Extra Innings 2026: A lot of country and a little bit of rock

Country music is in a bit of a rock phase. Need proof? All you needed to do was attend day one of baseball-themed country music celebration Extra Innings Festival.

On Friday, I heard plenty of long guitar solos, saw country musicians dressed up like ’80s rock stars, an actual ’80s rock star (hello, Bret Michaels) and even a little bit of “Stairway to Heaven” during a Luke Bryan song. I wasn’t expecting that at all, but I was delighted by what the first day of the Extra Innings festival had in store for me.

The festival wrapped up on the last day of February with performances by country rock artist Hardy and modern heartthrob Kane Brown. The temperatures also broke a record, hitting 92 degrees. Watching Shaboozey’s set around 4:30 p.m. really put my SPF 50 to the test with that sun absolutely blazing down on the crowd. But those who live here year-round know not to complain about any temperatures below 100.

But back to the show. It was nice to see some diversity in the mix since country isn’t exactly known for that. Shaboozey is a Black country star, and Kane Brown is biracial. And although she’s not a country singer, Jessie Murph was one of the only female acts on the bill. Here’s a few highlights from the final day of the festival. 

Saturday, Feb. 28

Kane Brown, 9 p.m., Home Plate Stage

What struck me most about Saturday headliner Kane Brown? His nice smile and warm eyes. He’s known for his love songs, and he looks the part. What I loved most about him is that he’s a mature heartthrob. If yesterday’s headliners Dierks Bentley and Luke Bryan represent the old (or at least older) guard of country, Kane Brown represents the newer one. I honestly didn’t realize just how many hits he’s had through the years. 

He started things off by playing “Like I Love Country Music.” No need to explain what that song’s about. But what he does best is love songs. I enjoyed hearing “What If,” which is about finding the one despite all the fears and doubts that can come with searching for it. One of my favorite tracks was a new one that will be released on March 13 on his latest album, “KB5.” “Woman” is about how he found a strong woman, and now she has a man she can rely on. The lyrics aren’t available online yet, but it was nice to hear about a solid, adult partnership that’s based on respect. 

I must say that I also enjoyed the electric fiddle solo during the set. It’s such a cool instrument to hear live, and I love that it happened during Brown’s and Shaboozey’s sets. 

Like a lot of the other country artists, Brown has dabbled in rock. The best example is “I Can Feel It,” which pays homage to the Phil Collins classic “In the Air Tonight.” Brown’s is about feeling budding affection for a new love. I loved the pyrotechnics here. It has an upbeat, yet dark vibe that I totally dug.

In one adorable moment, he signed a poster held up by a little girl that proclaimed she was at her first concert. It was so wholesome and sweet, especially coming from the dad of three little girls. 

If this is where country is headed, I’m here for it. Brown is attractive and charming, and his songs are fun. Brown apologized for having to take a quick pee break before performing his smash hit “Miles on It.” After the lively track about having fun in a Chevy with your baby concluded, and the lights came up, Brown came out one last time. He then took his shirt off and launched it into the crowd before leaving the stage for good. He probably just wanted to show off his perfectly chiseled stomach. I’m here for it. 

I’m glad that the Innings Festival has been successful enough to add a country-themed weekend. I remember when it first launched, and as a music fan, I’m glad that it’s thriving. I’ve always had a great time here. Finally, one of the handles on my trusty clear bag that I picked up way back in 2017 at the NCAA March Madness Music Festival broke. That bag came with me to a ton of festivals, concerts and events. I’ll miss it. Thank you for your service. 

Jessie Murph, 7:55 p.m., Right Field Stage

Following Hardy’s mostly loud set, I wandered over to the Right Field to hear Jessie Murph play. If I had to describe her entire set in one word, it would be “vintage.” From her voice to her clothes, she was channeling the past. Murph looked like a film siren from the ’40s, if film stars from that era were allowed to say the word “fuck” a lot, that is. She was wearing a tight vintage blue dress with white fringe on top (I noticed a ton of fringe on people’s clothing on the second day of the festival) that hugged her voluptuous yet petite body. She also wore a red lip and black curls. The first track I heard of hers was aptly titled “1965,” since she’s clearly channeling that era with her wardrobe and performance. 

Her performance was pretty sensual. She would writhe around the stage and then lay on the piano to belt out tracks — fitting, since her 2025 album is titled “Sex Hysteria.” I must mention that she’s a very talented singer with soaring vocals. Especially with her big, curly hair, I did feel like she was channeling Amy Winehouse a little bit. Before starting “Criminal,” she mentioned that the song was on the “Scream 7” track. The track makes good use of her deep, soulful vocals. 

I’m a bit mystified as to why she was on the bill with mostly country artists, but I enjoyed the set nonetheless. It was a fun change of pace. She was also one of the only handful of female performers at the festival, and I’m grateful for that. 

