Cole Swindell and Gabby Barrett to perform at JMU’s Atlantic Union Bank Center

HARRISONBURG, Va. — Country music stars Cole Swindell and Gabby Barrett will take the stage at the Atlantic Union Bank Center on Friday, May 1, 2026 for an exciting night of live country music and entertainment for students and fans alike.

From chart-topping hits to fan-favorite anthems, the night promises a high-energy concert experience for country music fans.

Country music superstar Cole Swindell, whom Rolling Stone has called “a proven hit-maker,” has established himself as one of the genre’s top songwriters, recording artists and headlining performers over the past decade. With his latest single, “Forever To Me,” from his upcoming fifth studio album Spanish Moss, reaching No. 1, the multi-Platinum artist has now earned 13 No. 1 singles as a performer and 14 as a songwriter.

Twelve of Swindell’s 13 chart-topping hits have been certified Platinum by the RIAA, including three 3× Platinum singles — “Chillin’ It,” “You Should Be Here,” and “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” — and two 2× Platinum hits, “Ain’t Worth the Whiskey” and “Break Up in the End.” His fourth studio album Stereotype produced three consecutive, multi-week No. 1 singles, including “Single Saturday Night,” “Never Say Never” (with Lainey Wilson), and “She Had Me At Heads Carolina,” which earned multiple major industry awards.

Multi-Platinum country star Gabby Barrett continues to rise as one of the genre’s most compelling voices, delivering her most personal work to date with her sophomore release Chapter & Verse. The album highlights Barrett’s evolution as both an artist and storyteller, following the success of her Platinum-certified debut Goldmine.

Her breakthrough success includes the 8× Platinum No. 1 hit “I Hope,” its crossover remix featuring Charlie Puth, and the 4× Platinum chart-topper “The Good Ones.” With more than 3 billion global streams, Barrett has earned major accolades including Billboard’s Rising Star Award, CMT Artists of the Year, and the iHeartRadio Titanium Award.

Matt Roan, JMU’s director of athletics, said, “The Atlantic Union Bank Center was always intended to be an entertainment venue for the JMU community, whether that be basketball or concerts. We are excited to welcome Cole Swindell and Gabby Barrett to campus, and we look forward to them putting on a great show for the Valley to enjoy.”

“This will be an exciting night of music in the Shenandoah Valley as we welcome Cole Swindell and Gabby Barrett to the Atlantic Union Bank Center,” said Curtis Stoneberger, director of the AUBC. “Both artists have built strong connections with their audiences through authentic music and high-energy performances. Bringing talent of this caliber to our stage creates memorable experiences for our students, fans and the broader community, while continuing to position the AUBC as a premier destination for live entertainment in the region. We’re proud to host them on campus and look forward to a great night of music.”

The show is scheduled for 7 p.m. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

Visit atlanticunionbankcenter.com for more information.