Ashley McBryde takes over the Capitol Theatre for an unforgettable evening of country

By Dave Parsons

On a very cold February 20, 2025, the historic Capitol Theatre in Wheeling, West Virginia, played host to an unforgettable night of country music, headlined by Grand Ole Opry member and Grammy, CMA, and ACM award-winning artist Ashley McBryde. 

Located right on main street in Wheeling, the Capitol Theatre stands as a testament to the city’s cultural heritage as well as Wheeling’s place in country music history. The boards on the stage have supported some of the greatest names ever to be on the road, and as the crowd settled into the seats and ready to go well before the opening act took the stage, it was Ashley McBryde’s turn to add her name to the list of those the Capitol has welcomed.

Kicking off the night’s performances was The Band Loula, a duo hailing from North Georgia. Made up of lifelong friends Malachi Mills and Logan Simmons, the pair has been making waves in the country and folk scenes with their unique blend of influences. 

The Band Loula thanked the crowd a few times for turning up early and seeing their set. Blessed with harmony vocals and intricate guitar work, they had a setlist of mostly original songs that showcase a storytelling prowess. Tracks like Marshall County Man and Don’t Call Me paint vivid pictures of love, loss, and life in the South. The chemistry between Mills and Simmons was on full display, throughout the set as well as sharing anecdotes of shopping at a local antique store, and if Wheeling was part of the south and how you can tell. By the end of their portion, The Band Loula had undoubtedly gained a slew of new fans, setting the stage perfectly for the evening’s main act.

As the clock arrived at 8:30 PM, the lights dimmed once more, and the silhouette of Ashley McBryde emerged. Opening with Rattlesnake Preacher, McBryde immediately showcased her powerful vocals and commanding stage presence. The song’s lyrics and rhythm set the tone for the evening, letting it be known that the audience was in for an evening of heartfelt narratives and raw emotion.

Transitioning into Never Will, the title track from her acclaimed 2020 album, McBryde’s performance was both clear and defiant. The song speaks to resilience and staying true to oneself, which are themes her audience cherishes.  Most of the crowd were on their feet when she walked out and remained there throughout the show.

Throughout the night, McBryde balanced high-energy anthems and heart wrenching ballads. American Scandal showcased her ability to convey passion, while One Night Standards highlighted her knack for storytelling. The pen ultimate of setting the stage for a story was her performance of Girl Goin’ Nowhere.  The song was interrupted a few times by audience reaction, leaving McBryde showing her appreciation for the affection, and the last few lines were a full audience sing along with McBryde leading the choir. 

Midway through her set, McBryde introduced Brenda Put Your Bra On, a track that infuses humor and makes a statement of living in the trailerhood. The lighthearted song had the crowd laughing at the very descriptive lyrical portrait and moreso as the props appeared with McBryde wearing a red bar that was clearly many sizes too large for her.  It was a welcomed lighthearted romp in the middle of the set. 

As the evening progressed, McBryde continued to deliver her hits, including her first one, A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega. She expressed gratitude for those who discovered her through the song, and these years later, still spending their evening with her. The audience’s response was a testament to the song’s enduring impact and McBryde’s ability to connect with them.

Eldorado and The Devil I Know showcased an incredible backing band that also plays on McBryde’s records.  They were clearly having fun playing, and garnered even more respect when McBryde revealed they were all feeling under the weather. 

Closing the set with Tired of Being Happy, McBryde left the fans wanting more. A 100-minute set of storytelling, resilience, and raw girl-power that Ashley McBryde is known for giving. As fans spilled out into the cool Wheeling night, there was a lot of shared smiles and chatter for having just seen an artist who has matured in performing through the years, but still being as honest and unfiltered as she has ever been. 

Setlist:   The Band Loula

  1.) If I Never Stayed The Night

  2.) Karma’s the Devil

  3.) Angel in Georgia

  4.) Running Off the Angels

  5.) Mother’s Mother

  6.) Don’t Call Me 

  7.) Marshall County Man

  8.) Folsom Prison Blues

Setlist:  Ashley McBryde

  1.) Rattlesnake Preacher

  2.) Never Will

  3.) Made For This

  4.) American Scandal

  5.) One Night Standards

  6.) Sparrow

  7.) What If We Don’t

  8.) Girl Goin’ Nowhere

  9.) Southern Babylon

 10.) Brenda Put Your Bra On

 11.) First Thing I Reach For

 12.) Whiskey and Country Music

  13.) A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega

  14.) Light On in the Kitchen

  15.) Bible and a .44

  16.)  Coldest Beer in Town

  17.) El Dorado

  18.) The Devil I Know

  19.) Ain’t Enough Water in the River

  20.) Ain’t Enough Cowboy Songs

  21.)  Tired of Being Happy