Zach Bryan is an up-and-coming country music singer-songwriter who has been taking the scene by storm over the past couple years. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Bryan got his start posting cover songs on YouTube and Facebook, where his raw vocals and emotional songwriting quickly gained him a dedicated following. Since then, his star has rapidly risen with the release of several EPs and albums, leading to sold-out shows across the country. This fall, Bryan is embarking on a massive headlining tour in support of his latest album, ‘American Heartbreak’, and fans are eager to see him perform live.
One of Bryan’s tour stops this October is at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida on October 15th. As one of the biggest venues in northeast Florida with a capacity of over 15,000, an arena show of this size requires an opening act to get the crowd hyped up for the main event. So who will have the honor of opening for Bryan at this highly anticipated concert? Let’s take a closer look at who might warm up the stage in Jacksonville.
Morgan Wade
One strong possibility for the Jacksonville opener is rising country artist Morgan Wade. Hailing from Virginia, Wade has been compared to Bryan for her similar bluesy, Americana-influenced sound and vulnerable songwriting style centering around small town life. She gained attention from her independently released 2020 album ‘Reckless’ and has since signed to Sony Music Nashville, releasing her major label debut ‘Reckless (Deluxe)’ in 2022. Wade has been steadily growing her fanbase opening for acts like Brad Paisley and is currently on tour with Bryan for a string of October shows. Bringing her along to Jacksonville would perfectly set the tone for Bryan’s headlining set.
Why Morgan Wade makes sense as opener
- She has a similar sound and vulnerable lyrical style to Zach Bryan that appeals to his fans
- Already has experience opening for Zach on other tour dates this October
- Her star is rising, so it’s great exposure for a relatively new but buzzworthy act
- Would represent support for a fellow country underdog praised for their authenticity
Flatland Cavalry
Another possibility for opening duties at the Jacksonville show is the Texas country outfit Flatland Cavalry. Formed in 2014, this 5-piece band has built a devoted following with their high-energy live shows and album releases blending country, rock, and folk influences. Led by frontman Cleto Cordero’s powerful vocals, they’ve opened for A-list country stars like Jason Aldean and have also toured with popular Americana artists like Turnpike Troubadours. Their anthemic album ‘Welcome to Countryland’ was released in June 2022 via Thirty Tigers. Flatland Cavalry’s regional ties and electrifying performances could bring some extra crackle to kick off Bryan’s headlining set.
Why Flatland Cavalry could make sense
- Their exhilarating live energy and showmanship would excite the crowd
- Blend of country/rock/folk aligns well with Zach Bryan’s genre fusion
- Has experience opening for top country headliners in large venues
- Representation for the burgeoning Texas/Red Dirt country scene
American Aquarium
A third possibility for opening up the Jacksonville show is the North Carolina-based group American Aquarium. Formed in 2006, they’ve built a catalog of seven studio albums blending Southern rock, Americana, and alternative country influences. American Aquarium is fronted by singer/songwriter BJ Barham, whose narrative-driven, working class anthems have earned comparisons to Bruce Springsteen. Their latest effort ‘Chicamacomico’ was released in 2021 to critical acclaim. Known for their intensely passionate live shows and blue collar lyrical perspective, American Aquarium could bring a dose of fiery roots rock energy to set the stage for Bryan.
Potential reasons for American Aquarium to open
- Their gritty, blue collar songs connect to Zach Bryan’s working class appeal
- Barham’s Springsteen-esque lyrical style matches Bryan’s storytelling
- Over 15 years of touring experience performing high-energy shows
- Represents the alt-country/Southern rock side of Bryan’s sound
Other Potential Openers
While Morgan Wade, Flatland Cavalry, and American Aquarium seem like strong contenders, there are a few other rising acts that could plausibly score the Jacksonville opening slot on Zach Bryan’s tour:
- Charles Wesley Godwin – Fellow country underdog praised for raw, poetic songwriting
- Mike and the Moonpies – Texas honky tonk group with an updated retro sound
- Kaitlin Butts – Emerging artist blending old school country and edgy rock influences
- Vincent Neil Emerson – Buzzing Texas singer-songwriter gaining attention
- 49 Winchester – Eclectic roots rock group with a rowdy live show
Ultimately, Zach Bryan’s team likely wants an opener that both complements his musical style and brings extra energy to excite the crowd. While we won’t know for certain until closer to the October 15th Jacksonville show, one of the rising talents mentioned above seems like a good bet to kick the night off on the right foot.
Conclusion
Zach Bryan is bringing his authentic, feel-good country sound to Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena for a major headline show on October 15th. Considering her similar style and existing tour history with Bryan, Morgan Wade seems like a natural choice to open the evening. However, Flatland Cavalry and American Aquarium also represent energetic acts that could vibe well with Bryan’s fanbase. While we’ll have to wait for an official announcement, any of these buzzworthy emerging talents would make an excellent addition for the opening slot. Whoever ends up with the gig is sure to get the Jacksonville crowd primed and ready for a fantastic night of country music ahead of Zach Bryan’s headlining set.
