Nashville Notes: Lainey Wilson's Australia Tour, Brad Paisley's Benefit Show, and More

Country music news roundup from Music City

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Country singer Lainey Wilson has been touring Australia and New Zealand, sharing fun experiences like holding koalas and meeting Bindi Irwin. Meanwhile, Brad Paisley announced a benefit comedy show in Nashville to raise money for his nonprofit food pantry, The Store. The Red Clay Strays will headline this year's RiverBeat Music Festival in Memphis, alongside Dave Matthews Band and Wu-Tang Clan.

Why it matters

These updates provide a glimpse into the busy lives and philanthropic efforts of some of country music's biggest stars, as well as the diverse lineup of an upcoming major music festival in the region.

The details

Lainey Wilson has been documenting her adventures in Australia and New Zealand on social media, sharing videos of herself interacting with wildlife and raving about the shows she's been playing. Meanwhile, Brad Paisley is hosting a comedy benefit show at Zanies in Nashville to raise money for his nonprofit grocery store, The Store, which allows people in need to 'shop' for free. The RiverBeat Music Festival in Memphis is bringing together a wide range of musical acts, from country group The Red Clay Strays to jam band Dave Matthews Band and legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan.

  • Lainey Wilson has been touring Australia and New Zealand.
  • Brad Paisley's benefit comedy show is scheduled for April 2026.
  • The RiverBeat Music Festival will take place May 1-3, 2026.

The players

Lainey Wilson

A rising country music star who has been touring Australia and New Zealand.

Brad Paisley

A country music singer-songwriter who is hosting a benefit comedy show to raise money for his nonprofit grocery store, The Store.

The Red Clay Strays

A country music vocal group that will headline the 2026 RiverBeat Music Festival in Memphis.

Dave Matthews Band

A popular jam band that will perform at the 2026 RiverBeat Music Festival in Memphis.

Wu-Tang Clan

A legendary hip-hop group that will perform at the 2026 RiverBeat Music Festival in Memphis.

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What they’re saying

“We have gotten to do it all, while playing some of the best shows I have ever played in my entire life … Australia and New Zealand, y'all know how to act up!”

— Lainey Wilson (Instagram)

What’s next

Tickets for Brad Paisley's benefit comedy show go on sale this Friday.

The takeaway

These updates showcase the diverse musical talents and philanthropic efforts of country music stars, as well as the continued popularity of major music festivals that bring together a wide range of genres and artists.