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The Red Clay Strays Ignite the Big River Stage at Two Step Inn

By Clarissa Darling on May 4, 2026

The Red Clay Strays took the Big River Stage at 6:30 p.m. on April 19, 2026, and the evening crowd at San Gabriel Park felt the full force of their Southern rock-soul-country blend right away. With raw, gritty vocals, soaring harmonies, and guitar-driven grooves that pull from Alabama roots and working-class life, they create music that feels meaningful —honest storytelling wrapped in a sound that’s equal parts rock energy and country heart. In today’s scene, where many acts chase crossover polish, the Strays stand out for staying true to their Mobile, Alabama origins while delivering live shows that hit like a back-porch jam turned arena anthem, although I believe they were once referred to a “rockabilly.”

From Mobile Cover Band to Breakout Stars

Formed in 2016 in Mobile, Alabama, as the successor to a local cover band, the six-piece group bonded over Lynyrd Skynyrd riffs and a shared working-class background. They shifted to originals and broke through nationally with the 2022 viral hit “Wondering Why,” which propelled their debut album *Moment of Truth*. Their 2024 release *Made By These Memories* solidified their momentum, earning them Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2024 Americana Honors & Awards, New Duo or Group of the Year at the 2025 ACM Awards, and Vocal Group of the Year at the 2025 CMA Awards. By early 2026 they were playing arenas, selling out amphitheaters, and preparing the release of their third album *Grateful* (due June 2026) alongside their biggest headlining tour yet.

The Red Clay Strays Lineup

Brandon Coleman – Lead Vocals and Guitar
Drew Nix – Electric Guitar, Vocals, and Harmonica
Zach Rishel – Electric Guitar
Andrew Bishop – Bass
John Hall – Drums
Sevans Henderson – Keys

(From what I can find, the core lineup has remained steady since formation, with keyboardist Sevans Henderson joining full-time in February 2024 after touring with the band in 2023. No other substantial changes have been reported.)

Their Set on the Big River Stage

On the festival’s main Big River Stage—reserved for headliners and major rising stars—the band delivered a high-energy, soul-stirring performance that mixed tracks from their catalog with the anthemic grooves fans have come to expect. The set captured their signature live chemistry, with the Day 2 crowd singing along and moving to every riff under the Texas evening sky.

The Two Step Inn festival returned to scenic San Gabriel Park in Georgetown, Texas—just north of Austin—for its 2026 edition. The park’s live oaks and open spaces create a relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere that feels more like a hometown gathering than a massive production. Three stages offered something for every taste: Pony Up for emerging artists, Showdeo for established favorites, and Big River for bigger draws like the Strays, all supported by local food vendors and plenty of room to roam. After Day 1’s weather interruptions, Day 2 brought clearer skies and a full schedule of music.

Verified Setlist (sourced from the official concert listing on setlist.fm):

Ramblin’
Stone’s Throw
People Hatin’
Moments
Drowning
Devil in My Ear
Sunshine
Ghosts
I’m Still Fine
Gone Away With a Friend
Wondering Why
Wanna Be Loved

Why The Red Clay Strays Live Shows Hit So Hard

The Red Clay Strays may have exploded onto the national stage in recent years, but their Big River set showed they’re still the same band that built a following one honest show at a time. They had some celebrities that came out to see them, Wyatt Flores, Tanner Usrey, and Arch Manning. With songs that feel pulled from real life and a group that plays with the kind of fire that comes from years together, their performances offer that rare combination of grit and groove that leaves you wanting more. If you appreciate roots music that stays grounded while reaching for something bigger, their growing 2026 tour dates—including the Grateful Tour—give plenty of chances to catch them doing exactly that. You’ll likely walk away with a few new favorites and the feeling that you just saw something special.