Zach Bryan is bringing his authentic, feel-good country sound to Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena for a major headline show on October 15th. Considering her similar style and existing tour history with Bryan, Morgan Wade seems like a natural choice to open the evening. However, Flatland Cavalry and American Aquarium also represent energetic acts that could vibe well with Bryan’s fanbase. While we’ll have to wait for an official announcement, any of these buzzworthy emerging talents would make an excellent addition for the opening slot. Whoever ends up with the gig is sure to get the Jacksonville crowd primed and ready for a fantastic night of country music ahead of Zach Bryan’s headlining set.
Zach Bryan is bringing his authentic, feel-good country sound to Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena for a major headline show on October 15th. Considering her similar style and existing tour history with Bryan, Morgan Wade seems like a natural choice to open the evening. However, Flatland Cavalry and American Aquarium also represent energetic acts that could vibe well with Bryan’s fanbase. While we’ll have to wait for an official announcement, any of these buzzworthy emerging talents would make an excellent addition for the opening slot. Whoever ends up with the gig is sure to get the Jacksonville crowd primed and ready for a fantastic night of country music ahead of Zach Bryan’s headlining set.
Zach Bryan is bringing his authentic, feel-good country sound to Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena for a major headline show on October 15th. Considering her similar style and existing tour history with Bryan, Morgan Wade seems like a natural choice to open the evening. However, Flatland Cavalry and American Aquarium also represent energetic acts that could vibe well with Bryan’s fanbase. While we’ll have to wait for an official announcement, any of these buzzworthy emerging talents would make an excellent addition for the opening slot. Whoever ends up with the gig is sure to get the Jacksonville crowd primed and ready for a fantastic night of country music ahead of Zach Bryan’s headlining set.
Zach Bryan is bringing his authentic, feel-good country sound to Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena for a major headline show on October 15th. Considering her similar style and existing tour history with Bryan, Morgan Wade seems like a natural choice to open the evening. However, Flatland Cavalry and American Aquarium also represent energetic acts that could vibe well with Bryan’s fanbase. While we’ll have to wait for an official announcement, any of these buzzworthy emerging talents would make an excellent addition for the opening slot. Whoever ends up with the gig is sure to get the Jacksonville crowd primed and ready for a fantastic night of country music ahead of Zach Bryan’s headlining set.
Zach Bryan is bringing his authentic, feel-good country sound to Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena for a major headline show on October 15th. Considering her similar style and existing tour history with Bryan, Morgan Wade seems like a natural choice to open the evening. However, Flatland Cavalry and American Aquarium also represent energetic acts that could vibe well with Bryan’s fanbase. While we’ll have to wait for an official announcement, any of these buzzworthy emerging talents would make an excellent addition for the opening slot. Whoever ends up with the gig is sure to get the Jacksonville crowd primed and ready for a fantastic night of country music ahead of Zach Bryan’s headlining set.
Zach Bryan is bringing his authentic, feel-good country sound to Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena for a major headline show on October 15th. Considering her similar style and existing tour history with Bryan, Morgan Wade seems like a natural choice to open the evening. However, Flatland Cavalry and American Aquarium also represent energetic acts that could vibe well with Bryan’s fanbase. While we’ll have to wait for an official announcement, any of these buzzworthy emerging talents would make an excellent addition for the opening slot. Whoever ends up with the gig is sure to get the Jacksonville crowd primed and ready for a fantastic night of country music ahead of Zach Bryan’s headlining set.
Zach Bryan is bringing his authentic, feel-good country sound to Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena for a major headline show on October 15th. Considering her similar style and existing tour history with Bryan, Morgan Wade seems like a natural choice to open the evening. However, Flatland Cavalry and American Aquarium also represent energetic acts that could vibe well with Bryan’s fanbase. While we’ll have to wait for an official announcement, any of these buzzworthy emerging talents would make an excellent addition for the opening slot. Whoever ends up with the gig is sure to get the Jacksonville crowd primed and ready for a fantastic night of country music ahead of Zach Bryan’s headlining set.
Zach Bryan is bringing his authentic, feel-good country sound to Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena for a major headline show on October 15th. Considering her similar style and existing tour history with Bryan, Morgan Wade seems like a natural choice to open the evening. However, Flatland Cavalry and American Aquarium also represent energetic acts that could vibe well with Bryan’s fanbase. While we’ll have to wait for an official announcement, any of these buzzworthy emerging talents would make an excellent addition for the opening slot. Whoever ends up with the gig is sure to get the Jacksonville crowd primed and ready for a fantastic night of country music ahead of Zach Bryan’s headlining set.
