Braxton Keith is among the new generation of country singer-songwriters that are bringing a revival of its country music’s core creativity and beliefs.
A proud Midland Texan, Keith brings a classic ‘80s country aesthetic to the stage. Keith blends the storytelling and traditional twang of legends like Marty Robbins and Merle Haggard with a little Spanish flair. In 2024 he released the EP Blue, featuring his signature track “Cozy” and launched a full U.S. tour – This Ain’t My First Tour tour in support.
Keith brought his fit, flair, and music to Mercury Ballroom in Louisville, Kentucky on July 31, 2025.
Support for the night comes from Nashville underdog Gabe Lee, whose own fusion of Americana and alt-country complemented Keith’s firebrand sound.
The night kicked off with the punchy anthem “Honky Tonk City”, immediately setting the tone for a set rooted in barroom bootscootin’ and late-night truth-telling. Tracks like “Memories Die” and “Drifter” saw Keith lean into his narrative instincts, weaving stories with the quiet confidence of a man who’s lived every line.
His nod to classic country came early with “Gonna Come Back as a Country Song”, and he kept that lineage alive throughout the night—especially on his solo acoustic take of “Settle for a Beer”, which had the crowd swaying in collective heartbreak.
Keith kept the crowd going with soulful renditions of George Strait’s “You Look So Good in Love” and the Haggard/Baillie & the Boys favorite “Slide Off of Your Satin Sheets.”
Highlights from his own catalog included the smoldering “Let Me Love You More”, the emotionally torn “Giving Up on You”, and fan-favorite “Baby You Do. The latter of which ignited a full-venue singalong that lingered well into the next chorus. Keith’s recent EPBlue was well represented too—“Under Them Neons” and “Cold Hard Steel and Sand” all landed with cinematic weight.
Keith’s stage presence was refreshingly earnest. He spoke to the crowd like old friends, tipping his hat to traditionalists and new fans alike. “I write songs for the folks who’ve been left behind but still show up,” he said before launching into “Lonely as the Lonestar.”
As the night drew toward its climax, Keith rolled through the honky-tonk-fueled “A Little Bit Closer” and a surprise cover of “Driving My Life Away.” injecting his West Texas drawl into Eddie Rabbitt’s classic.
A fitting cap to a night that celebrated the beauty in brokenness and beer joints.
Where many young artists might chase chart placement or TikTok moments, Braxton Keith doubles down on storytelling, musicianship, and crowd connection. With this performance, he didn’t just entertain—he staked his claim as country music’s next great torchbearer.
You can see Braxton Keith on tour here – https://www.braxtonkeith.com
You can stream his latest EP on all platforms – https://music.apple.com/us/album/blue-ep/1776186077
This article appears in Aug 1-31, 2025.