P&P Spotlight: Avery Anna
On Saturday, September 19, rising country-pop artist Avery Anna returned to the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center. This night marked the second time in her career playing this intimate theater - the last one being her first-ever live performance, when she opened for Josh Turner in 2022. Since then, Avery has grown tremendously, headlining four of her own tours with a fifth one starting soon. She also recently won 2026 ACM New Female Artist of the Year and is a nominee for the 2026 CMA New Artist of the Year.
Avery opened with the upbeat “Blame It On My Broken Heart” before toning it down a bit with a more somber track, “Mr. Predictable.” Only two songs in, the set immediately showcased just how big her range is. Anna’s catalog ranges from country to pop to indie-rock, covering anger, joy, heartbreak, and everything in between. The night consisted of all of that. Whether she was jumping around the stage and rocking out with her electric guitar or playing a calmer song on her acoustic, the audience was captivated from start to finish. A versatile musician, Avery’s discography truly has something for everyone.
YOU’LL LOVE AVERY ANNA IF YOU LISTEN TO: Kelsea Ballerini, Megan Moroney, Keith Urban, Kacey Musgraves, Jenna Raine, Chris Stapleton
To fans’ surprise and excitement, Avery played an unreleased single titled “Catch Me If You Can.” Although she teased this song on social media last year, this was her second time singing it live. Avery wrote “Catch Me If You Can” about someone she used to know, wondering if they now “read the stop signs” as they “never used to.” A heartbreaking ballad, it portrays her breaking free from someone’s relentless control. Its stripped-back arrangement here, with only her vocals and the piano, highlighted Avery’s deep emotional connection to the lyrics. Raw and personal, this performance felt even more powerful than the snippet from her TikTok video.
During “Catch Me If You Can” and several other vulnerable tracks, it became evident just how much Avery’s work means to her fans. Though her music heavily draws inspiration from her own experiences, listeners often see themselves in the words she writes. They love being fully present and immersed in her world - from wearing bandanas to match with her, to holding phone flashlights up during “Indigo,” to screaming every lyric of her breakout hit “Narcissist.” Every concertgoer can count on a safe, healing atmosphere at an Avery Anna show.
Another fun moment included a mashup of some classics that Avery was raised on. She shared that she first started singing when she was little with her grandfather, who introduced her to country and rock. She followed this statement with the heartbreaking fact that her grandpa now has dementia and has forgotten many things; however, he still remembers how to play his favorite songs. Avery still plays these songs with him when she sees him, and she puts a unique twist on them in her live sets. As she led a sing along of “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash, “Forever and Ever, Amen” by Randy Travis, “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton, “American Pie” by Don McLean, and “What's Up?” by 4 Non Blondes, there wasn’t a single dry eye in the room.
Between her unmatched vocal talent, impressive range, and heartfelt passion for writing and performing music, what’s not to love about Avery Anna? If she’s stolen your heart by this point, just as she did with ours, the good news is you have many chances to catch her live soon. The Blood Runs Thicker tour kicks off on October 16th, so grab your tickets now! In the meantime, here’s a playlist we’ve curated to capture her vibe.
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