By Athena White
Thomas Rhett traded the piney roads of Valdosta, Georgia, for the salt-kissed shoreline of Long Island when he rolled into Jones Beach Theater on Saturday as part of his Better in Boots Tour.
The clear summer night, boats anchored offshore, and every seat filled set the scene for a quintessential country-concert under the stars.
And that sold-out crowd was treated to an electric evening of music, community and sheer excitement.
The tour supports Rhett’s latest album, “About a Woman,” and featured high-energy opening sets from rising country stars Dasha and Tucker Wetmore.
Before the music began, fans arriving at the theater were greeted with a festival-like atmosphere — lawn games like corn hole and giant Connect Four, plus photo booths to capture the night.
After hours of tailgating and pre-show fun, the crowd made its way inside just as the sun dipped behind the horizon.
Once the lights dimmed and Rhett took the stage, the venue erupted.
His entrance marked the start of a feel-good, boots-stomping experience that blurred the line between stadium concert and backyard celebration. As the first guitar chords rang out, the entire crowd moved in unison.
The setlist was packed with fan favorites like “Make Me Wanna,” “Die a Happy Man,” and “What’s Your Country Song?” — each one met with full-venue singalongs that echoed across the amphitheater.
Rhett fed off the energy, reaching out to fans in the pit, signing autographs, and snapping selfies between songs.
The surprises kept coming. During “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Woman,” comedian and Long Island native Kevin James appeared onstage, adding a dose of humor and hometown love. Later, Dasha and Tucker Wetmore returned to the stage for collaborative performances, further emphasizing the show’s sense of connection and camaraderie.
Watch Kevin James
All around the theater, smiles were constant, arms were linked, and couples swayed together in the warm night air.
The evening felt less like a concert and more like a shared story — one co-written by the artist and the audience in real time.
With the ocean breeze drifting through the amphitheater, Thomas Rhett didn’t just meet expectations — he exceeded them.
It was a night that felt both massive and intimate, and one fans won’t soon forget.
Top: All photos by Josh Gilligan
