The Red Clay Strays

September 20, 2025 – The Astro – La Vista, NE

The Astro Amphitheater in La Vista, Nebraska was the setting for an unbelievable night of music on Saturday, September 20, 2025, because The Red Clay Strays brought their summer tour into town. The show was sold out—standing room only—and the energy was contagious from the moment it kicked off.

Michael Marcagi opened the night, and he was just great. He came out with that earnest, storytelling vibe, and was visibly thankful to the La Vista crowd. What stood out was how raw and sincere he sounded—just him, guitar, his voice, no massive production needed. He’s a Cincinnati singer-songwriter who used to play in a band called The Heavy Hours before going solo. He broke out with his debut single “The Other Side” and followed it with “Scared to Start,” which ended up being a turning point. He caught a lot of attention on TikTok, cracked into the Billboard Hot 100, and recently released the EP Midwest Kid. His lyrics are heartfelt, often reflective of small-town or Midwestern roots, and there’s real depth in the way he performs. He has over 7 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and his latest single “Humbling” is awesome — full of emotional punch and melody. If you haven’t heard him yet, definitely check him out.

After a brief intermission and a set change, The Red Clay Strays took over. These guys have been building this thing for years, and tonight that experience showed. The band is Brandon Coleman, Andrew Bishop, Drew Nix, John Hall, Zach Rishel, and Sevans Henderson. Coleman looked and sounded like a rockstar; it’s obvious they believe in what they do and have earned their place. Their Southern rock meets bluesy grit, with a foundation in roots, and they deliver it with swagger and sincerity.

They’ve had a serious breakout: their 2022 single “Wondering Why” went viral on TikTok, pushed them onto the Billboard Hot 100, and gave them a spotlight they’ve embraced. Their album Made By These Moments (2024) was produced by Dave Cobb, which for fans of that Americana / Southern rock / roots music is a big deal. They’ve opened for big names like Dierks Bentley, Elle King, Eric Church, and Old Crow Medicine Show. They’ve been nominated for—or won—awards like Emerging Act of the Year at the Americana Honors & Awards, and respect is growing fast.

The show visuals were solid: round Broadway-style lights spelling out “R C S” on stage added just the right flair without being over the top. The playing was tight; the band’s cohesion was obvious. Their Southern rock / bluesy vibe had the audience buzzed all night. The mix of their more well-known songs, crowd favorites, and newer tracks kept people engaged.

Based on how the crowd reacted in La Vista, I wouldn’t be surprised if they come back to Nebraska very soon. They’re one of those bands that’s still climbing, but already has earned the trust and excitement of their fans. This was a fantastic show!

The Red Clay Strays Setlist: