Ashley McBryde Electrifies Indianapolis

Let's be honest, country music isn't usually my jam. But there was something about Ashley McBryde revamping off her "Devil I Know" tour in Indianapolis that piqued my curiosity. Maybe it was the sea of cowboy boots, plaid shirts, and well-groomed beards, or the pink "Put Your Bra On" shirts I saw driving in. The unfiltered excitement buzzing through the Old National Center was unmistakable. I texted my wife it felt like the State Fair came early – the crowd resembled a family reunion down south.

The night started with Harper O'Neill. Her soulful voice, weaving stories of heartbreak and resilience, warmed up the crowd for McBryde's electrifying set. There was an unmistakable strong echoes of Diane Birch, Phoebe Bridges, and Madi Diaz – a soulful rasp that could melt glaciers and lyrics that wove stories of heartbreak and resilience.

Then, the lights dimmed, and through the stained chapel glass walked out McBryde. From the opening chords of Blackout Betty, she had the entire venue on its feet. There was a primal twang in her voice, a fire that ignited every song. During the third song,"Brenda Put Your Bra On," a wave of colorful bras rained down on stage, a hilarious connection to the earlier shirts mentioned. McBryde, with true Arkansas fire, caught one and fashioned it into a makeshift accessory.

She wasn't afraid to dig deep, to explore life's complexities with a brutal honesty that resonated with the large Indianapolis crowd. But it wasn't all grit and gravel. There were moments of tenderness, showcasing the depth of her artistry.

By the end of the night, even the most jaded cynic (ahem, yours truly) couldn't deny the sheer power of McBryde's performance. She left us all a little breathless, a little more connected to something real, something true. So, if you're in the Midwest and on the fence about catching the rest of the "Devil I Know" tour, trust me – you won't regret it. This is country music done right – raw, honest, and electrifying.