The venue on Thursday confirmed that Alabama country/rock band The Red Clay Strays and soul act St. Paul and the Broken Bones will perform at the outdoor amphitheater on Sept. 9, 2027. The announcement comes as the venue wraps up its 2026 residency and plans for a larger slate of shows in 2027. The addition of the Red Clay Strays ranks among the year’s most significant regional developments, building on the momentum generated by the addition of Mumford & Sons to the 2026 calendar. 2026 has been a pivotal year for The Red Clay Strays. The band marked their debut as headliners of Madison Square Garden earlier this year, a performance that solidified their status within the national country-rock landscape. They followed this with a second appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” where they performed “Don’t Wanna Know” alongside the Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh and Bob Weir. The group, hailing from Belgium, Alabama, is known for blending country instrumentation with rock energy. Their rise reflects a broader trend of NWA becoming a consistent stop for major touring acts seeking venues with high capacity and the staging capabilities of the Walmart AMP. Adjacent to the Fort Smith region, the act plays to an audience that spans both sides of the state line. The venue’s continued ability to attract acts of this caliber supports the broader regional tourism strategy being outlined by the Northwest Arkansas Commission. The commission is currently studying the potential for tolls on I-42 to fund tourism initiatives, positioning the area as an economic driver for the broader region beyond Benton and Washington counties. Meanwhile, St. Paul and the Broken Bones brings a distinct Southern soul sound to the bill. The Birmingham, Alabama-based group—composed of frontman and vocalist Paul Janeway, who is known for his powerful voice—has released several critically acclaimed LPs since debuting in 2011. Their style fits within the rising popularity of soul revivalist bands touring the circuit, offering a different texture to the outdoor venue’s programming. The announcements from the venue signal a commitment to maintaining a rigorous touring calendar. With several dates remaining in 2026 and a full 2027 slate in development, the venue remains a key player in the cultural infrastructure of Northwest Arkansas. As previously reported, the venue announced the addition of Mumford & Sons earlier this year, adding to a slate of performances that draws visitors from across the state. The addition of Red Clay Strays and St. Paul and the Broken Bones underscores the region’s growing profile in the national music scene. For locals, the shows provide high-production entertainment without the travel required for trips to larger concert markets. Read more about how tourism initiatives are shaping regional development in the Northwest Arkansas Commission’s latest updates. Read the full story regarding the Mumford & Sons addition to the 2026 schedule. Northwest Arkansas Commission to study tolls for I-42 funding, regional tourism For tickets and event details regarding the Sept. 9, 2027, performance, fans should continue to monitor the venue’s official channels for sales information.
Source: Fayetteville Flyer