Flatland Cavalry to play Madison Square Garden

For any touring band, there are venues that feel like milestones. Surely for Flatland Cavalry, stepping onto the stage at Madison Square Garden this August/September is one of those moments.

The Lubbock, Texas band has spent more than a decade earning its place the hard way. They built a loyal following by crisscrossing the country in vans, packing small clubs, playing dance halls, county fairs, and music festivals before eventually graduating to sold out theaters and major tours. Now, as the opening act for Kacey Musgraves at the world's most famous arena, Flatland Cavalry will perform in front of thousands at Madison Square Garden, a venue where countless music legends have made history.

The night represents far more than another stop on the tour. It's validation that authentic songwriting and years of relentless touring can carry a Texas country band from dusty West Texas bars to one of the biggest stages in the world. It's also another reminder that the genre's independent artists are finding larger audiences than ever before.

One person who understands the significance better than almost anyone is Cordero's wife, acclaimed singer-songwriter Kaitlin Butts. The two have shared stages, collaborated on songs, and supported one another throughout their careers. While no public confirmation has been made that she'll attend the Madison Square Garden performance, it would hardly be surprising to see her cheering from backstage or jumping on stage, if her own touring schedule allows. Butts' own website does not show tour dates listed for August 31 or September 1 making her presence a real possibility. Could attendees hear a duo for "A Life Where We Work Out"?

Whether she's there or not, the moment belongs to the entire band. Madison Square Garden isn't the finish line for Flatland Cavalry. It's proof that one of Texas country's hardest-working bands has arrived on one of music's grandest stages.