Must See Country January 2016
The top country concerts in New York City in January 2016.
So you have a country concert craving this January. Where do you even start to look for a performance that has the songwriting and sound of Nashville but in a city more than 900 miles away?
On The Country Scene of course!
Below are the top five absolutely-must-see country concerts this month in and around New York City.
And disclaimer: These are listed in chronological order from earliest in the month to latest. In no way are these concerts ranked. That would be way too hard, if not completely impossible.
Brothers Osborne and Jon Pardi on the All Time High Tour
Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the Paramount
You are in for a treat with Jon Pardi. He is going places in 2016. His new single, “Head Over Boots” is a fun play on a country boy falling in love, plus it’s easy to listen to over and over while singing out loud. Late to the game and find yourself in need of these concert tickets? Be sure to follow Jon on twitter! Recently, he has been giving out tickets day-of to a few lucky fans.
Do yourself a favor and don’t miss the opener! These siblings have been an incredible duo to watch the past few years. Brothers Osborne mirror much of Stapleton’s you-see-what-you-get attitude and unique, yet bold sound. They have original, inventive lyrics with no fuss vocals. Brothers Osborne are clearly real people making real music for today’s ever-evolving world. Their relatable message is evident through their most recent music video, “Stay a Little Longer” where they painted a true picture of love in the 21st century. On top of it all, Brothers Osborne are releasing their new album, Pawn Shop, the day before rolling into NYC, making this is an absolute must-see concert.
Jennifer Nettles, Brandy Clark with Lindsay Ell and Tara Thompson on CMT’s 2016 Next Women of Country Tour
Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at the Beacon Theatre
According to Billboard’s end-of-the-year radio airplay chart that names the 60 most listened to songs of 2015, only six female artists appeared on the list. Because of this continuing trend, CMT launched the Next Women of Country campaign to highlight and promote the next generation of female country singers and songwriters.

Lindsay Ell at FarmBorough Festival in New York City on June 28, 2015.
Jennifer Nettles from the band, Sugarland, and Brandy Clark are taking Lindsay Ell and Tara Thompson out on tour this spring. The 2015 CMT Next Women of Country helped to launch both Kelsea Ballerini and Jana Kramer’s careers.
Nettles currently has a new single out, “Unlove You” and is teasing a new album sometime in 2016. As heard in this new single and Sugarland’s hit song, “Stay,” Nettles has a special ability for giving the female perspective in relationships through her lyrics while leaving you with goosebumps from her breathtaking performance.
Lindsay Ell and Tara Thompson are not to be missed! Mark my words – there is something special about Tara Thompson. Be sure to listen to her new single, “Someone to Take Your Place.” She is no nonsense!
These women are the movers and shakers who will change the female representation on the 2016 Billboard year-end radio airplay chart. Don’t miss it!
Randy Houser
Monday, January 25th at the Housing Works Bookstore Café
Is this really happening? Am I dreaming? Pinch me!

Randy Houser at FarmBorough Festival in New York City on June 28, 2015.
Randy Houser, country music recording artist who has been on tour with heavyweights like Luke Bryan and most recently Frankie Ballard, with three consecutive No. 1’s, is performing a rare, intimate, acoustic performance.
Houser is an animated performer when entertaining an audience of thousands. What is he like in this small setting? No doubt he is even funnier and more interactive. Plus, you will have the treat to hear his music stripped down. Houser also just announced his new album, Fired Up, scheduled to be released in March 2016. Fans that want to get even closer to the action, move quickly because Randy is also offering a meet and greet opportunity before the show.
So really, what could make this concert better? I would say nothing. But Houser found a way. All proceeds are going to Housing Works Inc.’s advocacy to eliminate AIDS and end homelessness in NYC.
If you are a Randy Houser fan, or even if you’re new to his music, this is a must in January. Give back and hear music as it was intended!
Aubrie Sellers
Wednesday, January 27th at Mercury Lounge
Do you like to be that fan who can say, “Oh, I saw them way back when…” and “Yeah, I knew them before they were selling out these large venues and touring with…”? If you answered yes, then you absolutely have to hear Aubrie Sellers.
Aubrie Sellers is part of CMT’s Next Women of Country 2016 class as well as the daughter of no other than the famous Jason Sellers and Lee Ann Womack. But let me tell you, she is not riding their coattails. Sellers has an old school country voice with an edgy, rebel sound that I haven’t heard anywhere else. This young artist plans to release her first album, New City Blues, on January 29th and has chosen to celebrate with her New York City fan base.
Go. Seriously. I promise, you will be way ahead of the curve and be “that diehard fan.”
Josh Abbott Band
Friday, January 29th at the Gramercy Theatre
After releasing their most recent album, Front Row Seat, this past December, the Josh Abbott Band’s live set has been on my must-see list. This six member, Texas native band, commonly referred to as ‘JAB,’ is both lyrically and instrumentally independent from anything happening in the world of country music today.
Front Row Seat is comprised of 16 songs grouped in five acts, that takes a listener through the personal journey of Josh Abbott’s marriage and divorce. Throughout the album you can hear at least six instruments – not including the vocals – ranging from an electric guitar and fiddle to drums and banjo.
To hear pieces of Josh Abbott’s story with the all of the instrumentals makes this live performance a winter must-do.
If you’re looking for an activity for date night, a fun girls night out or you just want to hear from Nashville, these are the January NYC country concerts you don’t want to miss.