Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-03-05
Above: Country Roads USA Cast; Credit: Michael Gomez
NASHVILLE, TN (February 23, 2026) — Opening Thursday, March 19, and running indefinitely weekly Thursday through Saturday, Country Roads USA begins its live theatrical residency at the legendary CabaRay Showroom, home of Ray Stevens, in Nashville, Tennessee. Written and directed by Dean Sams of Lonestar, the multi-platinum country band behind hits like “Amazed,” “I’m Already There” and “My Front Porch Looking In,” the 11-person production delivers an immersive, chronological journey through the legendary artists who laid the foundation of country music from 1928 to 2000.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Country Roads USA website.
From the hills of Appalachia to Texas dance halls, from Bakersfield honky tonks to the bright lights of the Grand Ole Opry, Country Roads USA traces the musical highways that converged in Nashville to shape one of America’s most enduring genres. Along the way, audiences experience the music of icons including Hank Williams Sr., Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, and George Strait — artists whose voices defined generations.
“This is a chronological tale of country music, with some of the biggest names this genre has ever known coming to life before your very eyes and ears,” Sams explains. “It’s a high-energy musical and visual experience that takes the audience back in time. There is nothing about this show that my hands, ears, eyes, and heart haven’t been a part of.”
Sams created the show out of a deep love and respect for the genre’s foundations. “I love country music, and I feel like we have gotten away from shining the spotlight on the ones that really made country music what it is,” he says. “These legends built the genre’s foundation and gave it a legit name.”
Country Roads USA stands out in a city saturated with live music for both scale and substance. Every musical arrangement was crafted with authenticity in mind. Sams worked with musicians who played on many of the original late ‘80s and ‘90s recordings, ensuring every instrumental tone and nuance reflects the era it comes from.
That attention to detail extends to the visual storytelling. Costume designer Renee Layher meticulously studied each artist and time period, creating wardrobe pieces that capture not just the look, but the spirit of each moment. From silhouette to fabric to stage styling, the costumes evolve with each decade. Complementing this, choreographer Laurin Floyd Turner brings dynamic movement and stagecraft that elevate every scene, adding energy, precision, and a fully immersive theatrical experience.
Guiding Country Roads USA from concept to stage are Producing Partner Jeanna Kenney and General Manager Brian Schafer. Kenney, bringing over 35 years of executive leadership experience from Johnson & Johnson, has shaped both the business and creative sides of the production — overseeing operations, strategy, and decisions from set design to wardrobe to ensure the show is as operationally sound as it is artistically compelling. Schafer, recognized among “20 Executives Under 40” for his work in entertainment and hospitality, brings a track record of creating immersive, high-profile experiences and dynamic venue operations, ensuring every performance delivers a world-class, audience-centered experience.
Together, their collaboration reflects Country Roads USA’s philosophy: exceptional shows succeed when vision and execution come together.
The 11-member cast (6 male, 5 female) was assembled not only for vocal strength but for reverence. “They had to show a love for the history of country music, the talent to deliver, and the willingness to go all in,” Sams explains. From vocal phrasing to stage presence, each performer embodies the spirit of the artists portrayed, creating a sweeping experience that transports audiences across decades.
For Sams, debuting at the CabaRay Showroom felt like destiny. “The first time I walked into the CabaRay Showroom, I got an overwhelming feeling that I had just witnessed a God wink,” he recalls. The theater’s walls are lined with timeless images of country legends — many of the same artists who will be brought to life in Country Roads USA. The building tells a story before the show begins, giving audiences a sense of the journey ahead.
When audiences leave, the goal is simple and lasting. Sams says, “I hope people walk away feeling connected to traditional country music again, feel entertained, and feel more educated about the legends that made this genre popular.”
Rooted in preservation and rediscovery, the residency aims to honor country music’s golden era. He adds, “Success isn’t just longevity — it’s when audiences walk away having discovered an artist they can’t stop listening to, gained a deeper understanding of country music’s roots, or come to associate Nashville with something more enduring than the neon glow of Broadway.”
Country Roads USA launches Thursday, March 19 at the CabaRay Showroom, delivering a stunning visual and musical experience that brings country legends to life on stage.
Residency: Thursdays through Saturdays
Opening Night: Thursday, March 19
Location: CabaRay Showroom
5724 River Rd, Nashville, TN 37209
Tickets: Available now at
countryroadsnashville.com
