Riley Green and his friends took over the Marshal University college town for this leg of the Damn Country Music Tour.
Kicking off the night with his first-ever arena performance, Preston Cooper stepped onto the stage armed with just an acoustic guitar and a soulful presence that immediately captivated the early crowd. Though his set was brief—just 15 minutes—Cooper made every second count, showcasing a voice steeped in bluesy grit and Americana soul. His stripped-down approach brought a raw authenticity that stood in stark contrast to the high-energy acts that followed. With a sound that blends the heart of classic country with the edge of modern folk, Cooper delivered an intimate performance that felt more like a back-porch jam than a stadium debut. For many in attendance, it was an introduction to a rising artist with serious staying power. If this was any indication, Preston Cooper won’t be an opener for long.
Making her West Virginia debut, Lauren Watkins took the stage with confidence and charm, backed by a tight four-piece band that included a standout utility player adding texture to her sound. Throughout her 30-minute set, Watkins showcased an authentic country voice laced with a smoky, lived-in tone that felt both fresh and familiar. She connected naturally with the crowd, drawing full engagement from the arena as she rolled through songs like “Lose My Cool,” a driving, twang-filled track, and “Anybody But You,” a reflective nod to her college years. Closing with the relatable “Stuck In My Ways,” Watkins embraced the theme of stubbornness with grit and grace. Her performance was polished yet personal, leaving no doubt that she’s carving out a strong lane in country music.
Ella Langley’s 45-minute set struck the perfect balance between raw emotion and arena-ready power. She emerged to a wall of cheers as her guitarist and bassist sprinted to the tip of the thrust, unleashing a thick, modern-country groove that never let up. Langley’s voice—a potent mix of sultry twang and bluesy bite—cut cleanly through the full, five-piece band (bolstered by a nimble utility player who shifted from steel to keys without missing a beat). Early in the set, she paid homage to Gretchen Wilson with a rousing, full-throttle cover of “Here For The Party,” proving she could honor tradition while still sounding unmistakably current. The swagger continued on “Country Boy’s Dream Girl,” delivered with self-assured, chest-out pride. Mid-show, Langley paused: “This one, word for word, cuts me deep every time I sing it.” The lights dimmed, and she leaned into the heart-stung narrative of her breakout “Girl You’re Taking Home,” the arena hanging on every syllable. Song 8, “That’s Why We Fight,” turned a dysfunctional love story into a stomp-along anthem, while “Hungover” brought a sea of glowing phones and crowd-wide harmony. She closed with “Paint The Town Blue,” a fiery, rebellious sendoff that sealed a standout performance. By the final chord, Langley had turned first-time listeners into fervent believers. Riley Green closed out the night with a high-octane, heartfelt performance that proved exactly why he earned the title of ACM’s 2020 New Male Artist of the Year. With a six-piece band behind him and a cold beer often in hand, Green brought his brand of unapologetically country music to life with a mix of gravelly vocals, emotional lyrics, and sincere storytelling. Kicking off with “Damn Country Music,” he immediately set the tone for a night steeped in tradition, pride, and connection. Early in the set, he treated the crowd to a pair of well-received covers—Thomas Rhett’s “Half Of Me” and a moving take on Jamey Johnson’s “In Color.”Green’s delivery never felt forced; instead, it resonated with an authenticity that’s become his signature. Highlights included a special acoustic moment at the tip of the thrust, where he and Ella Langley shared stools to perform “Don’t Mind If I Do” and “You Look Like You Love Me,” the latter made even more memorable by the appearance of a four-year-old cowgirl in boots and a hat to help them sing, who stole hearts across the arena.
One of the night’s biggest surprises came when Green welcomed two special guests, watching from the side of the stage while Green sang “Hell Of A Way To Go”—Marshall University Head Coach Tony Gibson and WVU’s Rich Rodriguez. Longtime friends and storied rivals, the duo’s presence ignited a huge hometown reaction and added a touch of gridiron flair to the show.
After nearly 90 minutes of hits, stories, and crowd-pleasing moments, Green brought the evening to a full-circle finale by inviting openers Preston Cooper, Lauren Watkins, and Ella Langley back on stage. Together, they closed the show with a rowdy, feel-good cover of Alabama’s “Dixieland Delight,” sending fans out into the night buzzing with energy. It was a masterclass in modern country done right—with heart, grit, and a whole lot of beer-raising spirit.
RILEY GREEN
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ELLA LANGLEY
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LAUREN WATKINS
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