CAIN at the Ryman: A Night of Worship, Wonder, and One

They say seeing a show at the Ryman Auditorium is a spiritual experience, and as someone who has spent decades in the entertainment industry, I’ve learned that phrase gets tossed around a lot. But this time, it wasn’t hype—it was real. My 11-year-old daughter, Kennady (aka Kenna), and I went to see CAIN with Jon Read More

They say seeing a show at the Ryman Auditorium is a spiritual experience, and as someone who has spent decades in the entertainment industry, I’ve learned that phrase gets tossed around a lot. But this time, it wasn’t hype—it was real.

My 11-year-old daughter, Kennady (aka Kenna), and I went to see CAIN with Jon Reddick at the Ryman in Nashville, and it was our very first time stepping into the “Mother Church.” I’d seen CAIN last year with my husband when they were performing at a church somewhere in Middle TN, and we were blown away. We left that night saying, “We should’ve brought Kenna.” So, this time, there was no way I was missing the chance to share it with her.

Now, in true “mom who doesn’t know what she’s doing” fashion, I didn’t realize that some seats at the Ryman have a slightly obstructed view. And by “slightly,” I mean we couldn’t see anything. Like, nothing. There was a massive pillar directly in our line of sight. So, I bolted out to the box office, praying for a miracle—and sure enough, there were two seats left: front row center balcony. God has a sense of humor, and let me tell you, that view was heavenly.

Before CAIN took the stage, we were treated to two talented openers: Caleb and John. Their harmonies and heart set the tone beautifully for the night. Hosting the evening was the incomparable Annie F. Downs, who I actually had the pleasure of meeting at a conference last year. She’s exactly as funny, genuine, and full of joy in real life as she is on stage—or behind the mic on her podcast. She’s one of those people you just want to grab coffee with and talk to for hours. When she shared her message—a kind of altar call in a fabulous orange pant suit, mind you—it brought the room (and me) to tears. Leave it to Annie to make conviction look chic. (Also, Kenna wanted me to note she got a shoutout from Annie when she cheered at one point. Highlight of her night!)

Then came Jon Reddick. And if you’ve ever experienced his worship leading, you know—get the tissues ready. His voice, his presence, his songwriting—every lyric hits like a heart surgery you didn’t know you needed. The way I used to listen to Backstreet Boys after a breakup in the 90s?

That’s how I feel spiritually when I listen to Jon Reddick. It’s that deep, emotional, soul-cleansing connection.

When CAIN finally took the stage, the Ryman erupted with joy. Their harmonies are flawless, but it’s their hearts that captivate you. There’s something about their humility and humor that makes it feel like you’re worshiping with family. Every lyric felt like a personal conversation with God.

A quick note to families with younger kids: you may need to plan for a late night or consider leaving a little early, because CAIN gives you every penny’s worth of music at this show. The evening builds into a full worship experience—complete with a powerful set led by Brooke Ligertwood, one of my favorite worship leaders of all time. This may have been an “extra” evening with Brooke, and that might not happen in every city, but it’s one of the advantages I love most about living here in Nashville—you never know who’s going to show up! Who wants to stop a worship service? Not me! But by the end, my 11-year-old was doing that adorable head-bob between exhaustion and total awe. She refused to leave. “I don’t want to miss anything,” she whispered. That’s how good it was.

As a mom raising kids in a culture that glorifies fame, ego, and often darkness in music and entertainment, I want to show them that you can be cool and still shine the light of Christ. Being an actress, producer, and filmmaker, I’ve seen the dark side of the industry—but my heart still beats for it. That’s why a night like this meant so much. It reminded me that faith and creativity don’t have to be at odds. CAIN proves that joy, authenticity, and excellence can exist in perfect harmony.

When the final chord rang out and the Ryman lights came up, I looked at my daughter’s face— tired eyes, big smile—and I thought, this is what it’s all about.

A night of music. A night of worship. A night of faith passed from one generation to the next.