Zach Bryan is bringing his authentic, feel-good country sound to Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena for a major headline show on October 15th. Considering her similar style and existing tour history with Bryan, Morgan Wade seems like a natural choice to open the evening. However, Flatland Cavalry and American Aquarium also represent energetic acts that could vibe well with Bryan’s fanbase. While we’ll have to wait for an official announcement, any of these buzzworthy emerging talents would make an excellent addition for the opening slot. Whoever ends up with the gig is sure to get the Jacksonville crowd primed and ready for a fantastic night of country music ahead of Zach Bryan’s headlining set.
Zach Bryan is bringing his authentic, feel-good country sound to Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena for a major headline show on October 15th. Considering her similar style and existing tour history with Bryan, Morgan Wade seems like a natural choice to open the evening. However, Flatland Cavalry and American Aquarium also represent energetic acts that could vibe well with Bryan’s fanbase. While we’ll have to wait for an official announcement, any of these buzzworthy emerging talents would make an excellent addition for the opening slot. Whoever ends up with the gig is sure to get the Jacksonville crowd primed and ready for a fantastic night of country music ahead of Zach Bryan’s headlining set.
Zach Bryan is bringing his authentic, feel-good country sound to Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena for a major headline show on October 15th. Considering her similar style and existing tour history with Bryan, Morgan Wade seems like a natural choice to open the evening. However, Flatland Cavalry and American Aquarium also represent energetic acts that could vibe well with Bryan’s fanbase. While we’ll have to wait for an official announcement, any of these buzzworthy emerging talents would make an excellent addition for the opening slot. Whoever ends up with the gig is sure to get the Jacksonville crowd primed and ready for a fantastic night of country music ahead of Zach Bryan’s headlining set.
Zach Bryan is bringing his authentic, feel-good country sound to Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena for a major headline show on October 15th. Considering her similar style and existing tour history with Bryan, Morgan Wade seems like a natural choice to open the evening. However, Flatland Cavalry and American Aquarium also represent energetic acts that could vibe well with Bryan’s fanbase. While we’ll have to wait for an official announcement, any of these buzzworthy emerging talents would make an excellent addition for the opening slot. Whoever ends up with the gig is sure to get the Jacksonville crowd primed and ready for a fantastic night of country music ahead of Zach Bryan’s headlining set.
Zach Bryan is bringing his authentic, feel-good country sound to Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena for a major headline show on October 15th. Considering her similar style and existing tour history with Bryan, Morgan Wade seems like a natural choice to open the evening. However, Flatland Cavalry and American Aquarium also represent energetic acts that could vibe well with Bryan’s fanbase. While we’ll have to wait for an official announcement, any of these buzzworthy emerging talents would make an excellent addition for the opening slot. Whoever ends up with the gig is sure to get the Jacksonville crowd primed and ready for a fantastic night of country music ahead of Zach Bryan’s headlining set.
Zach Bryan is bringing his authentic, feel-good country sound to Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena for a major headline show on October 15th. Considering her similar style and existing tour history with Bryan, Morgan Wade seems like a natural choice to open the evening. However, Flatland Cavalry and American Aquarium also represent energetic acts that could vibe well with Bryan’s fanbase. While we’ll have to wait for an official announcement, any of these buzzworthy emerging talents would make an excellent addition for the opening slot. Whoever ends up with the gig is sure to get the Jacksonville crowd primed and ready for a fantastic night of country music ahead of Zach Bryan’s headlining set.
Zach Bryan is bringing his authentic, feel-good country sound to Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena for a major headline show on October 15th. Considering her similar style and existing tour history with Bryan, Morgan Wade seems like a natural choice to open the evening. However, Flatland Cavalry and American Aquarium also represent energetic acts that could vibe well with Bryan’s fanbase. While we’ll have to wait for an official announcement, any of these buzzworthy emerging talents would make an excellent addition for the opening slot. Whoever ends up with the gig is sure to get the Jacksonville crowd primed and ready for a fantastic night of country music ahead of Zach Bryan’s headlining set.
Zach Bryan is bringing his authentic, feel-good country sound to Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena for a major headline show on October 15th. Considering her similar style and existing tour history with Bryan, Morgan Wade seems like a natural choice to open the evening. However, Flatland Cavalry and American Aquarium also represent energetic acts that could vibe well with Bryan’s fanbase. While we’ll have to wait for an official announcement, any of these buzzworthy emerging talents would make an excellent addition for the opening slot. Whoever ends up with the gig is sure to get the Jacksonville crowd primed and ready for a fantastic night of country music ahead of Zach Bryan’s headlining set.
Zach Bryan is bringing his authentic, feel-good country sound to Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena for a major headline show on October 15th. Considering her similar style and existing tour history with Bryan, Morgan Wade seems like a natural choice to open the evening. However, Flatland Cavalry and American Aquarium also represent energetic acts that could vibe well with Bryan’s fanbase. While we’ll have to wait for an official announcement, any of these buzzworthy emerging talents would make an excellent addition for the opening slot. Whoever ends up with the gig is sure to get the Jacksonville crowd primed and ready for a fantastic night of country music ahead of Zach Bryan’s headlining set.