Bailey Zimmerman brought his “New To Country” summer tour to CMAC in Canandaigua on Saturday, August 9, giving the fans a stunning, high energy performance that would would turn out to be the biggest show of the tour yet.
The evening buzzed with anticipation as fans filled the amphitheater for what would become Bailey’s biggest sold out show of the tour thus far. The Louisville native delivered his trademark blend of raw emotion and crowd-ready energy from the start, making it a night to remember for country music fans. As one of country’s fastest-rising stars, Zimmerman showed up ready to party the night away, and give fans and electrifying performance.
Opening the night was Illinois native Drew Baldridge. Known for his diversity, Drew showed up with a mix of slow country and rockin’ honky tonk that had fans on their feet throughout. As the opening act, the crowd sure didn’t seem unfamiliar with his songs as they seemed to know every word. During his set Drew stopped to acknowledge the crowd, thanking them for having him for his first time at CMAC. He interrupted his playing with an announcement that it was his wife’s birthday as he invited her and his two year old son out on stage as he encouraged the fans to sing along Happy Birthday to his wife Katherine.
Drew’s success comes from a combination of talent, persistence, and strong connection with his audience. He initially gained attention with his song “Dance With Ya”, which blended country with a pop/dance vibe and charted on Billboard’s Country Airplay. He made history as the first independent artist to achieve a No. 1 song at country radio with his self-funded hit, “She’s Somebody’s Daughter”, which concluded his set as he encouraged fans to hug their loved ones close and slow dance as he poured raw emotion into his final song of the night.
Following Drew’s performance was Georgia native Dylan Marlowe. Dylan came to the stage with a blend of modern country with traditional influences, showing fans just what it meant to him to be performing at CMAC. Marlowe is part of a new wave of young Nashville artists making waves with a fresh, relatable sound that often leans into themes like small-town life, relationships, and southern culture. As Dylan performed his song “Boys Back Home,” fans held their drinks in the air and sang along, as it gave more of a nostalgic hometown-focused feel that resonated widely. Dylan noted influences such as Eric Church and Brantley Gilbert. He built much of his early fanbase through TikTok and other social media platforms, where his acoustic performances caught attention.
As Marlowe’s performance came to and end, the crowd seemed to grow even larger, as the highly anticipated Bailey Zimmerman would soon be coming to the stage. The lights went dark as fans cheered and shouted Bailey’s name. Bailey entered with the fire of a seasoned headliner, swinging from a rope on a high rise which added an unexpected flare and an overwhelming level of excitement to his entrance.
The energy inside the amphitheater was unparalleled as Zimmerman opened up with “New To Country.” Flames lit up the stage as he jumped around full of pure excitement and adrenaline. As one of country music’s biggest rising stars, fans were intrigued throughout. As each song was performed, fans’ eyes were glued to the stage, as it was apparent Zimmerman didn’t just come for a show; he came to party. The entire night was packed with heart, grit, adrenaline, and just the right amount of southern swagger. Bailey interrupted his set to thank the fans for having him in Canandaigua, declaring that it was his first time performing at CMAC and that he would love to come back. Dressed in his signature white tank and backwards cap, he kept the vibe grounded, making the night feel less like a performance and more like a night out with an old friend who’s lived through the same heartbreaks.
Bailey’s new album Different Night Same Rodeo was just released this August, and highlights themes revolving around love, heartache, and nostalgia. Including “Backup Plan,” his song with Luke Combs has reclaimed the No 1 spot on the Music Row Country Breakout Radio Chart and is currently No. 12 on Billboard Country Airplay. Zimmerman closed out the night with his song ” Rock And A Hard Place,” as confetti fell from the rooftops. The fans came for a show, and left with an unforgettable experience. Bailey and the band continue their tour in New Hampshire on Thursday, followed by three performances in Canada.
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