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Flatland Cavalry: Texas Pride and Musical Mastery

By Larry Philpot on April 25, 2025

As dusk settled over San Gabriel Park on April 5, 2025, Flatland Cavalry took the Two Step Inn stage, and for me, they were the undisputed highlight of the day. This Lubbock-based band delivered a performance that was a love letter to Texas country, complete with tributes to George Strait and Alan Jackson, and a show-stopping duet with Kaitlin Butts. The fiddle player’s heart-pounding solos stole the show, and every instrumentalist shone brightly. Tracks like “Way Down Yonder” and a duet with lyrics about being “back when we were young” had the crowd roaring. Your note about enjoying the entire set couldn’t be more accurate—this was Flatland Cavalry at their finest.

File Photo: High Energy band Flatland Calvary performs in Georgetown, Texas at the Two Step Inn Festival on April 5, 2025. (Photo Credit and Copyright; Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

Background and Bio: Formed in 2012 in Lubbock, Texas, Flatland Cavalry blends Red Dirt, country, and Americana. Led by singer Cleto Cordero, their albums Humble Folks (2016), Homeland Insecurity (2019), and Welcome to Countryland (2021) feature hits like “A Life Where We Work Out” and “Sleeping Alone.” Their 2023 release, Wandering Star, earned praise from Billboard. The band’s music appeared in Yellowstone, and they’ve performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. While major awards are pending, their loyal fanbase and festival headline slots cement their status.

Performance Review: Flatland Cavalry’s set was a masterclass in musical storytelling. They opened with “Sleeping Alone,” Cordero’s warm vocals paired with soaring fiddle lines. Your mention of tributes rang true; they honored George Strait with a nod to “Amarillo by Morning” and Alan Jackson with “Chattahoochee,” sparking sing-alongs. The original “Way Down Yonder” (possibly the “Ravon Rays” track you noted) was a crowd-pleaser, its nostalgic lyrics resonating deeply. The fiddle player, as you observed, was a standout, shredding through solos that electrified the audience. A highlight was Cordero inviting Kaitlin Butts for a duet—likely “A Life Where We Work Out,” with its “back when we were young” vibe—their chemistry palpable. Every band member, from the guitarist to the drummer, was showcased, creating a balanced, dynamic sound. The set closed with “Traveling Kind,” leaving fans in awe of their Texas pride and talent.

Final Thoughts: Flatland Cavalry’s performance was a celebration of Texas country’s past and present. Their musicianship, heartfelt tributes, and electric energy made them the heart of Two Step Inn 2025.