Break A Wave Rodeo hit the central coast this year in Pismo Beach California, but it was the after party in San Luis Obispo where the “Drinking Problem” took place with Midland. Now I didn’t get to check out the rodeo, but from what was said around town and seen on social media, it was more than your typical arena — a beautiful California beach with a sunset view.
The Madonna Inn hosted the concert — and considering it was Cal Poly territory, it was packed with young college students full of energy, which Midland was gave right back to them. Out with their latest single “Glass Half Empty,” Midland was the main act for night one’s rodeo after party. An artist by the name of Desure also performed an acoustic set with some original songs and some covers. One cover that caught the attention of the crowd was Blink-182’s hit “Dammit.”
By the time came for Midland to hit the stage, the crowd size had grown in numbers with the general area packed and many trying to get close to the stage. Many others brought chairs and were happy to sit back and enjoy the night. Formed in Texas, Midland has become a well known name in the country music scene their breakout album “On The Rocks” in 2017. The stage was simple with a few back lights and nothing more. With a cool breeze for most of the night, the band members rocked their cowboy attire with lot of jean material — pants to jackets and of course, the cowboy hats. “Mr. Lonely” — a favorite of mine — was the first song of the night. We all sang along to the lyrics, getting the crowd ready for the night ahead full of music.
For the second song, we got “East Bound and Down,” a Jerry Reed cover to which I was surprised that some of the college kids knew (or at least the chorus part). The third song was a big fan favorite called “Burn Out” — despite its name, the night was just getting lit. Some other things may have been lit before the set as well, as singer Mark says, “the California weed’s a little stronger out here.” He jokingly notes it may be the reason he slipped up on the title of two tracks before performing them. The “Playboys” singers kept the crowd alive with no signs of slowing down (well for the younger ones). Midland did remind the rest of us older crowd that we are “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)” as they covered the Garth Brooks hit song next.
Then, we got to hear the new track called “Glass Half Empty.” It’s always great to see how the crowd reacts to new music — by the looks of it, the people enjoyed it but not as much as the next hit played: “Cheatin’ Songs.” This is such a fun fan favorite that had everyone singing along. As the night wound down, they played a few more songs before the cowboys left the stage. It wasn’t long until they returned back to the stage shortly for a 5-song encore — two of which were their biggest hits: “Longneck Way to Go” and of course, “Drinkin’ Problem.”
If you’re looking for a country concert where the band is full of energy and ready to party — grab a beer, because these are the guys to see! With a few tour dates left for the year, you’ve got the chance — don’t miss it!
GALLERY: Midland at The Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, California (September 24, 2025)
