XRoads41 is where worlds collide, and this year’s lineup proves it.

Headlined by Zac Brown Band, Jason Aldean, and Lainey Wilson, the festival brings together chart-topping icons, breakout stars, and fearless storytellers from across country, rock, Americana, and hip-hop. From Southern rock anthems and arena-sized country hits to Red Dirt grit and genre-blending innovation, XRoads41 is built for fans who don’t believe music fits into just one lane. This is a celebration of live performance, powerful songwriting, and the shared moments that only happen when thousands of voices sing along under the same sky.

Main Stage

Thursday, August 6	Friday,   August 7	Saturday, August 8
Zac Brown Band Wiz Khalifa Braxton Keith David Lee Murphy Lanie Gardner	Lainey Wilson Flatland Cavalry Wyatt Flores Josh Ross Lauren Watkins	Jason Aldean Treaty Oak Revival Jackson Dean Tracy Byrd Preston Cooper

Zac Brown Band

Zac Brown Band is a multi-platinum, GRAMMY ®Award-winning, Southern rock group led by front man, Zac Brown. Throughout their career spanning more than a decade, Zac Brown Band has had six consecutive albums reach the top 10 of the Billboard 200 and five consecutive albums debut at #1 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart. To date, the group has won three GRAMMY ® Awards, including Best New Artist in 2010, sold more than 30.5 million singles, 9.3 million albums, amassed over 11.2 billion catalog streams, achieved 16 #1 radio singles and are the second act to top both the Country and Active Rock formats. Zac Brown Band has headlined 9 North American Tours and currently holds the record for most consecutive sold-out shows at the iconic Fenway Park. Symbolic of their massive success at the ballpark, in July 2022, Zac Brown Band was inducted into the Fenway Music Hall of Fame, joining music icons Paul McCartney and Billy Joel. Since their debut, Zac Brown Band has developed a reputation with critics and fans alike as one of the most dynamic live performers, marked by strong musicianship that defies genre boundaries.

Lainey Wilson

Country music trailblazer Lainey Wilson is taking over the world, capturing the hearts of fans, the excitement of the industry and the respect of her peers. Her monumental rise continues recently winning four awards at the 2025 ACM Awards—Entertainer of the Year (second consecutive win), Female Artist of the Year (third consecutive win), Album of the Year and Artist-Songwriter of the Year—while her new single, "Somewhere Over Laredo," was the most added at country radio at impact and earned her biggest first day of streaming to date (1.16M). The song is from the new deluxe version of Wilson’s album, Whirlwind, which will be released August 22 and features 5 additional tracks. 

The 16x ACM, 9x CMA and Grammy Award-winner and Grand Ole Opry member is a sought-after songwriter with eight #1 hits including “4x4xU," “Watermelon Moonshine” and the 2x PLATINUM Certified “Heart Like A Truck," in addition to award-winning collaborations with Jelly Roll (“Save Me”) and HARDY (“wait in the truck”). Wilson also wrote and recorded “Out of Oklahoma” for the Twisters movie and has collaborated with artists such as Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton and Post Malone. A triple threat, she will make her film acting debut in the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s Reminders of Him, after first acting in Paramount’s Yellowstone. Wilson is currently in the midst of her sold-out Whirlwind World Tour, which spans across Europe and North America.

Jason Aldean

3X ACM Entertainer of the Year and ACM Artist of the Decade Jason Aldean has bolstered 28 No. 1 hits, over 18 billion streams, and more than 20 million albums sold with “his own recipe…one that has vaulted him to the pinnacle of Country music success” (Atlanta Journal Constitution). He has earned the most Top 10 songs on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart-more than any other artist-  since his debut in 2005, with “songs of small-town living, love and loss that have resonated with a loyal fanbase” (Billboard). Currently on his sold-out Highway Desperado tour across the US, the Georgia native continues his “country superstar status" (Variety) with his forthcoming 11th studio album, Highway Desperado, released November 3rd. In addition to three tracks co-written by Aldean, the album features “Tough Crowd”-which he debuted at the 2023 ACM Awards as an Entertainer of the Year nominee-as well as his career first Hot 100 chart-topping hit, “Try That In A Small Town,” and fan-favorite tracks “Let Your Boys Be Country” and “Whiskey Drink.” Produced by longtime producer Michael Knox, Highway Desperado is the follow up to Aldean’s tenth studio album, MACON, GEORGIA, which debuted to critical acclaim, with Stereogum naming it an "Album of the Week” and the Tennessean praising that “MACON, GEORGIA finds Aldean honed in on his vision for this era of his career” and “kicks off his career's next era.” The project’s featured the history-making, multi-week No. 1 "powerful duet" (Rolling Stone) ”If I Didn’t Love You” with Carrie Underwood, which earned Aldean his 26th career #1 at Country radio and won ACM Single of the Year, iHeartRadio Country Song of the Year, and CMT Collaborative Video of the Year as well as Billboard and GRAMMY nominations.

Wiz Khalifa

Multi-platinum selling, GRAMMY® and Golden Globe nominated recording artist Wiz Khalifa burst onto the scene with the release of his first major label debut album, ROLLING PAPERS in 2011. ROLLING PAPERS spawned the hugely successful hits “Black and Yellow,” “Roll Up,” and “No Sleep” and gave Wiz the platform to win the award for “Best New Artist” at the 2011 BET Awards and “Top New Artist” at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards. “Black and Yellow” also earned him his first two GRAMMY nods for “Best Rap Performance” and “Best Rap Song”. As a follow up to ROLLING PAPERS, Wiz Released O.N.I.F.C. in 2012. This album featured tracks “Work Hard, Play Hard” and “Remember You” featuring The Weeknd. His third studio album released in 2014, BLACC HOLLYWOOD, debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart and included the hit single "We DemBoyz." Soon after, Wiz’s track, “See You Again,” off the FURIOUS 7 soundtrack, catapulted to the top of the charts across 95 countries and earned him a Golden Globes nomination for “Best Original Song”. Wiz released his album, KHALIFA, in February 2016 as a thank you to fans which included the tracks “Bake Sale” featuring Travis Scott and “Elevated.” In June of the same year, Wiz collaborated with Juicy J and TM88 to debut TGOD MAFIA PRESENTS: RUDE AWAKENING. On April 20th, 2017, to celebrate 4/20, Wiz launched his mobile app, Wiz Khalifa’s Weed Farm, which has garnered over 10.1 million downloads and is currently being played in over eight countries and six languages. In February 2018, Wiz partnered with Sovereign Brands to create McQueen and the Violet Fog, an Award winning gin and rated by the NY Times as the “Best Gin”. In April of 2019, Wiz released his 5-part docu series with Apple Music, “Wiz Khalifa: Behind the Cam,” which gives viewers an exclusive look into his life and career. Wiz was also a series regular in Fox’s animated sitcom, “Duncanville'' which had its season 3 finale in 2022. Wiz released his project, The Saga of Wiz Khalifa, which was followed by his critically acclaimed collaborative album, FULL COURT PRESS, with Girl Talk, Big K.R.I.T., and Smoke DZA. In July 2022, Wiz released his full-length solo album MULTIVERSE, to rave reviews. Wiz had a massive 2023 with the release of four new mixtapes; Star Power Mixtape, See Ya Mixtape, Khali Sober Mixtape and Decisions Mixtape. In addition, Wiz released four singles; “Don’t Text Don’t Call”, “Peace and Love”, “You” feat. Ty Dolla $ign, and “Hype Me Up”. Last spring, Wiz made his Stagecoach Music Festival Debut and released his new album, KUSH + ORANGE JUICE 2 on April 18th.

Flatland Cavalry

For the past decade, Flatland Cavalry has built a reputation as “one of the most dynamic presences in country music” (Rolling Stone) with their signature  “Easy on the ears, heavy on the heart”  sound. In 2024, the sextet celebrated 10 years  together with  Flatland Forever  , an acclaimed album that pays tribute to their journey, revisiting fan favorites while introducing new songs that showcase how far they’ve come. The past year has been full of milestones for the Nashville and Texas-based band. They earned their first ACM Award nomination for Group of the Year, achieved their first RIAA Gold certification for their breakout single “A Life Where We Work Out,” and made their mark in film and television with contributions to the  Twisters  and  The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes  soundtracks, as well as featured  placements on  Yellowstone  and Landman.  

Their relentless touring schedule reached  new heights, including sold-out headline performances at Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena and the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Since first emerging in 2014, Flatland Cavalry has racked up seven #1 singles on Texas Country  Radio and amassed more than 500 million streams. Along the way, they’ve shared the stage  with Willie Nelson, Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Jordan Davis, Midland, and more— proving that  their brand of storytelling and musicianship resonates far beyond their roots.

Treaty Oak Revival

It's a Texas Red Dirt Country Southern Rock thing. Since their first release in 2020, Treaty Oak Revival has quickly become a household name in the minds of modern country and rock music fans.  Originating in Odessa, Texas, the band has outgrown the state lines of Texas, and gained worldwide fame with three studio albums and five singles.Comprised of members Sam Canty (lead singer, acoustic guitar), Lance Vanley (rhythm guitar, background vocals), Jeremiah Vanley (lead guitar),  Cody Holloway (drums), and Dakota Hernandez (bass guitar), Treaty Oak Revival's super power is their live show. In 2025,Treaty Oak Revival achieved  1.4 billion global streams and 6.8 million monthly Spotify listeners and sold over 280,000 hard tickets this year. In November of 2025, the band released West Texas Degenerate, which reached number 21 on the Billboard 200, and number 1 on Billboard's Top Rock Albums and Americana/Folk Albums charts.

Braxton Keith

With a sound and style honed in the honky tonks of Texas and beyond, Braxton Keith is part of a new generation of country singer-songwriter – one leading a revival of its core creative tenants.

​Featuring an earnest love of the ‘80s country aesthetic – and all but addicted to the rush of the stage – Keith has spent the last few years of life as a proud road dog, schooling new fans of the timeless power of a revved up band and rich organic twang. But while his what-you-see-is-what-you-get approach remains firmly rooted in tradition, that doesn’t mean he’s staying put. This Warner Music Nashville newcomer lives one state line at a time.

 “I love the honky tonk country twang and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” the rising star explains. “But honestly, I’m just thinking about getting up and playing another show. This is just the beginning. This is where the hard work starts.”

 A proud Texas native who these days splits time between San Antonio and Nashville, Keith was born in Midland, Texas, steeped in country mystique. Learning to play piano from his grandmother – a woman who loved the Cadillac cool of stars like Porter Wagoner – he grew up singing, drawn like a magnet to the sonic storytelling of gritty tunes like “The Carroll County Accident” (an all-time family favorite).

Diving deep into the pure-country form, Keith picked up a guitar and soon had a taste for hard twang and tales of the heart, writing his own classically-inspired songs in a grungy, cluttered garage. He never took it seriously until college, when a friend convinced the unknown-but-obvious talent to record one – just so he’d have something to share with his future kids.

 “I did it – and I never stopped,” Keith says. “I caught this little honky tonk bug, and now I’m traveling the country for a living. Started out writing songs in our garage, now I’m writing songs in Nashville. It’s crazy.”

