Red Clay Strays, Carly Pearce Kick Off Billboard’s Country Live Series

Headlined by the Red Clay Strays , Billboard ’s second annual Country Live kicked off June 4 in Nashville at Luke Combs ’ spacious Category 10 with a full slate of acts, showing off country’s expansive musical spectrum and filling the Lower Broadway venue to the brim.

The Red Clay Strays closed the evening with a robust set highlighting their range and their cadre of songs addressing the human condition and all its foibles before an enthusiastic crowd, who swayed and sang along to the Alabama band’s powerful country rock cocktail.

Country Live followed Billboard ’s Country Power Players event the night before, where the Red Clay Strays were presented with the Groundbreaker Award by their buddy, comedian Matt Rife, who was also in attendance at their Country Live show Thursday night.

Before the Red Clay Strays hit the stage, fans were treated to packed bill featuring Ty Myers, The Band Perry , Corey Kent, Lanie Gardner, Drew Baldridge, Chase Rice , Hunter Hayes and the Grimm, all doing mini sets that highlighted hits and well-chosen covers. The day also included a set by Grammy-winning country star Carly Pearce , who made a surprise appearance that has been only announced Thursday morning.

Country Live, presented by Under Armour, continues Friday (June 5) with Kaitlin Butts, Something Out West, Alana Springsteen, Stella Lefty, Braxton Keith, Ashley Cooke, Priscilla Block, Alexandra Kay and headliner Tucker Wetmore , who received Billboard ’s Rising Star award June 3. Attendance is free, but fans are encouraged to RSVP at live.billboard.com/country.

Below is a round-up of all the artists who appeared at night one of Billboard ’s Country Live.

_Originally reported by [Billboard](https://www.billboard.com/lists/red-clay-strays-first-night-billboard-country-live-recap/)._