“That’s Texas! Yeah, that’s Texas.” No wait, that’s…New York? You’d never guess by the appearance of the sold out KeyBank Center crowd, who showed up to support Cody Johnson’s on his “Leather Deluxe Tour” stop in Buffalo. Cowboy hats, belt buckles and all.

Proof that through all of the debates happening around country music, about what is “real” country and what isn’t, most view Cody Johnson as “it.”

Known for being high-energy and a passionate patriot on stage, Johnson’s vocals shined through the entire evening. As beautiful as it sounded accompanied by a steel guitar (and the rest of The Rockin’ CJB), his voice was the star. You can hear the soul of an old cowboy in Johnson’s tone.

Although for a moment during his performance of “Me and My Kind”, Cody Johnson ran into some audio issues and his microphone completely stopped working. It actually turned into a beautiful moment, as the arena took the reins and sang loudly – not to leave Johnson hanging. He was moved and almost shocked by the gesture.

“There’s no reason to try to prove to you guys that this is real, live music up here; because I don’t know what just happened,” Johnson joked, “Did the power go out? Is that what happened? Because all I heard was you guys singing. We didn’t know what to do and ya’ll saved the day!”

Wasting no time, he jumped back into his set. Consisting mostly of songs from his latest Leather Deluxe Edition album, but also throwing in some old favorites like “With You I Am,” “Dear Rodeo” and “Nothin’ on You.”

There’s not many other names in the business who can make an arena feel like a small town honky-tonk, but for Johnson it comes natural. Perhaps it was the simple setup, with no crazy pyro or accompanying visuals. That wouldn’t be him. He’s a genuine, gentleman cowboy from Texas, who is very clearly living his dream out on stage. One of the only times the video backdrop behind him changed was when a video performance of Carrie Underwood joined during Johnson’s performance of their duet “I’m Gonna Love You.”

CoJo made sure to play his number 1 hits, as well, with “‘Til You Can’t,” “The Painter,” and “Dirt Cheap.” His first number 1, “’Til You Can’t,” was co-written by Syracuse University alum, Matt Rogers.

As usual, in CoJo fashion, Johnson took time to pay tribute to members of our military, first responders and law enforcement. Chants of “USA, USA, USA,” followed.

Johnson was supported by opening acts Ashley McBryde and Lanie Gardner join him. Gardner is one of country music’s rising stars and was named a CMT Next Up Artist and rose to fame on TikTok. She filled in for Drew Baldridge, who was originally on the ticket, but couldn’t make it as he was voted to be Country Radio’s Top 5 Artists of 2025.

McBryde is no stranger to country fans in New York either. The Grammy-winning member of the Grand Ole Opry recently played a show at the State Theatre of Ithaca. Her song “Ain’t Enough Cowboy Songs” showed why she fit perfectly on this bill with Johnson.

McBryde dodged fans’ bras being tossed on stage as she performed her song “Brenda Put Your Bra On.” Then, McBryde jokingly pulled out an over-sized red, lace bra and threw it on, as she sang the last verse.