Brantley Gilbert Rocks the Oakdale Theater: A Night of High-Energy Country Rock
On February 10, 2023, Brantley Gilbert brought his signature high-octane country rock sound to the Oakdale Theater in Wallingford, CT, and the crowd was absolutely electric. From the moment the lights dimmed to the final encore, it was clear this night would be one to remember.
Opening Act: Payton Smith Sets the Tone
Before Brantley took the stage, Payton Smith got the crowd fired up with his high-energy performance. The young artist didn’t just open the show—he set the tone for the night, getting the crowd on their feet and ready for what was to come. From the first chord, Payton had the crowd going crazy, and his mix of country grit and rock edge was the perfect warm-up for the headliner.
Brantley Gilbert: A Country Rock Force
When Brantley Gilbert hit the stage, the energy shifted into overdrive. With crowd favorites like Bottoms Up and One Hell of an Amen, Brantley had fans singing every word, waving their hands, and feeling the music down to their core. Known for his hard-hitting rock-infused sound, Brantley’s set was a mix of raw country anthems and powerful ballads, with his stage presence commanding attention from start to finish.
The Oakdale Theater’s intimate setting allowed for up-close moments that brought fans closer to the music they love. Brantley’s interaction with the crowd made it clear that he’s all about creating connections with his fans. Between songs, he shared stories and expressed gratitude for his loyal supporters, reinforcing the sense of community that makes a Brantley Gilbert show so special.
Standout Moments of the Night
Payton Smith’s Crowd Energy: From the start, Payton Smith had the crowd going wild, setting the tone for an unforgettable night.
The Encore: Brantley’s encore was the cherry on top, with My Kinda Party getting the crowd fired up and leaving everyone with that post-show high.
The Setlist: The mix of classic hits like Country Must Be Country Wide and newer tracks like Fire’t Up had the audience rocking out all night.
The Crowd: A True Country Family
It wouldn’t be a Brantley Gilbert show without a crowd that’s just as passionate about country music as he is. Fans from all walks of life came together, wearing their favorite country tees, singing every lyric, and creating an energy that filled the room. The connection between Brantley and his fans was undeniable, and it was clear that this wasn’t just a concert—it was a celebration of country music and community.
Final Thoughts
Photographing Brantley Gilbert at the Oakdale Theater was a night I’ll never forget. From Payton Smith’s explosive performance to Brantley’s crowd-commanding set, it was a night of unmatched energy and country rock magic. If you get the chance to catch Brantley on tour, don’t miss it—his shows are an experience you won’t forget!
