Luke Bryan’s Upstate New York Gig: So Country Even He’s Surprised

Luke Bryan’s songs are all about small towns, country roads, and the simple life. But when he played Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Upstate New York on May 29, even he joked that the venue was maybe too country for him.

Bethel Woods: America’s Favorite Outdoor Venue

Bethel Woods recently earned the title of the best outdoor concert venue in the U.S., according to USA Today readers. It’s set on the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock festival in the tiny town of Bethel, population just under 4,000. Surrounded by farmland and rolling hills, it’s a beautiful spot, but also pretty remote.

“There Ain’t S--- Here,” Luke Says

During his show, Luke Bryan shared a funny story with the crowd. He said it was his eighth time playing at Bethel Woods but he always forgets how country it really is. He joked, “This is the countriest a-- venue that I play.” The crowd loved it.

Warning: Video is NSFW

@jenn_jbmama418120422 @Luke Bryan #concerts #touring #fun #singing #country #viral #fyp ♬ original sound - Jennifer Bishop

Fried Chicken Cravings and a 45-Minute Drive

Luke’s 14-year-old son, Tate, was on tour with him and had a serious craving for fried chicken. So, like anyone else, Luke tried to find some nearby, only to learn the closest fried chicken joint was a 45-minute drive away. “No DoorDash, no nuggets, nothing,” Bryan said. “When you’re 45-minutes from the nearest fried chicken, you’re in a country-a-- place.”

Golfing in the Middle of Nowhere

He didn’t just hunt for food while in town, he went golfing too. And even that experience was pretty country. No tee times, no crowds, just a gas-powered golf cart and wide open spaces. The Monster Golf Club at Resorts World Catskills later posted photos of Luke out on the course, enjoying some downtime before or after the show.

READ MORE: Bethel Museum Named Among the Best in the U.S.

Small Town Feel, Big-Time Music

So, while Luke Bryan’s music celebrates small-town living, his experience in Bethel reminds us that sometimes those country roads can get pretty remote, even for a country star. But that’s part of the charm, right? Beautiful scenery, peaceful surroundings, and a chance to escape the hustle.

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And hey, if you want fried chicken, just plan for a little extra drive next time!