 Leaving school behind to earn his place in Texas’ vibrant live-music scene, Keith and a band of brothers have now been touring nonstop since 2020, racking up untold miles and hundreds of floorboard-shaking shows. Blending throwback-tonk with a sharp, barbed-wire vocal recalling stars like Tracy Lawrence (plus a little borderland buzz of San Antonio Spanish influence), Keith became a regular face in venues all across his home state, and then looked beyond.

 Relentless nationwide touring and a series of self-released singles and EPs have helped build a solid social media following. He arrived in Nashville for the first time in 2021, and has since been fine- tuning his natural songwriting style – timeless tunes of love, loss and life steeped in the energy and attitude of a Texan dancehall, but made for a wider audience.

​“There’s something romantic about the country music scene in Texas – it’s that connection with that crowd,” Keith explains. “It doesn’t matter what day of the week it is, whether it’s an old raggedy bar or wherever the hell you are, they’re going to show up, and I fell in love with creating moments with those fans. I just try to imagine it’s a 90-minute show for me, but it’s a lifetime experience for them.”

 Featured on taste-making playlists like Spotify’s New Boots and Breakout Country, Keith’s 2024 single “Cozy” leads the way for a new chapter, highlighting the rising star’s fresh take on a classic style. A silky-smooth two-step with an unmistakable vocal tone, the clever, co-written message of warning for a romantic rival sets Keith apart from the pack.

 “It’s a very different song – unlike anything I hear on country radio today,” he says. “It’s just a very honest, vibey, Ronnie Millsap-style ‘80s country song. In today’s world it’s an interesting song, and from the moment we wrote it I was like, ‘This is something special.’”

 More new music is planned for 2025 release, as Keith continues exploring the contours of a uniquely country sound and style. Merging past and present with the timeless edge of a band-leading troubadour, he’ll stay on the road, too, crossing time zones like he’s gliding across a honky tonk floor.

“The touring never stops – especially for an artist like me,” he admits. “I hope people have a damn good time when they come out, and I hope the show was great. And if they pick up the record, I hope they get a taste of that.”

Wyatt Flores

Acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Wyatt Flores is in the midst of a breakout year following the release of his full-length debut album, Welcome to the Plains, this past fall (Island Records). With the record, produced by Beau Bedford (Orville Peck, Shane Smith & The Saints), Flores continues to gain widespread attention, having appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” NPR Music’s “Tiny Desk Concert” series and “CBS Saturday Morning,” while the album landed on several “Best of 2024” lists such as NPR, Rolling Stone and more. Known for his electric concerts, Flores recently released his first live album, Live At Cain’s Ballroom, and will continue to tour through this summer with his “Welcome Back to the Plains” headline tour as well as several festival dates across the country. Born and raised in Oklahoma, the Mexican-American artist has established himself as one of country music’s most vital voices. In the past year, he’s been recognized as one of Rolling Stone’s 25 “Future of Music” artists, was nominated for Emerging Act of the Year at the 2024 Americana Awards, was selected as Amazon’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year, included in Spotify’s Hot Country Class of 2024 and CMT’s Listen Up class and made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Additionally, Flores has garnered over 325 million streams to date and had his song “Before I Do” with Jake Kohn featured on the soundtrack for the Twisters movie.

Jackson Dean

One of Nashville’s most intriguing artists with his strong gravel-toned vocals, wayward spirit, intentional songwriting and overall mystique, the fast-rising singer/songwriter Jackson Dean has earned a reputation for his impressive live show and thought-provoking, lyric-driven music. The young talent burst on the scene in 2022 with his atmospheric, musically-forward debut album Greenbroke that featured his PLATINUM debut single, “Don’t Come Lookin’,” which cemented Jackson as the youngest solo male Country artist to reach the top of the charts with a debut, and his GOLD certified follow up single “Fearless (The Echo).” His live show stand out and current Top 15-and-climbing single “Heavens To Betsy” marked the lead track from his "..near-perfect follow-up” (American Songwriter) sophomore album On The Back Of My Dreams, released last fall via Big Machine Records. The textured, experiential body of work is built on transcendental, swelling songs and Dean's bone-shaking vocal performance, delivered with striking swagger. The demand for Jackson skyrocketed after landing a coveted spot on artist to watch lists by Pandora, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and CMT, as well as an ACM New Male Artist of the Year nomination in 2023. A vocalist who truly thrives on stage (as evident in his Live At The Ryman album), the Maryland native has leaned hard into touring, building a passionate fanbase that connects on a deeper level –  both on his headlining runs and as support for superstars including Toby Keith, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Brantley Gilbert, Kane Brown, Brooks & Dunn, Lee Brice, HARDY and Brothers Osborne. Ever evolving and expanding into new territory both sonically and lyrically, Dean released the sultry surrender “Be Your Man” earlier this year and is gearing up to bring his headlining On The Back Of My Dreams World Tour  to Australia and New Zealand this fall.

David Lee Murphy

David Lee Murphy is best recognized by his massive hit singles “Dust On The Bottle”, “Party Crowd” and “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” (a duet with Kenny Chesney). But he is also known as one of Country Music’s best and most prolific songwriters. He has written songs for superstar artists like Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Hank Williams, Jr. and others.

​Murphy developed his musical style as a teenager in Southern Illinois. Although both parents were schoolteachers, he was an indifferent student. Instead of studying books, he studied the sounds of such “outlaw” country musicians as Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. He was also deeply influenced by southern rock bands such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers and ZZ Top.

Pursuing a career in music, Murphy moved to Nashville and spent years honing his craft as a songwriter. He also formed a band, The Blue Tick Hounds, and played the honkytonks of Middle Tennessee and clubs throughout the South.

“I really concentrated on my songwriting”, Murphy states. “I wanted to get better so I could record my own songs.” Several rough demos of Murphy’s compositions, including the song “Party Crowd” caught the attention of MCA executive Renee Bell who passed Murphy’s music along to Grammy and CMA Award winning producer Tony Brown (George Strait, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill and others). After hearing the song demos, Brown, who had been following Murphy’s progress as a performer and songwriter, decided it was time to sign Murphy as an artist to MCA Records.