Hardy, 6:35 p.m., Home Plate Stage

Before country rock artist Hardy took the stage, the sun was setting and the sky turned shades of orange that reminded the locals why we live in such a gorgeous state. Hardy, whose full name is Michael Wilson Hardy, kicked off his set with “Unapologetically Country as Hell.” In traditional country fashion, it mentions trucks, buck blood and a honey hole in the first three lines. I thought it made for a perfect introduction to the dynamic artist who literally added fire to his show. 

The next song of his that I loved hearing live was “Jack,” which is about an unhinged narrator whose name, you guessed it, is Jack. The guitars here really made this track stand out. Hardy played another track about a character called “Psycho,” but he seems to be a pretty stable guy. He’s married with a baby and is a talented, prolific songwriter. At one point during his show, pictures and videos of his wife, baby, wedding and of him as a child playing guitar flashed up on the screen behind him. Before he started his song “One Beer,” he talked about how his baby was about to turn 1 and how he wrote the song a decade ago before becoming a father. It was sweet hearing him talk about how much he loved his wife and being a dad before belting out a tune that’s about how one beer can turn into so much more. 

Hardy is fun as he is loud, and I enjoyed hearing him sing “Wait in the Truck.” The song is a duet with Lainey Wilson that’s about getting vigilante justice against a woman’s abuser. It’s such a powerful but quiet track. I always enjoy hearing an artist’s range. At another point, he walked out into the crowd while singing “God’s Country.” Blake Shelton made this famous, but Hardy is one of the songwriters. It’s a powerful song about respecting God’s country. 

Hardy closed his set by donning an ASU jersey and singing his hit “Truck Bed.” In pretty classic country fashion, it’s about waking up in your truck after drinking way too much and having to deal with your angry girlfriend. What really elevates it? The fact that the song proclaims, “Guess you can say I got what I deserve.” It’s a fun song that also doesn’t let the narrator off the hook for some pretty bad behavior, and I appreciated this modern take. It also just rocks, much like Hardy himself. 

Shaboozey, 4:25 p.m., Home Plate Stage

I wasn’t sure if I’d be a fan of Virginia native Shaboozey, but after seeing his afternoon set at the Extra Innings Festival, I’m sure I will be. His set was honestly like being at a revival, with plenty of audience participation and positive energy flowing. For starters, his band is just so cool. I loved the electric fiddle player, his female backup singer and guitarist. 

He was wearing a trucker cap, jeans, boots and a “Friends in Low Places” T-shirt. He has a deep voice that really carries and is powerful to hear in person. He then performed his song “Annabelle,” which is about a toxic ex. 

One of my favorite moments was when he performed a cover of Hank Williams’ “Family Tradition.” Before launching into that classic country tune, Shaboozey talked about how he considered anybody who showed up for his afternoon set to be family. “Family Tradition” is such a great track because of how funny the call-and-response part is. Sample lines: “Why do you drink?” “Get drunk.” Next up was a soulful cover of “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.” 

I was particularly touched by his intro into “Amen,” which is about praying for better times. He took a black towel to wipe away some tears as he talked about how he prayed for the life he currently has. He then started singing “Amen,” his hit duet with Jelly Roll. For his next song, “Good News,” he even walked into the crowd and started autographing while clutching a bottle of Jack Daniels. The bottle was a nice segue into the final song of the set, “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” The song pays homage to the 2004 J-Kwon hit “Tipsy.” I love this fresh take on the jam that’s just so fun to sing along to. I can’t wait to see what he does next.  

Friday, Feb. 21

Luke Bryan, 9 p.m., Home Plate Stage

Hit machine Luke Bryan — who really defined country in the 2010s and is largely seen as being the poster boy for “bro country” — closed out the first night. I’ve seen a ton of performers, and I must say that there’s no one else I’ve watched who doesn’t seem to be self-conscious in any way. He really lets loose and is just so fun to watch. He never stops moving. 

Wearing his signature tight jeans (how he doesn’t rip those jeans more often is a mystery to me) and white T-shirt, he started the night off with “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye,” a lively but sad track about having to accept the end of a relationship, but not before spending one more night together. He then played “Kick the Dust Up” and “One Margarita.” It’s remarkable how many hits he’s had. There were only maybe two songs in the entire set list that I didn’t know by heart. 

The most surprising musical moment of the night was during the track “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day.” The track featured a few long guitar solos, and at one point, the guitarist even played a few notes of “Stairway to Heaven.” I love that iconic track but was surprised to hear it during a country show. 

As much as Bryan has so many songs about partying, he also has plenty of tender tracks, too. I enjoyed the part of the night where he sat behind the piano and belted out “Buy Dirt.” It broke up the set in a way that was interesting to watch. As fun as he is loud, I also enjoyed seeing a softer side to him. 

The night wrapped up with a few high-energy jams that reminded the fans why Bryan is one of the best. It was fun to see the whole crowd rock out to hits like “Rain Is a Good Thing” and “Country Girl, Shake It For Me,” the last song of the evening. This lively track celebrates having a good time, which is what going to a Luke Bryan show is all about. 

I’m looking forward to what day two of the Extra Innings Festival will bring. Rock on. 

