A quadruple bill of country music came through town this past Thursday night at the Darien Lake PAC. Riley Green, Justin Moore, Zach John King and Hannah McFarland graced the stage before a near capacity crowd that were eager to here some country music and have a good time.
First up was Hannah McFarland. McFarland is new on the country scene as she just released her debut EP called ‘Broken Hearts’ last year. McFarland had only 20 minutes of stage time but I believe she made the most out of it while playing her acoustic guitar. Amongst her 4 songs she sang, one of the highlights was her single “Missing Me.” In the middle of her delivering her songs, she talked about the backstory of the creation of that particular song before she sang it. You probably will be hearing a lot more of her going forward.
Next up was Zach John King. King had a 30 minute set that consisted of 7 songs. King is a fast rising star in the country music scene. He unfortunately had to deal with a tragedy within the last month as his father unexpectedly passed away. King took a few weeks off to mourn his father but has recently returned to the road. King was nothing but professional as he delivered a solid set while smiling the entire time. Songs like “Hole in the Wall,” “Backwoods” and “Space” were highlights.
Justin Moore has been on the country music scene since 2009 when he released his debut album ‘Justin Moore.’ Moore is still touring on support of his 2024 album ‘This Is My Dirt.’ Like Zach John King, Moore is also dealing with some personal issues. Moore took a temporary break from touring in June 2026 to focus on his well being. He later revealed he completed a 30-day program at a rehab center for alcohol addiction. He returned to the stage sober in July 2026 and he is still shaking off some of the rust you can tell. Moore delivered a high octane set of county music while jamming as much he could within his 50 minute set. Moore went back to his debut album for the opening track “How I Got to Be This Way.” You can tell Moore was locked in as he moved about tossing out guitar picks after each of the 1st few songs. I’m a big fan of any country artists who play electric guitar and Moore’s playing didn’t disappoint. Moore even blessed the crowd by singing the entire Star Spangled Banner. A great set by Moore and good to see him back on the touring circuit.
The headliner that most everyone was there to see was Riley Green. Green started his career back in 2013 but after releasing a few EP’s, his career really jettisoned after signing with Big Machine Label Group in 2028. Green has made his way to where now he is headlining outdoor sheds and arenas. His latest effort ‘That’s Just Me’ will be released next month on September 18, 2026. Green opened up his set by doing a duck call and then tossing that into the crowd while going into “Different ‘Round Here.” Green really let the music do the talking as he didn’t say too much in between songs. His latest single “Imagine That” was debuted for the 1st time live and went over very well. The Jamey Johnson song “In Color” followed next. Green mixed up up a lot by doing originals and covers. He brought up each of the opening artists to do songs with him. Justin Moore joined Green to did his own song “Outlaws Like Me.” Green shows how comfortable and secure he is by not only bringing up artists but also doing that artists’ song. He closed the set with “Worst Way” before the band exited and they returned to do a few encores. They closed the set with the Alabama classic “Dixieland Delight.”
Everything is coming up roses for Green. Green had the audience’s attention throughout and delivered a fantastic set, as did the other artists. You had different forms of county music come together to make one of the highlights of the 2026 Darien Lake season to this point.
Riley Green setlist:
Different ‘Round Here
Damn Good Day to Leave
Imagine That
In Color (Jamey Johnson cover)
Hell of a Way to Go
Get That Man a Beer (snippet)
Outlaws Like Me (with Justin Moore-Justin Moore song)
My Way
You Look Like You Love Me (Ella Langley cover)
Think as You Drunk
Change my Mind
Should’ve Been a Cowboy (with Zach John King – Toby Keith cover)
Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American – Toby Keith cover)
Jesus Saves
Go Again (with Hannah McFarland)
Don’t Mind If I Do (with Hannah McFarland)
There Was This Girl
Worst Way
Encores:
I Wish Grandpas Never Died
Dixieland Delight (Alabama cover)
Editors note: Waiting for Hannah McFarland’s team to approve her images to post.
We would like to thank Ron Perks from Livenation for the credentials to review the show.