Bailey Zimmerman’s 2025 Tour might be named “New To Country Summer Tour,” but he proved that he is here and is here to stay. On Friday, August 22nd, he made a stop at the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater in Bridgeport, CT. He was joined by fellow country artists Drew Baldridge and Dylan Marlowe. Together, they put on a non-stop, high-energy performance that the audience will never forget.
The night began well before the performance actually started. Beginning at 4 pm, fans started their party in the parking lot. The lots were soon filled with the smells from portable BBQs and mismatched music playing over one another. There was a buzz in the air long before the artists stepped on stage. Bailey has had multiple sold-out shows throughout this tour, and this show was no different. The perfect summer day could not have been any better for an outdoor concert – sunny skies and high 70s!
Drew Baldridge
The Louisville native has quickly become one of the fastest-growing and well-known country artists today. Zimmerman has made a name for himself as a multi-platinum singer/songwriter. His love of music began at a young age, when he started playing the guitar at 9 years old. He had a mixture of musical influences from his parents, from hair metal bands to country artists. It’s fair to say that the mixture of influences can be heard in his music. From the signature gritty and raspy voice to the way he tells stories in his songs.
Drew Baldridge was the first to take the stage in front of the sold-out crowd. Originally from Illinois, Drew ended up moving to Nashville to pursue country music. Since then, he has toured with Lee Brice, Cole Swindell, and now Bailey Zimmerman. During his performance, Drew spoke about his struggles in the industry. When Nashville gave up on him, Baldridge shared on social media that he would perform in anyone’s backyard if he received 10-20 requests. Drew wound up touring around the United States with nothing but his guitar and performed in 400 different backyards. It goes to show you that perseverance gets you far. As Drew said,
Tough times can sure as hell make tough people.
Drew Baldridge
In Drew’s case, his perseverance and love for country music have led him to perform for multiple sold-out crowds. He performed a mixture of his own songs as well as paid tribute to other iconic country artists, like Toby Keith. A Drew Baldrige set would be complete without performing his most successful song, “She’s Somebody’s Daughter.” His upbeat personality and good vibes were the perfect start to the night.
Dylan Marlowe
Dylan Marlowe was up next. Originally from Georgia, Dylan was also exposed and influenced by a plethora of different artists and genres, from Eric Church and Kenny Chesney to Blink-182 and Linkin Park. This blend of genres can be heard in his music; there’s a mix of traditional country music with a little rock edge added in. His father encouraged him to move to Nashville to pursue his dream. With his incredible songwriting talent, in addition to the help of social media, Dylan’s career took off. One day, he’s sharing a country version of Olivia Rodrigo’s “drivers license” on TikTok, and the next, he’s writing his first number-one hit song, “Last Night Lonely,” famously sung by Jon Pardi. From there, he began work as a solo artist and has toured with huge country artists like Cole Swindell, Hardy, and Brantley Gilbert.
Dylan kept the energy up as he performed his own music in relation to covers of popular songs like “Dirty Little Secret” by All-American Rejects. Fans like Dylan’s music because it’s relatable and resonates with a lot of people. When he sang “Boys Back Home,” the audience went nuts. It was great foreshadowing for what was yet to come.
Bailey Zimmerman
Last, but not least, it was time for Bailey. With a catchy intro by his band, he was catapulted up into the air and accompanied by flashy pyrotechnic effects. The audience went wild as he landed his jump and swung down to the main stage level by a rope. His opening song, “New to Country,” was filled with energy as Zimmerman performed alongside his band and special effects. From this point on, the energy in the amphitheater was at a record high. Fans were on their feet and arguably singing louder than the speakers. Bailey was constantly moving around the stage and engaging with fans.
One of the highlights of the night was when Zimmerman performed “Back Up Plan.” The song was released as a duo with Bailey Zimmerman and Luke Combs. Instead, Bailey brought out Dylan Marlowe and Drew Baldridge to join him. The song was clearly a crowd favorite by the way the fans in the pit were jumping, and the fans were singing along. Bailey might not be able to do a backflip like Benson Boone, but he has a pretty awesome cartwheel!
Despite the sold-out crowd, Bailey thanked the audience multiple times throughout the show for being there and supporting his music. He said this tour has been his favorite that he’s been a part of so far. Drew and Dylan were also grateful for the people who attended. As a fan, it makes the artist more relatable and appreciated.
As of now, Bailey doesn’t have any more stops in or around New York as a part of his “New To Country Summer Tour,” but he made it clear that touring and performing are what he truly loves to do. He will be back in the New York area before you know it. Keep an eye out on his website for more updated tour/show dates.
Bailey Zimmerman Setlist: New to Country, Never Comin’ Home, Fall In Love, Lost, Get to Gettin’ Gone, Comin’ in Cold, Chase Her, Backup PlanFix’n To Break, Holy Smokes, Holding On, Chevy Silverado, Ashes, Where It Ends
Encore: Religiously, All The Way(BigXthaPlug cover), Rock and a Hard Place
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