Can’t Beat Sarah: Get a Rush With Your Mount Rushmore Knowledge

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There's nothing like catching a rising country star before they become famous, so listen up here in 2024!

Recently, I attended the annual Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in the beautiful and historic city of Nashville. As expected, much of my "business trip" in Music City was spent enjoying several live country performances. Amidst all the stellar live shows there were a few new artists in particular that really stood out. Check out these awesome rising country stars now so you can board their respective bandwagons early!

While there were some great new artists, I also had the unforgettable opportunity to witness performances from some of the biggest names in Country Music. Artists like Chris Stapleton, Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker, and Keith Urban tore the house down at the historic Ryman Auditorium. And yes, I was indeed fangirling the entire time.

But the Ryman wasn't the only venue with incredible country performances last week. The Omni hotel ballroom also played host to hot country acts like Ashley McBryde, Cody Johnson, Riley Green, and Carly Pearce, just to name a few.

On the final day of CRS, it was revealed that Toby Keith had originally been scheduled to make an appearance at one of the record label-sponsored luncheons. Sadly, the country icon died earlier this year after a courageous battle with stomach cancer. As a lifelong Toby Keith fan who never got to see him perform live, I was crushed by this news.

Fortunately, a couple of Toby's fellow Oklahoma natives were close by that week and were able to perform in his memory. The Okies in question were none other than country legends Garth Brooks and Ronnie Dunn! The smile on my face once they came out was enormous and goofy and I don't even care.

As incredible as it was jamming out with some of the biggest and best country stars of the past and present, the real highlight for me came from watching the stars of the future bring their A-game. Rest assured, the industry is in good hands with the next generation of country crooners. And I believe these six country artists will be leading the charge for years to come, starting right here in 2024.

Country newcomer Mae Estes absolutely blew me away during her acoustic set that I was lucky enough to sit in on. Mae prides herself on bringing her own brand of "ugly country" to the mix, which she demonstrates in the many scowls she makes at her guitar while attacking the mic like it owes her money.

Her vibrant and unapologetic personality shines through in her music, and her vocal style contains a traditional Arkansas twang that can resonate with old school AND new country fans alike.

Mae is set to open for Dierks Bentley at some of his concert stops this year, but don't be surprised if you see her headlining her own nationwide tour in the next year or so.

I had the delight of watching Zach Top perform for a raucous crowd at the Assembly Food Hall, and he won me over almost instantly. At just 25 years old, Zach already possesses a level of showmanship and crowd control comparable to musicians thrice his age.

And of course his music is top-notch as well. Zach sports a versatile discography that covers a wide range of topics and can easily set any kind of mood he wants to for his captivated audience.

The Food Hall where Zach performed is right across from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, which I can easily see him selling out in the next decade. The sky is the limit for this young man.

Fans of the hit TV show Yellowstone know him better as the lovable Kayce Dutton. But make no mistake, Luke Grimes the singer is just as talented as Luke Grimes the actor.

At 40 years of age, Luke is older than most of the rising talent on this list. He's certainly got some ground to cover, but I can personally attest that Luke's performance at the Ryman was powerful to behold.

Be sure to catch Luke Grimes' debut album on March 8 so you can hear the greatness for yourself.

I've been laboring over how to properly describe Kassi Ashton's artistry and stage presence but most of my attempts have fallen short. All I can tell you is that Kassi is, quite simply, a whole vibe.

Kassi is the life of the party, with unmatched confidence and self-assurance that translates wonderfully on stage. Her music is bold, in-your-face, and above all, authentic. Before performing her new single "Called Crazy" at the Ryman, Kassi testified that she's never been called crazy by a guy who didn't call her back for more. And honestly, from firsthand experience watching her set, I completely believe it.

The War and Treaty is a husband-and-wife duo whose love for each other radiates through every venue they play. Michael and Tanya Trotter traded playful barbs at each other as they warmed up for their set at the Ryman. You could feel their adoration and affection for each other come through in their bombastic, powerful vocals. They were the first act of the day to get a standing ovation, and it was absolutely well-earned.

The two have been grinding for a little over a decade now, but their act is just now starting to pick up steam with a feature in Zach Bryan's newest album. Here's hoping that momentum stays behind the two endlessly talented lovebirds.

I got my job here at WKML almost a full year after Jackson Dean's appearance at Stars & Guitars 2022, and I had heard he makes for an absolutely amazing live show. Luckily for me, I was able to confirm that for myself at CRS by seeing Jackson perform on two separate occasions.

Jackson has an unbelievable presence to him, carrying himself with a steely reserve that betrays his gritty and soulful vocals. Jackson's music can be as fun and energetic as Hardy's, as contemplative and meaningful as Chris Stapleton's, and everything in between.

If you haven't heard it yet, I beg you to listen to Jackson's song "Heavens To Betsy." I had the unique pleasure of getting to hear the acoustic AND full band version of this song live, and I honestly can't decide which one I loved most.

Suffice to say, I'm fully onboard the hype train. Get ready for more Jackson action to come as he begins to hit his stride in the country-sphere!