In a world that’s so divisive, and “pick-one-or-the-other-side” natured, how can the Red Clay Strays be two things at once? That’s the question that popped into my head time and time again last night during their second, sold-out night at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The band from Mobile, Alabama consisting of Drew Nix (electric guitar, vocals, harmonica), Zach Rishel (electric guitar), Andrew Bishop (bass), John Hall (drums), Sevans Henderson (keys), and frontman Brandon Coleman are currently out on their Grateful Tour, and they’re both a Christian band (they prefer calling themselves a “band full of Christians”) and a southern rock band. They can change back and forth from song to song, and that’s partly what makes them such a unique act. Coleman talked about the full circle moment that was them playing on the biggest venue on Broadway. Their first gig in Nashville was at the Acme Feed & Seed down the road. The group then slowly but surely upgraded in terms of Nashville venues, sharing their music at places like The Basement East and the Ryman over the years… and eventually making their way back to Broadway with a two-night-stand at Bridgestone. Their anthemic and passionate music filled the arena with ease. Fans arrived early and stayed late (the Red Clay Strays added some songs to the setlist as a thank you to the energy permeating throughout the crowd) to see the band that’s been on the rise for quite some time. There were just as many beers raised in the air as there were hands of worship. And it’s no secret that the Red Clay Strays have a catalogue full of faith-based songs. They’re incredibly open about why they inject Christianity into their tracks, and during the show, Coleman gave his spill explaining the reasoning behind God showing up in their music, and why they push through the challenges of touring: “We know not everyone believed in God, and that’s okay. We’re not trying to be anybody’s preacher, we’re not judging anybody and we don’t really care what you believe. Because we are far from perfect ourselves. That is a fact. We’re just making music about our life, and God’s a big part of our life, so He’s in our music. Traveling and playing music and being on tour takes it out of ya. It’s very demanding physically and mentally. I’ve said before, if we were doing this for clout or attention or fame, I don’t think it’d be worth it. It’s too demanding and too hard. What really makes it worth it for us though, and keeps us wanting to go out on tour and be on the road, is seeing how our music affects people in a positive way and helps people.” And that right there is how I believe the Red Clay Strays are able to play worship music without preaching – their why. The group hailing from Mobile, Alabama sees how powerful their music and its messaging is, and they’ve managed to create an atmosphere with their shows that’s both inclusive and religious. That’s almost unheard of in the modern day. But they do it in a manner that’s uplifting and all-accepting. They’re telling people about Jesus – and exhibiting their Christian beliefs on stage – without telling people what to do or what to think. Packaging faith like that isn’t as common as it should be. Something tells me the Red Clay Strays realize that, and whether intentionally or unintentionally (seems intentional to me though), they’re crafting a judgement-free and Christian-like environment that’s leading people to be more open with their faith too. I was actually moved when I witnessed someone in my section a couple of rows in front of me first raise one hand in worship during the band’s performance of “Revival.” Of all the songs by the band, it might be one of the most forward messages, in terms of calling others and encouraging them to give their life to Jesus. When the Red Clay Strays got to the chorus, that same man in the crowd raised his second hand in praise as well … and why wouldn’t he? The band had transformed Bridgestone Arena into a church. Just like the group on stage, the fan with both his hands raised was unapologetically and faithfully himself. And people noticed. Christians are called to lead others to God. How followers choose to do that is up to them. The Red Clay Strays are opting to cultivate places and moments in time where different people from different backgrounds with different beliefs can find common ground, and they are trusting in the scripture of Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Not everyone at their shows believe… but I can confidently and wholeheartedly assure you at least two or three are gathered at their shows to praise God, just as the Red Clay Strays do themselves. Any other band would have a challenging time singing about Jesus and not alienating part of the audience, but Red Clay has found the perfect balance. And as Coleman said during the concert, after all that the band has been through, The Red Clay Strays simply trust that God is going to show up: “Have some faith in God and it’s gonna be okay. He’s gonna show up for you.” The post How The Red Clay Strays Cultivate A Faith-Filled, Judgement-Free Arena Experience first appeared on Whiskey Riff.