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March 26, 2026

‘Country Roads USA’ Debuts at Nashville’s CabaRay Showroom To Critical Industry Acclaim

COUNTRY ROADS USA
— THE NEW THEATRICAL COUNTRY MUSIC RESIDENCY —
HOSTED A SUCCESSFUL INDUSTRY NIGHT
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
AT NASHVILLE’S CABARAY SHOWROOM

NOW PLAYING WEEKLY, THURSDAY THROUGH SATURDAY

THE SHOW OPENS TO ENTHUSIASTIC INDUSTRY PRAISE

NASHVILLE, TN (March 26, 2026) — On Wednesday, March 18, Country Roads USA — the new live theatrical dining experience at Nashville’s legendary CabaRay Showroom, home of Ray Stevens — hosted a successful industry night ahead of the show’s opening night on March 19. The event drew a gathering of distinguished industry heavyweights, talented musicians, and media members. Notable attendees included Lisa Konicki of American Songwriter, Robert K. Oermann of MusicRow, Lelan Statom and Tracy McDonald of NewsChannel 5, Eric Dahl of Fox17 Rock & Review, Jerry Holthouse of Nashville.com, multi-platinum country band Lonestar, 2-time Emmy-winning broadcast journalist Chris Miller, Batia Rotshtein of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, multi-platinum, award-winning Canadian country artist Terri Clark — the first Canadian female artist inducted into the Grand Ole Opry — Nick Meinema of Action Entertainment Collaborative, and Corey Wagner of Shelter Music Group, among others.

Jerry Holthouse of Nashville.com praised the production, noting that “‘Country Roads USA’ is exactly what Nashville has been needing,” while MusicRow’s Robert K. Oermann described it as “a fast-paced, entertaining introduction to country music for the uninitiated or a nostalgic, sing-along overview for established fans.”

Written and directed by Dean Sams of Lonestar — the band behind hits like “Amazed,” “I’m Already There,” and “My Front Porch Looking In” — the 11-person production delivers an immersive, chronological journey through the legendary artists who laid the foundation of country music from 1928 to 2000. The show is now running indefinitely, with performances weekly Thursday through Saturday.

FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO PURCHASE TICKETS,
VISIT THE COUNTRY ROADS USA WEBSITE HERE.

From the hills of Appalachia to Texas dance halls, from Bakersfield honky tonks to the bright lights of the Grand Ole Opry, Country Roads USA traces the musical highways that converged in Nashville to shape one of America’s most enduring genres. Along the way, audiences experience the music of icons including Hank Williams Sr., Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, and George Strait: artists whose voices defined generations.

“This is a chronological tale of country music, with some of the biggest names this genre has ever known coming to life before your very eyes and ears,” Sams explains. “It’s a high-energy musical and visual experience that takes the audience back in time. There is nothing about this show that my hands, ears, eyes, and heart haven’t been a part of.”

Sams created the show out of a deep love and respect for the genre’s foundations. “I love country music, and I feel like we have gotten away from shining the spotlight on the ones that really made country music what it is,” he says. “These legends built the genre’s foundation and gave it a legit name.”

Country Roads USA stands out in a city saturated with live music for both scale and substance. Every musical arrangement was crafted with authenticity in mind. Sams worked with musicians who played on many of the original late ‘80s and ‘90s recordings, ensuring every instrumental tone and nuance reflects the era it comes from. 

That attention to detail extends to the visual storytelling. Costume designer Renee Layher meticulously studied each artist and time period, creating wardrobe pieces that capture not just the look, but the spirit of each moment. From silhouette to fabric to stage styling, the costumes evolve with each decade. Complementing this, choreographer Laurin Floyd Turner brings dynamic movement and stagecraft that elevate every scene, adding energy, precision, and a fully immersive theatrical experience.

Guiding Country Roads USA from concept to stage are Producing Partner Jeanna Kenney and General Manager Brian Schafer. Kenney, bringing over 35 years of executive leadership experience from Johnson & Johnson, has shaped both the business and creative sides of the production — overseeing operations, strategy, and decisions from set design to wardrobe to ensure the show is as operationally sound as it is artistically compelling. Schafer, recognized among “20 Executives Under 40” for his work in entertainment and hospitality, brings a track record of creating immersive, high-profile experiences and dynamic venue operations, ensuring every performance delivers a world-class, audience-centered experience. Together, their collaboration reflects Country Roads USA’s philosophy: exceptional shows succeed when vision and execution come together.

The 11-member cast (6 male, 5 female) was assembled not only for vocal strength but for reverence. “They had to show a love for the history of country music, the talent to deliver, and the willingness to go all in,” Sams explains. From vocal phrasing to stage presence, each performer embodies the spirit of the artists portrayed, creating a sweeping experience that transports audiences across decades.

For Sams, debuting at the CabaRay Showroom felt like destiny. “The first time I walked into the CabaRay Showroom, I got an overwhelming feeling that I had just witnessed a God wink,” he recalls. The theater’s walls are lined with timeless images of country legends — many of the same artists who will be brought to life in Country Roads USA. The building tells a story before the show begins, giving audiences a sense of the journey ahead.

When audiences leave, the goal is simple and lasting. Sams says, “I hope people walk away feeling connected to traditional country music again, feel entertained, and feel more educated about the legends that made this genre popular.” Rooted in preservation and rediscovery, the residency aims to honor country music’s golden era. He adds, “Success isn’t just longevity — it’s when audiences walk away having discovered an artist they can’t stop listening to, gained a deeper understanding of country music’s roots, or come to associate Nashville with something more enduring than the neon glow of Broadway.”

The Country Roads USA residency at Nashville’s CabaRay Showroom will run indefinitely, Thursday through Saturday, offering a visually striking and musically immersive experience that brings country music legends to life on stage.

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