Tens of thousands of fans converged on McLane Stadium on the Baylor University campus Saturday for the “Boys From Oklahoma Texas Encore” concert, a sprawling country music event headlined by the Turnpike Troubadours and Cross Canadian Ragweed.
The concert featured a powerful lineup of Red Dirt and Texas Country heavyweights, but the early evening’s performers battled more than just the stage.
The concert kicked off under the sweltering Texas sun, with the heat index soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit as fans arrived and settled into the stadium. The first act, American Aquarium, traveling from Raleigh, North Carolina, took the stage around 5 p.m., playing to a crowd seeking relief from the heat.
Guests arriving at the Boys from Oklahoma concert at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas on Saturday, August 23. Photo by: Matthew McGuire
As attendees walked from event parking, they found themselves in a sweaty situation, seeking out shade and cold drinks to combat the punishing conditions.
Wade Bowen
Next up was Waco’s own Wade Bowen. A favorite among local and regional fans, Bowen’s performance was met with enthusiasm as the sun began to slowly dip toward the horizon. Concertgoers continued to sip lemonade and find refuge in any available shaded area, a testament to the dedication of the fans enduring the extreme weather.
Shane Smith and the Saints
The energy shifted as Shane Smith & The Saints took the stage at 6:40 p.m. The Austin-based band delivered a high-energy set that included fan favorites such as “Adeline,” “Feather in the Wind,” and “Coast.”
Shane Smith and the Saints performing at the Boys from Oklahoma concert at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas on Saturday, August 23. Photo by: Matthew McGuire
Their performance, a memorable highlight of the early evening, also featured two covers: “The Gael” by Dougie MacLean and “Hurricane” by Levon Helm.
Turnpike Troubadours
Turnpike Troubadours performing at the Boys from Oklahoma concert at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas on Saturday, August 23. Photo by: Matthew McGuire
Turnpike Troubadours brought arena-sized Oklahoma rock music to stage Saturday evening.
In addition to their dynamic stage presence and storytelling, the Turnpike Troubadours delivered a setlist at the Boys from Oklahoma concert that spanned their storied career. The band’s performance, which followed Cross Canadian Ragweed’s set, was a high-energy showcase of their signature style, blending fiddle and guitar-driven melodies with poignant lyrics. They pulled from their deep collection of celebrated songs, including “The Bird Hunters,” “Gin, Smoke, Lies,” and “Before the Devil Knows We’re Dead.”
Their set was a testament to the band’s enduring appeal and their unique place in the Red Dirt music scene. The crowd sang along to every word, creating a collective energy that celebrated the band’s rich musical history.
As dusk fell, the headlining acts took over. Legendary Oklahoma-based bands Cross Canadian Ragweed and the Turnpike Troubadours delivered a show that many fans had been waiting for. The night marked a rare Texas reunion for the groups, who have been at the forefront of the Red Dirt music scene for decades.
Cross Canadian Ragweed
Cross Canadian Ragweed, a band that reunited in 2023, delivered a nostalgic journey through their celebrated catalog. Their setlist included hits like “Carney Man,” “17,” and “Boys from Oklahoma,” the namesake of the concert series. The band’s performance was elevated by a series of special guests, including Wade Bowen, Jamie Lin Wilson, Randy Rogers, Graycie York, Shane Smith, and Oklahoma music veteran Robert Earl Keen.
Following Ragweed’s set, the Turnpike Troubadours delivered a high-energy performance. The band’s setlist pulled from their deep collection of celebrated songs, including “The Bird Hunters,” “Gin, Smoke, Lies,” and “Before the Devil Knows We’re Dead.” The band’s performance was a showcase of their signature style, blending fiddle and guitar-driven melodies with poignant storytelling.
The concert was a testament to the enduring legacy of the Red Dirt genre. Fans sang along to every lyric, creating a collective energy that celebrated the unique sound and culture of Oklahoma and Texas music.
For many, the show was more than a concert; it was a homecoming, bridging the gap between some of the most influential acts in the genre and delivering a memorable night of music for all in attendance.
Wade Bowen performing at the Boys from Oklahoma concert at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas on Saturday, August 23. Photo by: Matthew McGuire
Turnpike Troubadours performing at the Boys from Oklahoma concert at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas on Saturday, August 23. Photo by: Matthew McGuire
Turnpike Troubadours performing at the Boys from Oklahoma concert at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas on Saturday, August 23. Photo by: Matthew McGuire
Hannah and the sqad at the Boys from Oklahoma concert at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas on Saturday, August 23. Photo by: Matthew McGuire
Hannah staying cool at the Boys from Oklahoma concert at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas on Saturday, August 23. Photo by: Matthew McGuire
