Eric Church is currently on his 2023 The Gather Again Tour, performing across the United States. For his upcoming show in Cincinnati, Ohio on March 31st at Heritage Bank Center, there are two opening acts joining him on tour – Ashley McBryde and Ray Wylie Hubbard.
Quick Answers
The two opening acts for Eric Church’s March 31st, 2023 concert in Cincinnati, Ohio are Ashley McBryde and Ray Wylie Hubbard. Ashley McBryde will open the show, followed by Ray Wylie Hubbard as the second opening act, before Eric Church takes the stage as the headliner.
About the Opening Acts
Ashley McBryde is an American country music singer-songwriter. She first gained attention with her 2016 single “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega” and released her major label debut album Girl Going Nowhere in 2018. The album debuted at number one on the Top Country Albums chart and earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album. She has opened for Eric Church in the past and fans can expect to hear songs like “One Night Standards” and “Martha Divine” from her latest album Never Will.
Ray Wylie Hubbard is a Texas country singer-songwriter with a long career dating back to the 1970s. He is known for songs like “Up Against the Wall, Redneck Mother” and “Screw You We’re From Texas.” His latest album Co-Starring was released in 2020 and features collaborations with artists like Don Was, Joe Walsh, and Pam Tillis. Hubbard is a well-respected songwriter in the Americana scene and his bluesy country rock music is a great match as an opener for Eric Church fans.
Set Times
Here is the expected set times for the Cincinnati show on March 31st:
- 6:30 PM – Doors Open
- 7:30 PM – Ashley McBryde
- 8:15 PM – Ray Wylie Hubbard
- 9:15 PM – Eric Church
Ashley McBryde will perform for about 45 minutes as the first opener, followed by Ray Wylie Hubbard for an hour set. Eric Church will then take the stage around 9:15 PM and play for over 2 hours as the headlining act.
About the Venue
The concert will be held at the Heritage Bank Center (formerly known as the U.S. Bank Arena) in Cincinnati, Ohio. Some key facts about the venue:
- Located in downtown Cincinnati near the Great American Ball Park
- Indoor arena with a capacity of over 19,000 for concerts
- Formerly known as the Riverfront Coliseum and Firstar Center
- Home to the NHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones
- Has hosted major concerts and sporting events since 1975
The Heritage Bank Center is a large indoor venue perfect for big name country concerts like Eric Church’s tour. The arena will allow Church to pull out all the stops with an elaborate stage show full of lights, screens, and effects to complement his high energy setlist.
Eric Church’s Setlist
Based on recent shows on The Gather Again Tour, fans in Cincinnati can expect to hear many of Eric Church’s biggest hits and fan favorites. Here are some songs he’s been playing regularly on tour:
Eric Church 2023 Tour Setlist |
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Hell of a View |
Creepin’ |
Smoke a Little Smoke |
Stick That in Your Country Song |
Jack Daniels |
Homeboy |
Cold One |
Mr. Misunderstood |
Desperate Man |
Record Year |
Knives of New Orleans |
Hippie Radio |
Two Pink Lines |
Talladega |
Give Me Back My Hometown |
Drink in My Hand |
Chattanooga Lucy |
Round Here Buzz |
Center Point Road |
Springsteen |
Church has been playing a different cover song every night, so Cincinnati fans may get treated to something unique. The setlist also varies slightly by show, but these songs have been his consistent staples on the tour. He always saves his most popular songs like “Springsteen” for the encore.
Additional Cincinnati Concert Details
Here are some more details on Eric Church’s upcoming Cincinnati show for fans attending:
- Tickets – Still available on Ticketmaster starting around $50 for upper level seats. Floor tickets are over $100.
- Parking – There are lots around Heritage Bank Center charging $10-20 for event parking.
- COVID Rules – No vaccination or mask requirements are currently in place for the concert.
- Opening Acts Run Times – Ashley McBryde will perform around 7:30-8:15pm. Ray Wylie Hubbard from 8:15-9:15pm before Eric Church.
- New Music – Fans may hear some new songs from Church’s upcoming 2023 album Soul.
- Length – Eric Church typically plays over 2 hours as the headliner on this tour.
The Cincinnati stop looks to be an exciting tour date on The Gather Again Tour. The opening acts Ashley McBryde and Ray Wylie Hubbard are great additions and Eric Church will undoubtedly play a hit-packed set. It’s sure to be a busy night in downtown Cincinnati on March 31st!
Eric Church’s Background
For some background, Eric Church is a popular American country music singer and songwriter. Some key facts about him:
- Born in Granite Falls, North Carolina in 1977
- First gained success with the songs “How ‘Bout You” and “Two Pink Lines” in 2006
- Has since released multiple #1 albums like Chief (2011) and Desperate Man (2018)
- Known for hits like “Springsteen,” “Drink in My Hand,” “Record Year,” and more
- Has won multiple CMA Awards and Grammy nominations
- Tours arena venues and stadiums now as a country music headliner
- Married to music publisher Katherine Blasingame since 2008
Eric Church has successfully transitioned from a breakout Nashville star in the late 2000s to one of the biggest names in country music today. His musical style blends country, Southern rock and heartland rock. Church is acclaimed for his energetic live shows and unique take on the country genre. He continues growing his fanbase with each album and tour.
About Ashley McBryde
Ashley McBryde, one of the opening acts in Cincinnati, also has an interesting background:
- Born in Waldron, Arkansas in 1983
- Got her start playing bars and clubs around Arkansas
- Self-released her first album Jalopies and Expensive Guitars in 2006
- Hit it big with songs like “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega” and “Girl Goin’ Nowhere”
- Debut major label album Girl Going Nowhere reached #1 on country charts
- Nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards in 2019
- Toured as an opener for George Strait, Chris Stapleton, and Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde brings a edgy, gritty rock-influenced sound to the country genre. Her storytelling songwriting has earned her praise from critics and fans alike. McBryde’s career continues rising fast, making her an ideal up-and-coming opener for established stars like Eric Church on tour.
About Ray Wylie Hubbard
And finally, here’s some background on second opener Ray Wylie Hubbard:
- Born in Soper, Oklahoma in 1946 – one of the elder statesmen of the bill
- Released his debut album in 1971
- Perhaps best known for writing the country classic “Up Against the Wall, Redneck Mother”
- Spent years as a folk singer/songwriter before transitioning to country
- Has collaborated with artists ranging from Ringo Starr to Eric Church
- His 2020 album Co-Starring featured guests Don Was, Joe Walsh, Pam Tillis, and more
- Respected as a roots rock, Americana songwriter for decades
Ray Wylie Hubbard will bring his honed songwriting chops, gritty country/blues sound and high energy stage presence as the second opener at the Cincinnati show. He’s a Texas legend who has collaborated with both old school and modern country artists over his long career.
Conclusion
In summary, the two talented opening acts joining Eric Church for his March 31st Cincinnati concert are Ashley McBryde and Ray Wylie Hubbard. Ashley will kick things off with her country rock style around 7:30pm, then veteran Ray Wylie Hubbard will take the stage around 8:15pm. Finally, Eric Church will perform an expansive headlining setlist of hits old and new starting around 9:15pm. It’s sure to be a great night of country music entertainment at the Heritage Bank Center in downtown Cincinnati!