Brothers Osborne, 7:55 p.m., Right Field Stage

After watching Bentley, I headed over to watch the Brothers Osborne’s hour-long set. Not long after I got there, the group started playing a cover of Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down.” This just made me feel like I was at a rock festival, but I’m not going to complain. My two favorite genres of music are country and rock, and I love this trend. 

The group then performed a very long version of Bob Marley’s “Every Little Thing.” At one point, lead vocalist T.J. Osborne talked about how he loved playing music for a living and loved how music brings people from many different beliefs and religious backgrounds together. I always try to think about that whenever I’m at a concert. We’re all there together enjoying music despite all our differences. Music is so powerful in that way, and that’s why it matters. 

Lead vocalist T.J. Osborne’s singing voice sounds exactly like his speaking voice. It’s low, deep, steady and soothing. I could honestly listen to it all day. The group then performed a pretty upbeat rendition of its 2015 hit song “Stay a Little Longer,” which is about wanting more and more of someone. I just love the guitar part here. It’s so soaring and strong. The brothers took opposite sides of the stage and played their respective guitar parts before finishing the song. T.J. remarked how we probably thought the set was over (I did) before playing a long intro into “It Ain’t My Fault.” It’s such a funny song about blaming external things for our own bad decisions. A few of my favorite lines: “Blame the ex for the drinkin’ / Blame the drinkin’ for the ex.”

After that track wrapped, I walked over to hear Luke Bryan close out the night. I could hear the band playing an extended piano solo in the background for a while as I made my way back to the Home Plate Stage. 

Dierks Bentley, 6:50 p.m., Home Plate Stage

Hometown crooner Dierks Bentley took the stage following Michaels. Bentley and his band immediately launched into “Burning Man,” a spirited track about how we all contain multitudes. I just love the guitars here. Next up was “5150,” a song about how heady falling for someone is. Bentley then paused to talk about how he remembered tailgating as a teen in the same areas where Tempe high rises now stand. He then launched into “Living,” which is all about weathering life’s ups and downs. 

Bentley mentioned that his mom was in the crowd and how he and his father drove across the country from Arizona to Nashville when he was a budding musician. He said he always thinks about the trip when he’s out here and then started singing “I Hold On.” His father has passed, and the song is about holding onto an old truck to keep his memory alive. It’s such a touching tribute. I’ve seen him four times, and I always enjoy hearing him talk about growing up here. 

One of my other favorite moments? When the band played a cover of Alabama’s “Mountain Music.” I loved the extended fiddle solo, which is just not something you get every day. 

Bently introduced “Drunk on a Plane” by saying that we had reached cruising altitude. Although the song on the surface is about what the title says it’s about, it’s also tinged with plenty of sadness, as it’s about a man whose engagement has ended. It’s a party anthem with a sad breakup tune underneath. 

To close out the set, Bentley and his band dressed up like ’80s hair metal members. Think “This Is Spinal Tap,” but a country version of the rock band. As an aside, I wish someone would make that film. Also, RIP Rob Reiner. The mullet-ed group played snippets of classic country tunes. A few tunes I recognized included “Two Dozen Roses,” “Friends in Low Places” and “It’s Your Love.” During the cover of Brooks & Dunn’s “Brand New Man,” I saw two cowboy hat-clad middle-aged guys singing this song to each other, and it just gave me so much joy. Thank you both. The set concluded with Garth Brooks’ “Ain’t Goin’ Down (‘til the Sun Comes Up).” 

Bret Michaels, 4:40 p.m., Home Plate Stage

I was pretty surprised to see ’80s hair metal band Poison frontman Bret Michaels on the bill. Unless he released a country album (he hasn’t), I wasn’t sure how he fit in. But I was thrilled to hear him. I loved watching the charismatic, long-haired blond frontman on the trashy yet fun “Rock of Love.” It’s easy to see why he was so successful as an entertainer, as he just exudes effortless charm. What you see on TV is what you get in real life. He opened the set with Poison’s “Talk Dirty to Me” and came out wearing a shirt with a picture of himself on it and a cowboy hat, naturally. He then launched into a dynamite cover of “Sweet Home Alabama.” His covers were excellent, and he had such enthusiasm for each one. I also enjoyed hearing covers of the 1972 tune “Your Mama Don’t Dance” along with “Drift Away” and “What I Got.” 

Micheals also mentioned his ties to Arizona throughout the set. He mentioned living here for 16 years — he listed his home in 2020 — and how the doctors at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Barrow Neurological Institute saved his life following a brain hemorrhage. His enthusiasm for the state seemed genuine, and it’s always nice to hear artists connect with the audience by sharing stories of their time here. 

The second-to-last hit of his set was Poison megahit “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.” I’ve always wondered how one of hair metal’s biggest names crafted such a touching breakup anthem. It’s such a departure from his other work, but I’m glad I got to hear such an insightful tune live. I love that song. We can’t expect love to be pain-free, and that song captures that so well with the acoustic guitar lending a softness and intimacy to the track. He closed out the set with Poison’s second most famous song, “Nothin’ but a Good Time.”