Wyatt Flores Fans Pack The Ritz to the Brim

BY CAITLIN RUSS

Wyatt Flores and his band played to a sold-out show Friday night at The Ritz in Raleigh. The venue was busting at the seams. It was a long-awaited show for fans. Last time Flores came around, he performed in Asheville about a year ago. Last year he scored a record deal, released the EP Life Lessons, and headed out on the road.

The Oklahoma native has been transparent about his mental health struggles that he has faced since his career as a musician skyrocketed. His schedule has been demanding, and his life is hectic. He has played at The Opry, debuted a new album titled Welcome to the Plains, and is selling out show after show across the country.

It is no surprise that The Ritz was at capacity Friday night. Flores is humble and down-to-earth which makes him so likeable. It felt like he was everyone’s friend and fans were there to support their buddy. At one point, the crowd chanted “Wyatt!” in between songs.

Flores performed many new songs from his new album including “Welcome to the Plains,” “Oh Susannah,” and “Don’t Wanna Say Goodnight.” This album includes influences from his Mexican roots and life in Oklahoma, similar to his previously released music. This is very unique to Flores and it works well for him.

While fans loved every minute of Flores on stage, he apologized multiple times for his voice. He commented that he and his band debated canceling the show because he was losing his voice.

He was met with nothing but love and support from fans as he continued to apologize for not giving his best performance. A little more than halfway through the show Flores asked fans to help him sing the rest of his songs. They happily obliged.

Flores made it through the show and even an encore, but the strain on his voice ultimately caused him to have to cancel his show the next day. He got through a few songs at The Fillmore in Charlotte before ultimately deciding to cancel. Based on how emotional Flores was in Raleigh over not giving a 110% performance, the decision was not easy for him to call it an early night in Charlotte.

For those at The Ritz the night before, they were treated with amazing performances of “Life Lessons,” “Wildcat,” “Please Don’t Go,” and “Running Out of Time.” Honestly Flores has so many great songs it is hard to decide which song was the best to hear him perform live.

The beautiful and talented Kaitlin Butts opened the sold-out show. Dressed in a red fringe get-up, she entertained fans with songs from her newest album, Roadrunner, and her 2022 album, What Else Can She Do? She was the perfect opener for Flores. She came out with high energy and a fun stage presence. After her set, she posted up behind the merch table to sign items that fans were buying to support her.

Butts will now continue her Roadrunner! Tour, performing a few more shows with Flores before linking up with Fancy Hagood and then Ken Pomeroy. The rest of her 2024 dates are available on her instagram.

Flores has more than two dozen shows scheduled though the end of the year. His remaining tour dates are available on his website.

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CAITLIN RUSS

Caitlin Russ is a Florida native currently residing in North Carolina. She is an English teacher by day and freelance entertainment journalist by night. Caitlin enjoys reading, hiking with her husband and 3 children, and attending as many concerts as she can. Her all-time favorite music artists include John Mayer, Tyler Childers, and Paramore.

Read Caitlin's posts here.