Concert Review: The Red Clay Strays (Red Hat Amphitheater)

BY MAUI CABRAL

Man... Getting to shoot The Red Clay Strays live was an honor, and honestly one of those shows that reminded me why I love this work so much. These guys were able to bring a musical sensation along with a beautiful performance. It honestly felt like the king was on stage for a bit. Yes... Elvis. Carrying that deep Alabama soul with them everywhere they go.

The night kicked off with Wilder Woods, and if you didn’t know already, that’s the solo project of Bear Rinehart from NEEDTOBREATHE. He came out and set the tone perfectly with his soulful voice and heartfelt delivery. There was this quiet intensity in the way he performed: stripped back, raw, and personal. You could feel the room leaning in, soaking up every word. It wasn’t just an opener, it felt like a whole experience in itself, warming up the crowd before the storm.

And then came the moment everyone was waiting for, The Strays stepped out. From the second Brandon Coleman’s voice cut through the room, you felt it in your chest. That voice raspy, powerful, and so full of emotion. It’s the kind that was built for late nights, smoky bars, and highways that don’t end. But hearing it live? It takes it to a whole different level.

The band behind him brought it home with that unique mix of southern rock, gospel, blues, and pure grit. Every song told a story from heartbreak to redemption, from fire to faith. You could see people in the crowd losing themselves in the music, some with their eyes closed, some screaming every word back at the band. It’s rare to see a group that can connect on that kind of level, but The Red Clay Strays had the whole room in their hands.

For me, standing there behind the lens, it was more than just a show to capture. It was a reminder of why I do this. The adrenaline of the lights, the emotion pouring out of the music, and the way complete strangers come together to share in a moment that will never happen the same way twice. That’s the magic of live music, and that’s what these guys brought to Raleigh.

[message]

JOSH "MAUI" CABRAL

Hey! I'm Maui. Originally from Queens, New York, now making Raleigh, NC my new home. I'm a touring photographer and Nomadic Motorcycle Rider, obsessed with seeing the world through different lenses!

Read Maui's posts here