"Grateful. That's How I've Been Feeling Lately:" The Red Clay Strays Turn Alabama Showcase into Rejoiceful Homecoming

On Thursday (July 3), The Red Clay Strays came home, bringing with them a joyful noise to the area that raised them and set them on their path to greatness.

During their first of three-nights-worth of hometown shows, the 'Wondering Why' act took over The Wharf Amphitheatre in Orange Beach, Alabama, not as the superstars they are today but as the five-piece from the nearby city of Mobile who still can't hardly believe how far they, themselves, have come.

For two hours and 23 songs, however, they reaffirmed to their sold-out crowd just how much talent was birthed and nurtured a mere 50 miles west on I-10.

The group – originally comprising frontman Brandon Coleman, bassist Andrew Bishop, guitarists Drew Nix and Zach Rishel and drummer John Hall, with the recent addition of Sevans Henderson behind the keys – put on a hit-riddled show, pulling from their beloved debut and sophomore releases while also peppering in a few surprises.

Following a smoldering Southern rock display from opening act and fellow Alabamians Muscadine Bloodline, the band launched into a handful of searing numbers from their early repertoire. 'Doin' Time', 'Stone's Throw' and 'She's No Good' revved up the audience, before they erupted into newer works like the swampy 'Disaster' and the full-throttle 'Ramblin'' from 2024's Made by These Moments.

One surprise of the night came by way of a cover of Ray Charles and Willie Nelson's striking 1985 opus, 'Seven Spanish Angels', at which point, the group welcomed the event's first opener and another Alabama native, Justin Jeansonne, onto the stage. Together, Coleman and Jeansonne gave a staggering vocal performance of the country soul classic.

In between brilliant displays of numbers like 'Drowning' and 'Devil In My Ear', Coleman took some time to discuss mental health with the crowd, hinting at the dark places they – as a group and individually – have had to traverse and overcome over the last several years.

In the same instance, they described feeling grateful for this journey – Coleman detailed a time not too long ago when they stood outside of the very same venue to catch even an inkling of a Chris Stapleton set – and the acclaim to which they have risen. They also recognized the One they believe has made it all possible, sending up thanks to a Higher Power with tunes like 'I'm Still Fine' and 'On My Knees', throughout their set.

The same sentiment bled into their five-song encore, which began as an exhilarating gospel display with 'Will the Lord Remember Me' and 'God Does'.

They soon pulled out a day-one hit, the early – still unreleased – concert staple '’Til Things Get Right', before ending the night with heavenly performances of 'Wanna Be Loved' and 'No One Else Like Me'. The last note of the night was met with explosions as fireworks erupted overhead, signaling an awe-striking finale to an already unforgettable night.

All in all, the Thursday night showcase made for a rejoiceful homecoming, one pocked with hits, deep cuts, and most importantly, appreciation for their fans, their God and the place they will forever know as home.

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The Red Clay Strays

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