CMA Fest took over Nashville this June, and Ole Red brought the HEAT. From a showcase of the best rising stars in the game to a hot country takeover from Spotify House, the stage didn’t cool off for four straight days. Here’s a roundup of some of the best moments.
1. ASHLEY ANNE GETS AN OPRY ASK
June 3 was Ole Red on the Rise, Ole Red’s showcase of new country stars you’ve got to know. While newcomer Ashley Anne was on stage, Opry NextStage artist Avery Anna surprised her with a question… “how would you like to make your Grand Ole Opry debut?”
2. JASON ALDEAN SURPRISES THE CROWD
June 4–6, Ole Red welcomed Spotify House – a three-day takeover featuring today’s biggest country artists, curated by Spotify’s Hot Country playlist team. Day 1 brought some serious star power to the lineup, including Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, and Jelly Roll—plus surprise guest Jason Aldean.
3. “LET THEM IN ANYWAY” TICKET GIVEAWAY
It might’ve been Spotify House, but Ole Red is always Blake’s place to play. On day 2, we heard a rumor Blake was going to stop by…so we surprised some fans with skip-the-line tickets to see him. The tickets said “Let ‘Em In Anyway,” celebrating Blake’s newest single off his album For Recreational Use Only.
Blake took the stage later that day for a knockout set. We always love when the boss man stops in.
4. LUKE BRYAN RAISES A TOAST TO HIS “BUDDY”
If you don’t know, Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton share a legendary decades-long beef. To add fuel to the fire, their Nashville bars—Ole Red and Luke’s 32 Bridge—stare each other down from opposite sides of Broadway. We managed to coax Luke Bryan over to our side of the street during Spotify House, where he raised a cold margarita to his “buddy” Blake.
5. SHABOOZEY CLOSES DOWN THE SHOW
A year ago during Spotify House, Shaboozey was surprised with his Billions Club plaque for hitting 1 billion streams on “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” This year, he closed the house down with that same song, on the same stage. It was one helluva way to end one helluva week.
THANK YOU, MUSIC CITY
Weeks like this make us proud to be part of Music City. We’re grateful for all the fans who show up and show out, year after year.
We may have packed the house for the festival, but Ole Red’s got hot talent on stage year-round. Keep an eye on our socials for more pop-ins, performances, and moments that only happen at Ole Red.
