Nashville Notes: Lainey Wilson's Aussie Adventures, Brad Paisley's Benefit Show

Lainey Wilson tours Down Under, Brad Paisley hosts comedy show for his nonprofit, and The Red Clay Strays headline Memphis festival.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Country star Lainey Wilson has been touring Australia and New Zealand, sharing her excitement on Instagram about getting to hold koalas and meet Bindi Irwin. Meanwhile, Brad Paisley has announced a benefit comedy show in April to raise money for his nonprofit food pantry The Store. And the vocal group 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 stories highlight the diverse activities and community involvement of some of country music's biggest stars, from international touring to philanthropic efforts to festival headlining slots. They showcase the breadth of the country music scene and how artists are connecting with fans in unique ways.

The details

Lainey Wilson has been documenting her adventures in Australia and New Zealand on social media, expressing her joy at getting to experience the local wildlife and culture in between tour dates. Brad Paisley's upcoming benefit show at Zanies in Nashville will raise money for his nonprofit The Store, which operates as a free grocery store for those in need. And the RiverBeat Music Festival in Memphis has booked a diverse lineup of headliners, from country group The Red Clay Strays to jam band Dave Matthews Band to rap icons 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 internationally.

Brad Paisley

A country music veteran who runs a nonprofit food pantry called The Store.

The Red Clay Strays

A vocal country music group named the CMA's 2026 Vocal Group of the Year.

Dave Matthews Band

A popular jam band set to headline the RiverBeat Music Festival.

Wu-Tang Clan

Legendary rap group scheduled to perform at the RiverBeat Music Festival.

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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)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery Employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

These stories showcase the diverse activities and community involvement of country music stars, from international touring to philanthropic efforts to festival headlining slots. They highlight how artists are connecting with fans in unique ways and using their platforms to make a positive impact.