Joshua Ray Walker

Joshua Ray Walker brings his latest album, Ain't Dead Yet, to The Kessler Theater on Saturday, December 12, at 8 PM. It's a homecoming of sorts: Walker was born in Dallas, and this show closes out his national tour for the record. The night pairs the live set with a screening of Thank You For Listening, a documentary co-directed by Gene Gallerano and Bob Ray that follows his battle with third-generation cancer.

Ain't Dead Yet is Walker's sixth album, and the story behind it is as much a part of the record as the songs. He recorded it before, during, and after cancer treatment, with some sessions taking place the day before lung surgery. The documentary fills in the gaps, documenting that period and the health struggle that runs through the album's making.

Walker is a country and Americana songwriter known for character-driven storytelling and a rich tenor that blends Texas tradition with a modern emotional edge. Since his 2019 debut, he's played more than 2,000 shows across the U.S. and Europe, performed multiple times at the Grand Ole Opry, and appeared on national television, including singing the national anthem at the 2021 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix. His discography includes the honky-tonk trilogy Wish You Were Here, Glad You Made It, and See You Next Time, the 2023 cover album What Is It Even?, and the acoustic compilation Thank You For Listening.

The show is at The Kessler Theater, 1230 W Davis St, Dallas, TX 75208, starting at 8 PM on Saturday, December 12. Tickets are $38.