Whiskey Jam Live From CMA Fest

Ward Guenther took Whiskey Jam to the next level this week at CMA Fest, hosting unforgettable events every night at Skydeck, Whiskey Row, and Ascend Amphitheater. For over 14 years, Whiskey Jam has been a vital platform for artists and songwriters to showcase their original music. Typically free to the public every Monday and Thursday, this special CMA Fest edition had tickets ranging from $15 to $40—a steal, considering the powerhouse lineup featuring both up-and-coming artists and seasoned performers from all genres.

The night kicked off with one of my personal favorites, Graham Barham. He hit the stage with the high-energy "Shoot the Lock" and followed up with a series of fresh tracks from his latest EP. Barham even showed off his rap skills, adding a fiery extra verse to his song "Whiskey Whiskey." While his music has faced some criticism for blending country with other genres, his live performance keeps the country vibe strong, in contrast to what we hear on his recordings. He closed out with his TikTok hit, "Oil Money." With his first headlining tour kicking off this fall, expect big things from Barham in 2026.

All Photos Shot With An iPhone By: Sarah Engemann

Next up was rising star Vincent Mason, fresh off a sold-out debut headlining tour. Decked out with a Westbrook guitar strap (a playful nod to the time Ella Langley mixed him up with fellow artist Hudson Westbrook), Mason captivated the crowd with hits like “Painkiller” and the clever “Wish You Well.” He wrapped up with his SiriusXM hit “Hell Is a Dance Floor.” Mason will also be opening for Jordan Davis this fall, definitely one to keep an eye on.

Edwin McCain made his CMA Fest debut, marking a first for both the festival and Whiskey Jam. If you don’t recognize his name, you’ll certainly recognize his iconic late-90s ballads, including the timeless hit “I’ll Be”—which he closed with. McCain also performed at the Chevy Reverb stage later in the week, making his full CMA Fest debut.

Lakeview, the dynamic duo of Jesse Denaro and Luke Healy, blew me away with their electrifying performance. With a sound that blends rock, heavy metal, and country, they came out swinging with “Bad Day to Be a Beer.” If you’re a fan of Hardy’s rock-inspired album or even heavy metal, this duo will be right up your alley. Their track “What I Know Now,” currently playing on SiriusXM The Highway, was a highlight. They wrapped up their set with the blue-collar anthem “Home Team,” which perfectly blends rock’s raw energy with country storytelling.

Next on stage was Ian Munsick, one of my most anticipated acts of the week—and he did not disappoint. Sporting his signature feathered cowboy hat, Munsick’s performance was a highlight of the night. He performed his breakup anthem “Barn Burner,” complete with an incredible fiddle solo. While some fans may have wished for a few other tracks, like “Cowboy Killer,” I thought his set was spot-on. He closed with “Long Live Cowgirls,” a collaboration with Cody Johnson. This Montana artist is undoubtedly keeping traditional country music alive.

The night took a refreshing turn with Colbie Caillat, who looked as radiant as ever in a stunning yellow dress. Opening with “Fallin’ For You,” she treated the crowd to a medley of hits, including “Brighter Than the Sun.” Caillat, known for her pop background, showed off her country chops with “What Could’ve Been” from her former band Gone West. She closed her set with her classic hit “Bubbly,” and the genre-blurring theme of the night continued.

Gabby Barrett made a strong return to the stage after having three kids in four years. She powered through a string of hits like “Pick Me Up,” “Growin’ Up Raising You,” and “The Good Ones.” Barrett even rocked a cover of Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On a Prayer,” before coming back for her chart-topping hit “I Hope.” This is just the beginning of what promises to be a huge comeback for the young country star.

Finally, the legendary Randy Houser closed out the night with his Whiskey Jam debut. Coming out with his iconic “Boots On” (hard to believe it’s been 17 years since its release), Houser’s raw, powerhouse vocals were made for the big stage. Despite the heat, he commanded the crowd like a true showman. His son, who was in the audience, even requested “Like a Cowboy,” which Houser delivered flawlessly. He wrapped up the night with “Runnin’ Out of Moonlight,” showing why he’s a must-see live performer.

Whiskey Jam was, without a doubt, the highlight of my CMA Fest week. If you're in Nashville, don’t miss one of their free shows—you’ll be treated to some of the best live music in the city.

For more information on Whiskey Jam – https://www.whiskeyjam.com/

For more information on Graham Barham – https://www.grahambarham.com/

For more information on Vincent Mason – https://www.vincentmasonmusic.com/#/

For more information on Edwin McCain – https://edwin.com/

For more information on Lakeview – https://www.lakeviewofficial.com/

For more information on Colbie Caillat – https://www.colbiecaillat.com/

For more information on Gabby Barrett – https://www.gabbybarrett.com/

For more information on Randy Houser - https://www.randyhouser.com/