Several times a week I check my Ticketmaster app for concerts. It’s no secret that my husband and I love a good live show. When I discovered that Ashley McBryde would be performing in Disney Springs at the House of Blues, I decided to check out the ticket prices.

Boy, am I glad I did! 2 tickets and fast passes for my husband and I cost less than my last pair of sneakers–that surprised us–we were lucky–I don’t think we will be able to see Ashley McBryde again for such an affordable price–she is blowing up!

We were pleasantly surprised by the opening act. Meg McRee is an amazing up-and-coming country artist who has a bluesy, beautiful voice. And her band? Phenomenal. They really jam–the guy behind me screamed during a guitar change, “that bass player is gangsta!”

Upon further research, it’s no surprise she’s so damn good– According to an interview in Holler, Meg’s influences includes a wide array of artists, including Norah Jones, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Willie Nelson. Yeah, she’s the real deal. I’ll be watching her closely, I’ve already downloaded her latest album. And every song is a banger.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when Ashley McBryde came out–but let’s just say she is a badass! We were up close the pit–a journey that started by standing in line before the show for about 2 1/2 hours. You learn a lot about fans standing in line, waiting to get into a venue. And while familiar with “groupies,” Ashley McBryde may have the most hardcore fans we’ve ever encountered. Everyone who was at the front of the line–they call themselves her “Trybe”–a play on the spelling of her last name–are dedicated and loyal fans. Several had flown from the likes of Colorado, Missouri, and New Hampshire to see her perform in Orlando. Over and over again, we kept hearing what a genuinely good “soul” Ashley McBryde is. That was pretty apparent as she connected with the crowd during her performance.

Acknowledging the fans, showing love to the ASL interpreter–she learned to sign after she had surgery on her throat and realized it was another way to communicate and connect to people and fans, along with her genuine back and forth with the audience, made it abundantly clear: Ashley McBryde is appreciative, engaged and a hell of a lot of fun!

She smirks, jokes and makes a connection via stories and experiences that she shares with the crowd. Yes, I know that is what good artists do; but when Ashley does it–there is something especially heartfelt and compelling about it. She gets you in your “feels.” I was a bit teary-eyed at times as I felt that connection.

As I learn more about Ashley McBryde, I am finding myself more enamored–she is now one of my favorites–if you get a chance to see her live–don’t think twice, get the tickets. You won’t regret it.

#ashleymcbryde #megmcree #houseofblues #orlando #countrymusic

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About the Author:

Michelle Osterhoudt is a school administrator, mom, wife and former small town newspaper columnist who enjoys going to concerts with her husband. She can be reached at osterhoudtmichelle@yahoo.com