Flatland Cavalry Takes Over Downtown Phoenix on The Forever(more) Tour
On a warm summer night in Downtown Phoenix, The Van Buren was transformed into a haven that would soon be used for heartfelt storytelling and Texas-inspired country soul. Flatland Cavalry brought their Flatland Forever(more) Tour to the sold-out venue, with nearly 2,000 fans in the standing-room floor and mezzanine seating.
At first, the stage was quiet. Two soft spotlights illuminated lead-singer Cleto Cordero, who sat on a dark green sofa with his guitar in hand. The silence slowly transitioned into a soundtrack of emotion as the full band began joining in for the first notes of "Sleeping Alone", one-by-one, setting an intimate and cinematic tone.
Opening the night was THEBROSFRESH, a twin duo whose energy and tight harmonies warmed up the crowd instantly. By the time they left the stage, the crowd was ready for Flatland Cavalry to take it.
From there, Cordero and his band began delivering a set that balanced nostalgia and vulnerability with high energy moments. Fan favorites, including, “A Life Where We Work Out” had the crowd singing so loudly that it vibrated the stage, while songs like “Sleeping Alone” and “Mountain Song” showed the band’s poetic lyricism. An acoustic set was also performed, featuring “Dealer’s Choice”, and was surely one of the night’s most intimate moments. Finally, the group had to close the night out with “Stompin’ Grounds”, which sent the audience home in a haze, wishing it wasn't over already.
The chemistry between the band members was noticeable, each one locked into the music and feeding off the crowd’s energy and one another. The live fiddle (a standout throughout the night, and one of my personal favorites) added warmth and authenticity.
By the end, The Van Buren truly felt less like just a concert venue, and more like a gathering of friends that were able to share stories, laughter, and bittersweet memories together. Flatland Cavalry didn’t just "play music". They created a shared experience. An experience that lingered long after the final note faded.
If you ask anyone who was there, they’d all likely say the same thing. Once you’ve seen Flatland Cavalry live, you’ll want to do it all over again.
Photos and Review by: Kaeden Indelicato
Like what you read? Follow our social media and playlist for the latest in independent music:
