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Avery Anna Brings Sad Girl Rock Energy and Heart to the Two Step Inn Day 2

By Clarissa Darling on May 5, 2026

Avery Anna stepped onto the Pony Up stage at 3:30 p.m. on April 19, 2026, and the late-afternoon crowd at San Gabriel Park felt the shift right away. With her emotive “sad girl rock” style—blending raw, confessional songwriting, soaring vocals, and a mix of acoustic intimacy with rock-edged drive—she turns personal heartbreak and growth into songs that feel both deeply vulnerable and universally relatable. In today’s country scene, where polished production often dominates, Anna stands out for her unfiltered honesty and the way she balances emotional depth with catchy, anthemic moments that invite everyone to sing along. The first time I saw her was in Michigan, about 3 years ago when she was maybe 18.. A lot has changed.

Avery Anna performs at Day 2 of the Two Step Inn Festival, Georgetown Texas on April 18, 2026. (Photo Credit and copyright: Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

From Arizona TikTok Covers to Major-Label Breakthrough

Born Avery Anna Rhoton on March 3, 2004, in Flagstaff, Arizona, she first grabbed attention through TikTok videos of her singing in the bathtub, leading to her Platinum-certified viral hit “Narcissist” in 2022. That track earned her a CMT Music Awards performance and a Breakthrough Artist of the Year nomination. She released her debut EP *Mood Swings* in 2022, followed by her full-length debut album *Breakup Over Breakfast* in 2024 and the follow-up *Let Go Letters* in 2025.

Her 2024 duet and co-write “Indigo” with Sam Barber became a major crossover hit, charting on the Billboard Hot 100. In early 2026 she dropped the EP *forgive, forget*, continuing to build momentum with the Girl of Constant Sorrow Tour and support slots for major artists. Signed to Warner Music Nashville, she has surpassed 1.4 billion global streams while staying true to her Arizona roots and journal-like lyricism.

Avery Anna and Her Live Band

Avery Anna – Lead Vocals and Guitar

(Anna performs as a solo artist with a full touring band on festival dates, but I wasn’t easily able to find their names. No substantial or long-term lineup changes have been reported as she continues expanding her live setup.)

Her Set on the Pony Up Stage

On the Pony Up stage—reserved for emerging artists—Anna and the band delivered a high-energy, emotionally charged set that mixed originals from her albums and recent EP with fun, crowd-pleasing covers. The performance captured her signature blend of vulnerability and rock attitude, with the Day 2 crowd singing along loudly on both the heartfelt tracks and the unexpected covers. A standout moment came with the lively take on Taylor Swift’s “Love Story,” which had the audience fully engaged under the Texas sun.

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 large festival. Three stages offered something for every taste: Pony Up for rising talent like Anna, Showdeo for established favorites, and Big River for the biggest draws, all supported by local food vendors and plenty of room to spread out. After Day 1’s weather interruptions, Day 2 brought clearer skies and a smooth, full day of music.

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

Mr. Predictable
Love Story (Taylor Swift cover)
No More Tears
Party in the U.S.A. (Miley Cyrus cover)
Ice Ice Baby (Vanilla Ice cover)
Fear In God
Blood Runs Thicker
Man Downstairs
lonestar alone
Restless Mind
Indigo

Why Avery Anna’s Live Sets Feel So Personal

Anna may still be early in her career, but her Pony Up performance showed exactly why her music connects so strongly—songs drawn from real emotion delivered with the kind of energy that makes a festival crowd feel like they’re in on something special. Whether she’s digging deep on a ballad or letting loose on a playful cover, her set offered that satisfying mix of raw honesty and fun that holds your attention from the first note to the last.