Support Us Button Widget
Events  Music

What artists should play Tampa’s new country music festival?

We asked our readers who should take the stage for the incoming May 2025 show.

September 19, 2024 • 
Bailey Lefever
Country artist Chris Stapleton dons a hat and black suit while singing into a microphone and playing a guitar at a show.

Chris Stapleton could serenade us from the Ray Jay stage.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

The news about Tampa scoring “one of North America’s most beloved music festival brands” kind of broke the internet last week. That can only mean one thing: Our readers really love their country bops.

We’re still waiting on more news about the incoming festival — which is slated for May 2025. But in the meantime, we’re sharing some of the superstars our readers want to take the stage.

The most popular suggestions on the list were:

  • Chris Stapleton
  • Kacey Musgraves
  • Morgan Wallen
  • Zach Bryan
  • Lainey Wilson
  • Post Malone
  • Luke Combs

And, in case you’d prefer to listen along, we created a playlist of what the rockin’ Ray Jay show could sound like if our readers crafted the lineup.

    Events
    LAL.TBAY-Visit Central Florida Triple Crown-1.12.24.JPG
    Sponsored
    This inaugural Florida Triple Crown of BBQ competition is smokin’ hot
    Sponsored by
    11042023_RiseUpStPete_LNE_TheRevivalists_TheHails_HoneyWhat_StPetePier_StPetersburgFL_YvonneGougelet_@yvonnegougelet_05687.jpg
    Events
    Mark your calendar with these January 2024 events in the Tampa Bay area
    From Broadway shows to Gasparilla parties, we’ve got it all.
    January 5, 2024
     · 
    Bailey Lefever
    Storm surge floods Bayshore Boulevard. The Tampa Convention Center is in the background.
    City
    Look back at 12 months of TBAY stories
    From Gasparilla to Hurricane Idalia, and a few Taylor Swift shows in between, it’s been a big year, TBAY.
    December 19, 2023
     · 
    Patrick Sidwell
    A bungalow in Hyde Park. It is painted light green and there is a porch out front.
    Real Estate
    Tampa Bay’s bungalow history
    Become a bungalow buff with this breakdown of the historic homes seen throughout TBAY.
    December 15, 2023
     · 
    Patrick Sidwell
    The Florida Orchestra prepares to play at the Mahaffey Theater. The crowd is filling up.
    Music
    Check out a TBAY concert this weekend
    There’s a lot of live music in the Tampa Bay area over the next few days.
    December 13, 2023
     · 
    Patrick Sidwell
    NYE fireworks
    Events
    Your guide to New Year’s Eve in Tampa Bay
    From all-night parties to daytime firework shows, we’ve got you covered.
    December 12, 2023
     · 
    Bailey Lefever
    Cars line up in downtown Tampa. They are at a red light and surrounded by skyscrapers.
    City
    Prepare for downtown Tampa traffic this weekend
    The city is bracing for an influx of visitors on Saturday, Dec. 9.
    December 7, 2023
     · 
    Patrick Sidwell
    JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Gingerbread Village (6).jpg
    Events
    Visit this magical gingerbread village in Clearwater
    The JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa’s new display runs through through Jan. 2. and is free to check out.
    December 6, 2023
     · 
    Bailey Lefever
    Children are at the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon. There is fake snow falling and holiday lights are twinkling in the background.
    Events
    Catch a holiday movie outside this December in Tampa Bay
    Here are some ways to get your holiday flick fix while enjoying the fresh air + cooler weather.
    December 5, 2023
     · 
    Patrick Sidwell
    A Florida panther looks into the camera. It's a closeup and there is sun shining on the animal's back.
    Nonprofits
    Celebrate World Wildlife Conservation Day in the Tampa Bay area
    The global event raises awareness about the dangers animals + their habitats are facing.
    December 1, 2023
     · 
    Patrick Sidwell
    Load More