Ashley McBryde
Photography by Jennifer Hayes
ASHLEY MCBRYDE BRINGS “INTO THE WILD TOUR” TO ROCHESTER!
October 9, 2026- Ashley McBryde brought her Into the Wild Tour to Rochester, New York, on Friday, October 9, delivering a commanding performance at the Kodak Center that blended gritty country rock with deeply personal storytelling. With her unmistakable raspy vocals and fearless approach to songwriting, the Grammy Award winning singer songwriter gave the audience an evening that reflected the honesty, humor, and edge that define her music.
McBryde opened with “Arkansas Mud,” immediately establishing the night's high energy atmosphere with driving guitars and a full band sound. “Water in the River” followed, introducing material from her album Wild, before fan favorite “One Night Standards” brought a familiar highlight to the set. The opening songs established a dynamic balance between the heavier rock influences in her music and the traditional country storytelling that remains at its core.
The setlist moved through several sides of McBryde's catalog, with “Rattlesnake Preacher,” “Ten to Midnight,” “American Scandal,” and “Light On in the Kitchen” offering contrasting moods and arrangements. The rock driven numbers brought intensity to the room, while her more reflective songs created space for the audience to connect with the stories behind the lyrics. Throughout the performance, her band complemented her delivery with arrangements that gave each song its own character.
One of the night's most personal moments came during the acoustic portion of the set, when McBryde shared the story behind “Bible and a .44.” Inspired by her relationship with her father and his beloved guitar, the song offered insight into the experiences that have shaped her songwriting. Stripped of the night's heavier instrumentation, the performance placed the focus on the story itself, creating a thoughtful pause within the larger production.
That blend of vulnerability and grit has long been central to McBryde's artistry. Her songs explore complicated relationships, personal struggles, and everyday experiences without losing their sense of humor or perspective. Between performances, her personality added warmth to the evening, balancing the intensity of her music with candid moments that made the show feel conversational rather than overly polished.
The tour also brought the themes of Wild into focus. Across its 11 tracks, the album explores personal reflection, difficult experiences, and the process of rediscovering oneself. Songs such as “Sparrow,” “Lines in the Carpet,” and the title track expanded on those themes, giving the Rochester audience a closer look at the record's place within McBryde's evolving catalog.
For the encore, McBryde returned with “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega,” prompting a lively singalong before closing with “Brenda Put Your Bra On.” The playful finale shifted the mood toward celebration, ending the night with the humor and spontaneity that have become recognizable parts of her live performances.
With the Into the Wild Tour, McBryde continues to bring her songwriting to audiences across the country, pairing newer material with established fan favorites. Her Rochester performance showcased the contrast at the heart of her music: hard edged country rock alongside stories rooted in family, relationships, and lived experience.
At the Kodak Center, McBryde delivered a set that moved between raucous energy and personal reflection without losing its sense of identity. As the Into the Wild Tour continues, she remains committed to the unfiltered storytelling and distinctive sound that have made her a compelling presence in contemporary country music.
