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Riley Green In Abbotsford

Riley Green in Abbotsford was nothing short of a rowdy, boots-stomping night of country hits. Cracking open the first night of his Damn Country Music Tour, the Jacksonville sensation rolled into a sold-out Fraser Valley. The tour was in celebration of Riley’s latest album Don’t Mind If I Do. If there’s one thing that can send the valley into a frenzy, it’s a country concert. With fans shoulder to shoulder, drinks in both hands, and voices primed for a sing-along, it was clear we were all in for a hell of a night. For this tour, Riley didn’t just bring single back-up, he stacked up with three powerhouse country artists: Erik Dylan, Jake Worthington, and Ella Langley, to ensure the night would be remembered.

Erik & Jake

Erik Dylan brought the old-school country cool that set the arena into a sway. By the time his set wrapped up, it transformed into a full-blown swing and Abbotsford was ready for more. Enter Jake Worthington, the Texas-born powerhouse, whose roots link back to legends like George Jones, and Ray Price. Jake was a runner-up of season six of The Voice. He took the stage like a seasoned veteran, channeling the greats for a performance that felt both timeless and electric. The crowd was hooked, belting out lyrics in an irresistible, beer-soaked fashion. Worthington’s performance had Abbotsford in a heady haze, whether it was from the music or drinks, well that’s anybody’s guess?

Ella Langley

Hot off 8 nominations for this year’s ACM (American Country Music) Awards, this Alabama-born Southern Belle took the Fraser Valley by storm. From the moment the lights went out, we knew we were in for a treat. When Rihanna’s Umbrella rang through the arena it was met by almost every woman in the audience screaming along. It crescendo’d the energy in an immediate fashion. Entering from left stage was Ella, whose hard-edge presence let Abbotsford know she was commanding the room. It was a rather unexpected turn, considering 6 months ago this level of confidence wasn’t seen. From “Nicotine,” to “Weren’t For The Wind,” Langley had a high-octane set filled with soon to be classics. Considering her meteoric rise with currently 7+ million listens on Spotify alone, it was astonishing. By the end of the set, I felt like I witnessed the next Shania. Personally, I can’t wait to see what the future holds, all I know is after that performance, she’ll be headlining stadiums in no time.

Riley Green

Prior to the show, Riley Green was an unknown name to me. But witnessing so many cowboy boots and a ridiculous amount of hats made me realize he’s kind of a big deal. With the appetizers finished and the arena fully immersed, it was finally time for Riley Green In Abbotsford. With lights out and screams circling my directions, Abbotsford was treated to the sights of Riley’s main man Carl the Cowboy Corgi on a video screen. Whistling and aw’s commenced through the audience and moments following, the band arrived. A silhouette fills the back of the stage, standing with guitar in hand while surrounded by a grass-like environment. A crisp, razor-sharp cowboy voice is heard, and kicking off the show was none other than the man of the hour Riley Green with “Damn Country Music”.

Setlist & Highlights

The 21-track set was the equivalent of a front to back album experience. Riley filled the almost 2 hour set with selections from his three albums and EP’s. Songs like “Worst Way,” “Jesus Saves,” and “I Wish Grandpa Never Died,” are just a few that etched their way in. Along with Riley’s own songs, the set also included unexpected covers from artists such as Thomas Rhett, Jamey Johnson, and topping it off, Toby Keith’s “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” closing the show. The night reached new heights with a series of surprise performances. Green brought out Erik Dylan to join him for “Dan Good Day to Leave,” and the chemistry between the two was undeniable, almost brother-like, every glance exchanged was filled with smiles and laughter. The real “magic” however, happened when Riley shared the stage with Ella Langley. Their duet of “You Look Like You Love Me” had an electric, almost magnetic energy. Although they aren’t romantically involved, their connection on stage was nothing short of mesmerizing, leaving the audience with a surreal, unforgettable moment.

In Closing

Riley Green In Abbotsford was one for the books.It was an experience that  ignited a frenzy that rippled through the valley and all yearning for more. True to his roots as a man of the people, Green returned to the stage, delivering three more songs that kept the memories flowing until the final note. As the night drew to a close, Riley paused to express his gratitude for the sold-out crowd, and was greeted by thunderous applause. Standing there to take it all in, it was clear he was capturing the moment in his mind. With one last smile, Green turned and rode off in the rain.

I want to thank Riley Green In Abbotsford and his incredible team for allowing me to capture the essence that was the “Damn Country Music Tour” and I hope to one day witness his magic again. If you’d like to catch a future date of the tour, feel free to visit here: https://www.rileygreenmusic.com

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