Nashville's Summer Country Showcase Gets a Star-Studded Upgrade

Billboard Country Live is shaping up to be the must-attend country music event of the summer, and they just sweetened the deal considerably.

On Tuesday, May 19, the two-day showcase announced a killer second wave of performers joining the previously announced headliners The Red Clay Strays and Tucker Wetmore. We’re talking Chase Rice, Drew Baldridge, The Band Perry, Corey Kent, and a roster of rising talent that reads like a who’s-who of the genre’s most exciting voices right now. This is the kind of lineup that makes you realize how deep country music’s bench actually is—not just the household names, but the artists who are actively reshaping what country sounds like in 2026.

The event takes place June 4–5 at Category 10 in downtown Nashville, and here’s the kicker: it’s free. Both days are open to the public with RSVP at live.billboard.com/country. On Thursday, June 4, reigning CMA Awards vocal group of the year The Red Clay Strays will share the stage with Chase Rice, Corey Kent, Drew Baldridge, Hunter Hayes, Lanie Gardner, The Band Perry, The Grimm, and Ty Myers. Friday, June 5, brings ACM new male artist of the year Tucker Wetmore alongside Alana Springsteen, Alexandra Kay, Ashley Cooke, Braxton Keith, Kaitlin Butts, Priscilla Block, Something Out West, and Stella Lefty. Expect surprises throughout both days.

What makes this particularly smart is the venue choice and format. Category 10 in the heart of downtown Nashville provides an intimate yet energized setting—more immersive experience, less sprawling festival chaos. The showcase-style setup also gives each artist real space to connect with the crowd rather than be another band rolling through a massive lineup. Gibson, the Nashville-headquartered instrument brand, is providing select gear, which adds another layer of authenticity to the whole thing.

The festivities kick off Wednesday, June 3, with a rooftop gathering honoring Billboard’s Country Power Players—the executives and tastemakers actually steering the ship in Nashville. It’s a smart touch that frames the event as more than just a concert series; it’s a full celebration of where country music is headed.

Under Armour is backing the event as a category partner, bringing integrated branding and fan-facing experiences throughout. Translation: this isn’t some scrappy one-off showcase. Billboard is investing real resources into making this a defining moment in the country music calendar. Whether you’re a die-hard country fan or just curious about what’s happening in Nashville right now, June 4–5 is worth blocking off.