Lee Brice empowered the entire Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville, TN, during the Labor Day holiday weekend. His openers, Payton Smith and Gabby Barrett, kicked off this country-loving night for all to cheer and lift beers. Their sets were both solid in their own unique ways and prepped the audience of a night representing the country genre.

 

   The last time I got to witness his performance live was during his solo guitar tour back in March of 2024 in the desert lands of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Seeing his heart and soul then with just him and his guitar did not prepare me for the enhanced passion he gave on his home turf in Nashville that night.

 

   One thing I see in his songs is the core of his upbringing, traditional mindset of pursuing love, and understanding that knowing his weaknesses could help guide him to gain strength. As someone who typically leans more into folk and Americana, Brice has gained my understanding of the love for true country. 

 

   His voice lifted spirits among the crowd despite the heatwave Tennessee has endured the past week. The commitment these fans offer was admirable while they sang along to songs like “One of Them Girls,” “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” and “I Don’t Dance,” a song devoted forever to his wife and the life they have with their kids.

 

   Whether on electric, acoustic, or even the piano, it was a night of fun, community, and good ol’ country music shouting out and into Nashville city streets.