 Murphy’s debut platinum selling album for the label, Out With A Bang, produced a string of hits including the title track “Out With A Bang”, “Fish Ain’t Bitin’” and “Just Once”, which was featured in the movie 8 Seconds about bull rider Lane Frost. Also on that album were the hit singles “Party Crowd” (Radio & Records awarded it most played song on Country Radio in 1995) and the #1 single “Dust On The Bottle”. Both songs have become staples at Country Radio.

 Murphy’s follow-up album Gettin’ Out The Good Stuff spawned the hit singles

“Every Time I Get Around You”, “The Road You Leave Behind”, “Breakfast In Birmingham” and the cult classic “Genuine Rednecks”.

Murphy went onto record two more albums. We Can’t All Be Angels produced the hit single, “All Lit Up In Love” and “We Can’t All Be Angels” that was featured in the Patrick Swayze movie Blackdog. Murphy’s album Tryin’ To Get There (the title track he wrote with friend and musical hero Waylon Jennings) produced the Top 5 single “Loco”.

 Murphy decided to take a break from recording as an artist and concentrate on full time songwriting. He has earned over two dozen songwriting awards for songs he has written for superstars like Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Eric Church, Brad Paisley, Hank Williams Jr., Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire and others. Some of his hits include songs by Kenny Chesney (“Here And Now”, “Live A Little”, “Living In Fast Forward”, “Pirate Flag”, “’Til It’s Gone”); Jason Aldean (“Big Green Tractor”, “The Only Way I Know”); Jake Owen (“Anywhere With You”); Thompson Square (Grammy-nominated “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”); Kip Moore (“Last Shot”); Justin Moore (“Why We Drink”); Gary Allan (“A Feelin’ Like That”); Josh Thompson (“Way Out Here”) and Blackberry Smoke (“Good One Coming On”).

 Murphy was content writing songs and touring. He had no plans to record another album. But country music superstar Kenny Chesney convinced him otherwise.

 “I’ve been friends and written songs with Kenny (Chesney) for years,” Murphy reflects. “I sent him some songs for one of his albums a couple of years ago, and he called me up. He goes, ‘Man, you need to be making a record. I could produce it with Buddy Cannon, and I think people would love it.’ It’s hard to say no to Kenny Chesney when he comes up with an idea like that.”

 “Kenny was really influential in the songs that we picked,” says Murphy. “Over the course of the next year or so, we got together, talked about it and picked out songs. I wanted to record songs of mine that people haven’t heard before, that are new. We wanted to make the kind of album that you would listen to if you were camping or out on a lake, fishing. Or sitting anywhere, just having a good time.”

The album titled No Zip Code, contains 11 songs written by Murphy with some of Nashville’s finest songwriters. It yielded the # 1 single and duet with Chesney, “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” and earned Murphy his first CMA Award for Musical Event of the Year

 Despite all his success as an artist, Murphy always goes back to his love of songwriting.

He was inducted into the esteemed Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Class of 2023 along with Keith Urban, Kix Brooks, Casey Beathard and Rafe Van Hoy.

“I’ve had a crazy good time,” says Murphy. “I’ve been really fortunate. A lot of great artists have recorded my songs. I get up every day and get to do something I really love to do, which is write songs. I get to be with artists and the best songwriters anywhere. Plus, I get to record. I sing the demos of the songs, so I’m making little records and being in the studio”.

Josh Ross

MCA / Universal Music Canada artist Josh Ross is a global force; a next-generation talent who’s anything but standard. On an unconventional path of his own design, Ross pairs a dark and mellow blast of modern country with a warm vocal rasp and rock inclinations, heart-on-his-sleeve songwriting and addictive hooks that heed no borders. Pulling influences ranging from Guns N’ Roses and Metallica to country-rock outlaw Steve Earle, the former collegiate football player has leveraged his knack for emotional song craft into a series of certified hits.

His dusky power ballad “Trouble” rose to #1 in Canada, earning Double Platinum certification in Canada and RIAA Gold certification in the U.S., and introduced what would become his 2024, 8-song EP, Complicated. The project earned Ross his first-ever JUNO Award in 2025 for Country Album of the Year, and in 2024 he took home five CCMA Awards. Canada-born and Nashville-based, the current CCMA Entertainer of the Year tallies more than 1 billon career streams and has been hailed as an Artist to Watch by Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, MusicRow, the Grand Ole Opry, and more.

Touring alongside hard-rocking, cross-genre superstars like Nickelback, Brantley Gilbert, Bailey Zimmerman, and Luke Bryan, Ross recently wrapped tour support to Jelly Roll on The Beautifully Broken Great Northern Tour across Canada. His bold barroom anthem “Single Again” is climbing the charts - now inside the Top 5 at US country radio and “Leave Me Too” peaked #2 at Canadian Country radio. Ross took home his first-ever CMA Award in 2024 – the Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award – recognizing his international achievements in country music.

Tracy Byrd

Tracy Byrd became a household name on the Country Music Scene in 1993 when his third single, called "Holdin' Heaven", off of his MCA Records, self-titled debut album, hit #1 on the Billboard Country Charts. The Album also included the remake hit of Johnny Paycheck's "Someone to Give my Love to" cementing Byrd as a Traditional Country Troubadour!! The Debut Album went on to be certified Gold, a award signifying sales in excess of 500,000 copies.

 Byrd's second project, "No Ordinary Man", kept building on the momentum the first album created, the first radio single from it called "Lifestyle's of the Not so Rich and Famous" reached #4, followed by another top five hit, "The First Step", then with the release of the smash, chart topping hit "Watermelon Crawl" the second album crossed the half million sales mark and certified Gold. The realease of the 4th and last single on this project moved Byrd to the top of both the Billboard Album and Singles charts. The song was called "The Keeper of the Star's" and it shot to #1 on the singles charts and pushed the album to Double Platinum Status, which certifies sales of over 2 Million Copies. "The Keeper of the Star's" won Academy of Country Music's "Song of the Year" award in 1995. A Keeper Year for Tracy Byrd for sure.

 His third studio Album, "Love Lesson" is one of Tracy's favorites. It included the title track, another top five hit single for Byrd, also included were the top 15 singles, "Walking to Jerusalem" and "Heaven in My Woman's Eyes", Byrd's personal favorite. A 4th top 15 single was released called "4 to 1 in Atlanta" which Byrd performed Live on the David Letterman Show. The "Love Lesson's" album also reached sales of 500,000 copies certifying Gold.

 "Big Love" became Byrd's fourth studio album with it's release in the fall of 1996. It spawned two more top five singles with the release of the title track and "Don't Take Her She's All I've Got" The Video's of both of these songs reached the top of CMT's Video Chart's and also earned Byrd his first TNN Television Special titled "Tracy Byrd's Big Love" on which Byrd invited guest's Johnny Paycheck, Mark Chesnutt, and Asleep at the Wheel. The Album "Big Love" became Tracy's Fourth consecutive Studio Album to be Certified Gold. Tracy said that this meant more to him than anything because he knew Fan's weren't just listening to his hit songs on the radio, they were laying down their hard earned money to own a copy of their own and that was flattering.

 The fifth project on MCA was titled, "I'm From the Country" and it contained the title track a fun, party song stating what most fan's already knew, that Tracy Byrd was from the Country and sang Country Music. The CD also contained a Beautiful Ballad called "I Wanna Feel That Way Again" Both of these single's reached the Top Five on the Charts. It was at this same time that TNN Outdoors recruited Byrd as the TV Host of their Weekend Outdoor Broadcast. Tracy, a well known outdoorsman, was perfect for the job and continued his hosting responsibilities for three years.

 At this point in his career, Tracy Byrd, was looking for a change in labels, but still was under contract with MCA Records who were preparing a release of "Keepers: Greatest Hit's" containing all the hit's from Byrd's catalog of songs. The album quickly earned another Gold Record award for Byrd but he was trying to persuade MCA to let him out of his contract so he could pursue a different direction. MCA finally allowed Byrd out of his contract and he quickly signed with RCA Records and got to work on a new project, "It's About Time", that would be released in November of 1999 and would reach the top 10 quickly with the single "Put Your Hand In Mine" Byrd has said that this album is the most Traditional Album he ever released and therefore his favorite.

 Next came "The Truth About Men", which first released the title track which was a comedic look at what Men are really like, it was a team effort with Tracy's buddies Blake Shelton, Andy Griggs, and Troy and Eddie of Montgomery Gentry lending their talents to the song and the video. This Album also released the top five smash "The Drinkin' Bone" which became a crowd favorite sing along song. Tracy Byrd crossed into the new Millineum with the release of his Album "10 Rounds" It took off on the release of a duet with his longtime hometown buddy and hero Mark Chesnutt. The song was called "A Good Way to get on my Bad Side" and was a milestone for Byrd to finally get to record with his good friend. Then came the release of the party song of the year, "10 Rounds with Jose Cuervo" which shot to the top of the Billboard Charts to notch Byrd's third #1 single. He also hit the top 10 with his spanish guitar flared "Just Let Me be in Love". Byrd was then moved to BNA Records, the sister label of RCA, and they released his second greatest hits project, another feat that not many artists experience, two Greatest hits projects!!! It debuted in the top five of the album charts and became Byrd's sixth Gold Album, and sent him to over 6 Million Records Sold!!!

Byrd then left the major label and released an album on his own, appropriatelly titled, "Different Things" Although this project was not commercially successful, it garnered Byrd his highest Critical acclaim of his career with Billboard magazine choosing it as one of their Top 10 Country Albums of the Year!!!

Through all of these years Byrd became a promoter favorite on the road, performing over 4000 exciting shows across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Australia from 1992 until 2009! He then say's he needed a break to take care of himself and his most precious thing, his family, wife Michelle, daugter Evee, and son's Logan and Jared, who had taken a backseat to his career for year's. He did not perform from 2010-2013, but in 2014 he got back to the music with a new band and a new found sobriety and love of the thing he enjoys so much. Say's Byrd, "These day's my life has great balance, with my music being a part of it, not all of it. I can honestly say I have never enjoyed it more!!"

Byrd went back in the studio in June of 2016 and started work on his first project in 10 years. Recorded completely in Tyler, Texas at Rosewood Studios, that album is appropriatelly titled, All American Texan, which is exactly what he is and has always been. This album features 8 tracks written by Byrd, a fact he is very proud of. The album was released in October of 2016 and has been very well received by his fans and critics alike.

Lanie Gardner

Lanie Gardner’s extraordinary journey is a testament to her unmatched talent and unwavering determination, from her roots in the Appalachian Mountains to international stages. A gifted storyteller and songwriter from an early age, Lanie crafted a distinctive blend of classic rock and country influences that quickly set her apart. Her career skyrocketed after her cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” went viral, approaching 60 million views. Holding her own with her debut album A Songwriter’s Diary, which was released late 2024, the 10-track collection, written entirely by Gardner, invited listeners on a deeply personal journey through her roots and creative beginnings. Fast forward, she just released her fiery new track “Buzzkill," marking a bold new chapter in her sound. Acclaimed by Billboard as “a true artist with staying power" and by MusicRow as “one of the most exciting rising stars today,” Lanie’s rise has been marked by significant milestones, including being named by the Recording Academy and Amazon Music as a “2025 Artist to Watch” and to CMT’s Next Women of Country: Class of 2025. From being featured on the movie soundtracks for Queen of the Ring and Twisters to touring with the Jonas Brothers, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson and ZZ Ward, Lanie is on the fast-track to stardom. Most recently, she collaborated with country superstar Thomas Rhett and Warren Zeiders, being featured on their just-released tracks “What Could Go Right” and “Love In Letting Go,” respectively. The momentum continues as she hits the road supporting Corey Kent on his Black Bandana Tour this spring, Gavin Adock on his “Need To” Tour this summer and makes her debut at Stagecoach, alongside headliners Jelly Roll, Zach Bryan, and Luke Combs. Her soulful sound and captivating stage presence have earned her widespread acclaim and a dedicated fan base. As she continues her ascendancy, Lanie remains a genre-defying artist.

Lauren Watkins

Drenched in authenticity and rife with barstool charm with an addictive, Tennessee limestone gravel in her voice, Nashville-born and bred songbird Lauren Watkins writes, breathes, and lives country music. The 24-year-old original grew up on the outskirts of Guitar Town, mesmerized by a jukebox rotation of country music, from outlaws like Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow to chart-toppers Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, and Chris Stapleton. Moving back after four years at Ole Miss, Watkins’ unyielding, turn-on-a-dime lyricism quickly caught the attention of GRAMMY-nominated multi-hyphenate Nicolle Galyon, who signed her to publishing and recording contracts with Songs & Daughters / Big Loud Records almost instantly. Honing in on a sound that’s both reverent of the genre’s roots and in lockstep with where it’s headed next, she introduced her take on country music with 17-track, full-length debut The Heartbroken Record, out now, the full-circle companion to previous EP releases Introducing: Lauren Watkins and Introducing: The Heartbreak. The Boston Globe praises the record as “inhabiting the same neighborhood as, say, Kacey Musgraves (a few albums ago) or Ashley Monroe,” while Billboard calls out the “effortlessly smoky quality to Watkins’ voice, with a style of direct-yet-poetic songwriting reminiscent of Kacey Musgraves or Miranda Lambert.” Country Central smirks, “being ‘messy’ has never been so cool.” Watkins toured fairs and festivals, and opened stadiums for Morgan Wallen internationally this summer. This fall she opens theaters for Maddie & Tae and dance halls for Corey Kent. She’s previously toured with ERNEST, Conner Smith, Jameson Rodgers, Austin Snell, and Lily Rose.

Preston Cooper

With a vocal so expressive it builds into jaw-dropping eruptions of power and emotion, 22-year-old artist Preston Cooper represents the start of a new generation in Country Rock. The biggest voice to ever hail from the tiny town of Fredericktown, Ohio, Preston’s soulful and blues inspired vocal is a potent force of nature, drawing comparisons to icons like Chris Stapleton and Bob Seger. First picking up guitar as a high school freshman, he joined the US Postal Service after graduation and found local fame as “The Singing Mailman” – walking up to 14 miles each day while belting out raw, raspy vocal runs, then clocking out to perform across the region. Hundreds of shows later, hit-making legends Brad and Brett Warren (Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, Keith Urban) discovered Preston at a Toledo songwriter’s round, and quickly recognized his once-in-a-lifetime talent. With his debut album, Toledo Talkin’, releasing August 29, the first chapter of this generational talent’s story unfolds. With 12 incendiary tracks – all but three co-written by the no-frills newcomer – Toledo Talkin’ was recorded with an old-school, full-band process, lashed together with sheer vocal intensity miles different from the Music Row norm. The album wields a mix of raw, organic Country and edgy Alt Rock, as evidenced on his show-stopping debut track “Weak,” emotive “One More Place I’ve Never Been,” shot of nostalgia “Numbers On A Mailbox,” and highway rocker “One For The Road.” Preston recently wrapped his run as direct support for Kameron Marlowe’s Keepin’ The Lights On Tour and will join Riley Green this summer on select dates of the Damn Country Music Tour.

Cowboy Town Stage

Thursday, August 6	Friday,   August 7	Saturday, August 8
Caroline Jones Landon Parker KC Johns	Noah Rinker Sterling Elza Grand Union	Blake Whiten Ian Harrison Mary Cutter

Caroline Jones

Lauded by Rolling Stone as “an ambitious, entrepreneurial guitar heroine primed to bring back the pop-country glory of the Nineties,” Caroline Jones is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose musicianship and commanding stage presence has led her to becoming a full-time band member of Zac Brown Band and to building out an impressive solo career. Her forthcoming album Good Omen (Feb. 13), the singer-songwriter’s first release with Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, marks the most personal and emotionally resonant chapter of her career to-date. Co-produced alongside Julian Raymond and Ric Wake, the album reflects a profound shift in perspective, embracing vulnerability, growth, and creative clarity, drawing directly from Jones’ evolution as a songwriter and her experience on the road. Caroline’s earlier releases include Homesite (2023), featuring guest appearances from Zac Brown Band and Vince Gill, and Antipodes (2021), which debuted at No. 4 on the iTunes Country Chart and spawned her first Top 30 Country radio hit, “Come In (But Don’t Make Yourself Comfortable).” Alongside her solo work, Jones has collaborated with and toured alongside artists including Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, the Eagles, Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, and Trisha Yearwood, among others, building a career defined by growth, craft, and artistic conviction.

Noah Rinker

It’s place and perspective that drive 23-year-old musician Noah Rinker’s sound. It propels his lyricism and informs his entire point of view. Growing up in the mountains of California, he found song wherever he could. He picked up the guitar at 14, learning to play it like a lap steel because he assumed the fretboard might work the same way a keyboard did. At 16, he wrote his first song. But it was “leaving for sessions with other collaborators that made me realize that home was the thing that made me who I was all along.”

​You see that connection between song and soul in his videos: Noah, a guitar, and the place he grew up. Sometimes you’ll see the mountains sprawled out behind him as he plays; other times, he’s cloaked in darkness, only lit by a crackling campfire. There are covers mixed in with originals; snippets of works-in-progress tossed in, paired with months-in-the-making singles he’s on the cusp of releasing. The music is real, it’s raw, and it’s Noah Rinker distilled and at his truest essence. Songs like “Save My Soul” and “Wherever I Go” and “99” introduce the world to a storyteller doing what he does best—digging deep, baring his soul, and laying it out on the page for just a few minutes of honest connection.

Blake Whiten

Blake Whiten is a 21-year-old singer, songwriter, and country artist from Six Mile, South Carolina—a town of fewer than 800 people that continues to shape both his sound and his stories. Known for his distinctive raspy vocal tone, Whiten delivers a raw, emotionally charged style that sets him apart, seamlessly blending country and rock influences from acts like Keith Whitley, Alan Jackson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, AC/DC, and Mötley Crüe.

Living the songs he writes, Whiten draws deeply from his upbringing and personal experiences, crafting lyrics that balance honest reflection with universal emotion. His storytelling ability has become a defining trait, resonating with listeners who hear both grit and vulnerability in his music.

Whiten’s rise began with standout covers that gained widespread traction online, catching the attention of Nashville’s top songwriters and producers and quickly creating demand for his original music. That momentum led to the release of his debut single, “Breakin’ My Heart,” which introduced him as a powerful new voice in the genre. He followed with the breakout hit “Rollin’ Stone,” which has amassed over 50 million cumulative streams since its October 2024 release.

In addition to his solo success, Whiten has made his mark as a songwriter, including a 2024 cut with Bailey Zimmerman on “Holding On.” In 2026, Whiten is set to hit the road with Zimmerman for the duration of his Different Night Same Rodeo tour, further cementing his presence on the national stage. He will also join Morgan Wallen for four dates on the Still The Problem tour, including two shows at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor and two at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Landon Parker

Raised on the sounds of the South, Landon Parker is carving out his place in modern country music with a voice steeped in tradition and a heart firmly rooted in the everyday stories of working-class life. Hailing from Yadkinville, North Carolina, Parker grew up surrounded by the dirt roads, bonfires, and small-town values that now fuel his songwriting. "Whenever I hear a song about country life, I think back to where I grew up—the dirt roads I drove down, the bonfires I sat around... my music talks about all of that, and I lived it." 

Parker has become a modern country road warrior, lighting up arena stages and major festivals nationwide. He's toured with Tim McGraw's Standing Room Only Tour alongside Carly Pearce, joined Dwight Yoakam's Cosmic Roundup & Rodeo Tour with The Mavericks, and opened for legendary rockers STYX—playing nine arenas and countless stages where he's shared billing with Bailey Zimmerman, Corey Kent, Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery, and Ned LeDoux. He's graced festival stages at Watershed, Summerfest, TidalWave, Night In The Country, and CMA Fest, debuted at the Grand Ole Opry, and created an unforgettable moment joining Tim McGraw onstage at the Illinois State Fair to sing "I Like It, I Love It."

His music connects where it counts—featured on Apple's Shazam "Best New Music," Spotify's "Best Of," Amazon's "Artists To Watch," and SiriusXM's "On The Horizon." His breakout single "Your Baby Girl" drew national attention with a front-page People.com exclusive video premiere and coverage from E! News, Entertainment Tonight, Country Now, and American Songwriter. Parker recently wrote and performed "Rodeo Live"—the theme song and video for the Cowboy Channel's premiere rodeo program—filmed during the Music City Rodeo at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

With new music on the horizon and a touring schedule that keeps him connected to fans across the country, Landon Parker remains dedicated to bringing authentic country stories to life—grounded in his roots, sharpened by the road, and ready to deliver the kind of shows that turn first-time listeners into lifelong fans.

Sterling Elza

Sterling Elza is a Red Dirt singer/songwriter raised deep in the Texas Panhandle. Born into a ranching family that already had 3 musicians, Sterling  took to music from the beginning with guitar lessons starting at the age of 5. Drawing influences from his parents music which could range from “old school Red Dirt” to top 40 country all the way to grunge and classic rock, Sterling began his musical journey. Sterling continued taking guitar lessons until he moved to Florida where he played tennis at the IMG Academy. After the passing of his uncle – “Big Ster” -- and 3 years in Florida, Sterling decided it was time to make a change and fully commit to a life and career in music. A move back to Texas seemed like the perfect choice for a budding songwriter. Now calling New Braunfels home, Sterling is launching into the Red Dirt scene with the release of his debut album in the Fall. The love of music and the passion to perform drive him to continue perfecting his craft and learning from some of the best in the business.  With a five piece band and a wall of sound, it won’t be long before Sterling Elza is a household name in Red Dirt music.

Ian Harrison

Growing up in Delaware, Ohio, about 30 miles outside Columbus, singer and songwriter Ian Harrison built himself a musical oasis, dreaming of one day creating music for the world to hear. Inspired by everyone from Maroon 5, Noah Kahan, Billy Joel, The Lumineers, Bruce Springsteen, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ian learned to play guitar and piano and started singing at church and in choir. His mother’s love for 2000s country and ‘80s classics, along with his dad’s affinity for rock music, helped him discover his love for various genres and chip away at his own style and sound. He started writing original music in high school and was soon hooked on the feeling of creating. Hungry to chase it, he packed up a U-Haul and moved to Nashville. Working construction and bartending to pay bills, he grinded his way through co-writes and dive bar gigs, developing a sound that doesn’t fit easily into a box. With sonic shades of Americana, rock, alt-pop, and indie, his lyrics brimming with candor and self-awareness, the result is uniquely Ian.

KC Johns

KC Johns’ music is infectious with dynamic powerhouse pipes that take you on a whiskey-soaked jaunt to your favorite honky-tonk in the best way possible. Think Miranda Lambert meets Sheryl Crow with a touch of  Brandi Carlisle, and you’ve got an artist with a voice all her own, with songs that make you feel like you’ve known her forever.

 KC Johns kicked off 2025 with “Break From The Heart,” in February. Johns explains, “‘Break From The Heart’ is for anyone who has had their heart broken and needs a ‘break from the heart.’ Writing this Country/rocker tune with Tim Angsten and Tim Baumgartner, while on tour riding in the van across the highway miles, we all three related to this song reminiscing on heartbreaks and knowing there is a light at the end of the tunnel AFTER every heartbreak.’

In April, KC followed up with “Smoke Show, and now, “Kind of Vibe.” KC describes “Kind of Vibe” best, "When I moved to Nashville in 2017, I felt like Nashville might be overwhelming, and I might want to try to change my sound, my style and so much more to fit in, so it took me a long time to find what I wanted to say in this industry and what my ‘kind of vibe’ was. The lyrics have a double meaning speaking of a fine souped up V8, but also meaning ‘took a while just to get this girl running,’ referring to me. ‘Can you hear them 500 horses, packed up underneath this hood?’ refers to a V8 engine, but, also what’s underneath MY heart & soul. Takes a while to find who you are in any industry, but when you find your own voice and “paint your own white lines,” you will eventually find your ‘Kind of Vibe.’ I feel like I have.”

KC has already had quite the year. “Rodeo Queen” reached more than 850,000 streams, gained significant traction reaching #28 on Texas Country radio and was recognized as one of the Top 10 songs of 2024 by the Texas Country Music. Her newest releases are tracking right along behind Rodeo Queen.

 KC and Cali Distillery of Gardena, CA, also announced in 2024 that they have partnered to create a new branded whiskey called KC Johns Thunder. KC and Cali Taste Mistress, Marni Witkin tried several delicious custom flavors. Eventually, KC and Cali introduced Thunder, a Bourbon Whiskey infused with smoked Mesquite charcoal! Thunder is now available for online ordering in most states and can be found in most Total Wine and Spirits Stores.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee and raised in Hernando, Mississippi, a small town along the Tennessee-Mississippi line, KC was surrounded by music for as long as she can remember. Named after KC and the Sunshine Band and raised on the greats like Led Zeppelin, Stevie Nicks, and Sheryl Crow. “My mom is a championship barrel racer, and my stepdad was a bull rider,” she recalls. Although the energy of the rodeo was intoxicating for a young KC, so was making music.

So, by 17, with her acoustic guitar, KC and her mom headed to Nashville to make her dreams of becoming a recording artist a reality. “I just took my guitar and started hitting all the clubs on Broadway asking people if I could sing on stage,” KC adds. One thing led to another, and ultimately, she landed an offer to work on Carnival Cruise Lines as a cruise ship performer. “It was supposed to just be a six-month contract but ended up lasting seven years cruising around the world singing for international audiences.’” she says.

Having discovered and honed her stage legs young, KC was featured in Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors” at Dollywood. However, the recording/touring artist life was calling once again, and so KC took another leap of faith. “I moved to Nashville on a whim,” she explains. “I had nowhere to stay. I just packed up all my stuff and took a chance, sleeping on friends’ couches and singing on Broadway again. Before I knew it, I started meeting incredible and influential people.” She made her way up the mainstream ladder opening for artists like Luke Bryan, Chris Young, Randy Houser, Trailer Choir and Morgan Wade. KC’s now playing fairs, festivals and venues around the country. She just returned from a ten-concert tour of the UK where she was wildly received at pubs and some of England’s most prestigious festivals.

From the U.S. to the UK and beyond, KC Johns is a unique musical force. As she enters the next phase in her career, her mission remains clear. “I honestly just want to continue going out and meeting wonderful people,” she humbly advises. “I love relating to people through my music.”

Grand Union

Rooted in Country and influenced by Rock & Roll, Grand Union is country music that rocks.

From small town bars to opening for national acts, the band has been providing quality entertainment for nearly 20 years.

Mary Kutter

Hailing from the heart of Kentucky, Mary Kutter blends her rich heritage with a passion for storytelling in her music. Growing up on a family farm, she carries the legacy of her great-granddaddy, a bootlegger whose spirit inspires her hit song, "Devil's Money." This track soared to viral success, racking up over 30 million views and marking a

significant milestone in her burgeoning career.

Before stepping into the spotlight as an artist, Mary found her footing writing for others, contributing to chart-toppers with Bailey Zimmerman and Nate Smith. Her artistry is rooted in gritty, real-life narratives that reflect her upbringing, fusing country and rock influences.

With a string of viral hits and a publishing deal at Reservoir Media under her belt, Mary is on a pedal-to-the-metal journey, touring throughout 2025. As she continues to carve her own path, she invites listeners to join her in celebrating the stories that make life beautifully complex.

With Zac Brown Band, Jason Aldean, and Lainey Wilson leading the charge, and a lineup stacked with award-winners, rising voices, and unforgettable performers, XRoads41 isn’t just a festival; it’s an experience. Every artist on this bill brings their own story, sound, and spark, creating a weekend that honors country music’s roots while pushing its boundaries forward. Whether you’re here for the hits you’ve loved for years or the artists you’re discovering for the first time, XRoads41 promises memories that last long after the final note fades. This is where roads cross, genres blend, and music fans come together.