Photo of Kacey Musgraves by Laura Jerele
Kacey Musgraves knows how to capture an audience. First, you fill the arena with old country songs that everyone knows so we all sing along. Then, you get an opening band that demands your attention. When Midland walked to the stage, I counted 8 cowboy hats heading for their instruments. They played very well, but I was most taken with their beautiful harmonies. It reminded me of the Statler Brothers or the Oak Ridge Boys. Just that seamless union of voices. It was easy to see why they were just nominated for CMA’s Vocal Group of the Year for 2026. I hope they win. The lead singer, Mark Wystrach, is very charismatic, making eye contact and really engaging with the audience. Lots of pointing, very Matthew McConaughey energy. Suffice to say if you were late to the Kacey Musgraves concert, you made a mistake and missed out.
Kacey started singing in the back of the arena and brought her own share of cowboy hats along with her. She is so visually stunning, I don’t think she needed any of the rhinestones on her costume to sparkle. The audience also joined in the sparkle, with sequined pants, dresses and hats. Kacey’s fans are In It.
It was great to hear that both bands had a steel guitar player. That instrument is so complex and adds such a traditional edge to the music. Kacey said that her dad’s family is from the Bootheel of Missouri and was met with wild cheers. She also said that the first man she kissed was at the show with his husband.
She played her hits “Dry Spell,” “Justified,” and “High Horse.” “Merry Go ‘Round” is so cleverly written, as are so many of her songs. She walked around the stage singing “(Hey Baby) ¿Qué pasó?” by the Texas Tornados and kicked the energy into overdrive.
Kacey treated us to “Uncertain, TX,” a song that’s currently hitting the Texas Music Charts with Willie Nelson, and fan favorite “Follow Your Arrow,” and mixed in songs from the new album Middle of Nowhere, which shares a title with her tour. It was a really fun night and the best part is Kacey and the bands seemed to have as much fun as we did. | Melissa Cynova
