Arrangements that can swing between fun, engaging, and lively one moment and stirring, booming, and chill-inducing the next. These are the essential elements that make up the sound of The Wilder Blue, the Texas five-piece who put their own spin on rock-influenced country with their eponymous sophomore album.

Recorded at Echo Lab Studios in Denton, Texas, the band self-produced The Wilder Blue with experienced engineer Matt Pence (Paul Cauthen, Shakey Graves). A true collaborative effort, The Wilder Blue is a genuine democracy where ideas, constructive criticism, and value is demanded by all parties.

Built around the keen storytelling voice of primary frontman Zane Williams, Paul Eason’s salient lead guitar, the imaginative tandem of drummer Lyndon Hughes and bassist Sean Rodriguez, and the striking, compelling mind of multi-instrumentalist Andy Rogers, The Wilder Blue are only beginning to scratch the surface of their potential.

3:00 - 4:00 PM
95.9 THE RANCH STAGE

The Damn Quails are a musical group that thrive on the spontaneity of live performance and the ethereal connection between players that happens on stage. Their performances are a living, ever-changing experience that captivates crowds of all ages from all walks of life.

1:15 - 2:15 PM
95.9 THE RANCH STAGE

Logan Ryan Band, a dynamic ensemble delivering the soulful essence of Red Dirt Country and Americana, is led by Logan Ryan Skloss and supported by Brent Riedel, Garrett McKinley, and Leo Morales. The band has earned accolades from influential artists like Parker McCollum, Kolby Cooper, and Kyle Park. Drawing inspiration from an eclectic mix, including Joe Walsh, The Band, Robert Earl Keen, and Charlie Robison, Logan began crafting melodies at the tender age of 11.

With a rich discography featuring hits like “Signed, Love Wynonna” and the explosive success of “Tecovas” on the Red Dirt scene, Logan Ryan Band has left an indelible mark on the country music landscape. Notably, Parker McCollum’s infectious response to “Cigarettes and Alcohol,” dancing and singing along on his tour bus, and expressing a desire to cut the track on podcasts, reflects the band’s undeniable impact. Logan Ryan Band invites you to immerse yourself in the diverse tapestry of their influences and musical evolution.

12:00 - 1:00 PM
95.9 THE RANCH STAGE

Congratulations, you have just stumbled upon your next favorite country band. The Broken Spokes are a beloved Texas traditional country outfit with a name synonymous with country due to the famous Austin honky tonk. Having focused on live shows, as opposed to aspiring for some sort of national attention, The Broken Spokes might just be the best band you’ve never heard of. They’re looking to change that with their new album Where I Went Wrong and the country music world, in Texas and beyond, is taking notice.

There’s magic in how they embrace the true roots of country music, interpreting them in the modern context with such love and passion that makes the music feel more palpable and alive than with most other country bands. You can tell right away this is a well-seasoned outfit that’s put in the time honing their craft in honky tonks across Texas, perfectly illustrating the beauty of the music to the audience in a way that feels vital. The Broken Spokes are the textbook definition of what country music is in its purest form.