The 2025 Muscogee Fest is gearing up for a star-studded musical experience as it welcomes two of country music’s most acclaimed and dynamic artists to the stage on Friday: Grammy-winning powerhouse Ashley McBryde and Red Dirt legend Stoney LaRue. Festivalgoers can expect an unforget- table night of storytelling, soul-stirring vocals and high-energy performances as these artists bring their celebrated sounds to one of Oklahoma’s most anticipated cultural celebrations.

— A Grand Ole Opry Star with Grit: Ashley McBryde From the smoky air of biker bars to the glowing lights of the Grand Ole Opry, Ashley McBryde’s rise to country music stardom is as inspiring as her lyrics are raw. The Arkansas native has earned her place among Nashville’s most respected talents, and her appearance at Creek Fest marks a major moment for fans throughout Oklahoma eager to witness her signature blend of grit, grace and guts.

McBryde’s journey into the national spotlight began with her 2018 major label debut, Girl Going Nowhere, a record that turned heads and hearts alike. Praised by The New York Times, NPR, Rolling Stone and The Washington Post, the album earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album and set the tone for a career defined by vulnerability and vocal firepower. That project not only made a statement, it kicked off a whirlwind of accolades, including New Female Artist at the ACMs, Breakout Artist at the CMT Awards and New Artist of the Year at the CMA Awards.

But McBryde didn’t stop there. Her follow-up, Never Will, cemented her reputation as a genre-defying artist willing to confront heartbreak, identity and resilience head-on. Featuring the RIAA Platinum-Certified single “One Night Standards,” the album once again earned Grammy consideration and was uniquely honored across all major country awards—including nominations from the ACMs, CMAs and Recording Academy. Few artists can claim such universal acclaim, and even fewer have done so while maintaining the kind of no-nonsense authenticity that makes McBryde a fan favorite.

McBryde’s star rose even higher with the release of her Grammy-winning duet “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” with Carly Pearce, which climbed to No. 1 and captured the 2022 CMA and ACM Musical Event of the Year. Her work on the 2022 collaborative album Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville – featuring appearances from Brothers Osborne, Brandy Clark and Caylee Hammack, among others – earned her a third consecutive Grammy nomination for Best Country Album. The project proved McBryde wasn’t just a singer or songwriter – she was a curator of voices and stories, building a fictional town of characters as vivid and flawed as the people in her songs.

Her latest work, The Devil I Know, has kept the momentum going strong. The album’s music video for “Light On In The Kitchen” earned a CMA nomination, and its introspective lyrics underscore Mc-Bryde’s continued evolution as a storyteller. Headlining her “The Devil I Know Tour” presented by Ariat, McBryde sold out shows in the UK, Ireland and across North America last year. Creek Fest fans will be treated to a live set that blends her greatest hits with deep cuts and perhaps a surprise or two for loyal listeners.

Whether you’ve followed her journey from the start or are just discovering her voice, McBryde’s performance promises to be the kind of emotional, high-octane set that lingers long after the lights go down. To learn more or follow her work, fans can visit AshleyMcBryde.com or follow her on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube.

— A Red Dirt Revival with Stoney LaRue

Sharing the Friday spotlight is none other than Stoney LaRue, a staple of the Red Dirt and Texas Country scene known for his rugged voice, soulful presence and deep connection to fans. Born in Taft, Texas, and raised in the Oklahoma hills of Yanush, LaRue is a homegrown talent whose career has been defined by authenticity, artistry and a refusal to compromise his roots.

LaRue’s musical journey began in Stillwater, Oklahoma – widely regarded as the cradle of Red Dirt music – where he collaborated with icons like Jason Boland and Cody Canada. Inspired by folk legends such as Woody Guthrie and Bob Childers, LaRue quickly found his niche in the genre, creating songs that combine country, rock and a deep emotional undercurrent. His sound became synonymous with the “Texoma” spirit – a laid-back yet lyrical style that continues to resonate across state lines and generations.

With a discography rich in both lyrical depth and sonic diversity, LaRue’s 2011 album Velvet marked a breakthrough moment. Produced by Grammy-winning producer Frank Liddell, the record debuted at No. 15 on the U.S. Country charts and No. 5 on the Indie charts. The lush, introspective collection revealed a more reflective side of LaRue, emphasizing themes of personal discovery and emotional honesty.

His 2014 release Aviator built on that introspection, offering a cohesive, boundary-pushing album that further refined his sound and vision. The critically acclaimed project debuted at No. 17 on the U.S. Country charts and drew praise as a career-defining moment. Fans found themselves immersed in a sonic world of long drives, love lost and life’s winding roads – all sung with the gravelly conviction only LaRue can deliver.

In 2015, LaRue returned with Us Time, a mix of fan favorites, classic covers and new material that emphasized his enduring bond with audiences. The project landed at No. 22 on the U.S. Country charts and further proved that LaRue’s strength lies in his ability to connect – whether it’s through a studio album or a stage performance.

But it was 2019’s Onward that truly captured the spirit of LaRue’s evolution. Produced by Gary Nicholson, the album emphasized messages of resilience, hope and perseverance. In an industry where trends shift quickly, LaRue has stayed the course, continuing to share his truth with clarity and conviction.

Beyond his studio work, LaRue’s live performances have become the stuff of legend. His energy on stage is matched only by his sincerity, and his shows are immersive experiences that leave fans singing every word. From Red Dirt staples like “Feet Don’t Touch The Ground” to anthems like “Oklahoma Breakdown” and “One Chord Song,” LaRue’s setlist is a masterclass in the genre. His 2020 release Double Live 25 captured this energy in full, compiling over two hours of live performances that resonated deeply with fans during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For attendees of Creek Fest, LaRue’s performance is more than a concert – it’s a homecoming. With Oklahoma roots and a loyal following across the state, LaRue’s appearance is sure to draw crowds of longtime fans and new listeners alike. For more information on his music and tour schedule, visit www.stoneylarue.com, or find him on major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon and Tidal.

— A Night to Remember

As the sun sets on Friday night at Creek Fest, the music will rise – lifting spirits and bridging generations with every lyric. Ashley McBryde and Stoney LaRue are two very different artists, yet they share a commitment to honesty, heart and connection. Their back-to-back performances promise to be a dynamic blend of Nashville polish and Red Dirt grit, giving fans an immersive and unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re a fan of finely crafted country narratives or gritty, roots-based rockers, Friday night at Creek Fest will have something to stir your soul. Get ready to clap, cry, dance and sing along – because Creek Fest 2025 is set to deliver a Friday night that Oklahoma won’t soon forget.

See Friday’s edition for information on Saturday’s entertainment.