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Co un try Music Chicago 2303 Randall Road #305 Carpentersville, IL 60110 773-337-6298 info@countrymusicchicago.com
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Editor & Publisher Scott Winterroth scott@countrymusicchicago.com Advertising advertising@countrymusicchicago.com The Summer 2009 Concert, Fair and Festival Guide is a special publication of Country Music Chicago. Country Music Chicago and CountryMusicChicago.com is Chicago's leading independent country music information source. This guide is to be used solely as a reference. The information supplied in this guide may change without notice and Country Music Chicago is not responsible for its accuracy. Some venues may require patrons to be over the age of 21. As always, please check with venues, organizers or ticketing agents prior to your visit. Prices listed may not include special handling fees. The artists in this guide, or the companies that represent them, do not endorse this guide or CountryMusicChicago.com.
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jruly.............................................. 8 - 10
August.......................................... 10 - 11 Se1'tel11ber.....................................11 October.........................................11 .il.z'tist A to Z Index ........................... 1Z
Features
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Guide ....... 9
New Summer Music Guide .............. 1 Nashville Very Quick Guide ............ 8
Co un try Music Chicago Summer Preview May 12, 2009 Get ready, get set. .. go! Just a few days from now, Keith Urban will ring-in Chicago's summer mega country music concert season when he takes the stage with the Zac Brown Band at the Northwest Suburban Allstate Arena, Friday. Shortly after Urban kicks it off, mega stars like Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Big & Rich and Carrie Underwood, will join him by bringing their summer tour stops to the Windy City. Chesney will return to Soldier's Field on June 13 with Sugarland, Montgomery Gentry, Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum while Rascal Flatts along with Vince Gill and Darius Rucker will make history on July 18 as the first country music act to play at Wrigley Field. Now in its 17th year, Country Thunder USA is continues to be one of the best country music tickets of the summer. Although this year brings some stiff competition, the Twin Lakes, Wisc, amphitheater style festival not only boasts a mega star line-up of Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Tracy Lawrence and Taylor Swift - just to mention a few - festival management promises new features like redesigned camping, updated vending and most importantly cheaper beer. If you're looking for a more traditional I-day style of concerts, George Strait with
Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley with Dierks Bentley and Toby Keith with Trace Atkins are set to play the First Midwest Bank Amphitheater throughout the summer. Those of you looking for an economical alternative, the Lake County Fair, located in Grayslake, Ill, has a first prize lineup on a beer budget. Blake Shelton, Jamey Johnson, James Otto and Randy Houser, to name a few, are on tap starting July 28. Artist like Phil Vassar, Chris Cagle, Heidi Newfield and Keith Anderson as well as a handful of local talent like Lucky Town and Yard Fulla Cars are set to Joe's Bar. Be sure to grab your tickets soon, they're selling out fast. Have a great summer. Be sure to stay tuned to CountryMusicChicago.com for the latest concert updates and country music news. We hope you find this guide useful and fun. Be sure to share it with a friend!
Scott Winterroth Editor scott@countrymusicchicago.com
Top 10 Chicagoland Summer Country Music Concerts of 2009 Every artist, band and venue listed in this guide, in my eyes, deserves an award for their hard work and commitment to keeping Chicagoland country music fans entertained. Although this was a challenge, I've decided to hand-pick what I consider the Chicago area's most notable summer concerts of 2009. The list could go on and on but I had to cut it off at 10 otherwise you would be reading this in September. Find the Top 10 on the next page ...
The discussion continues on CountryMusicChicago.com
Top 10 Chicagoland Summer Country Music Concerts of 2009 (chronological order) 1. Kenny Chesney, 6/13 Country music mega star Kenny Chesney returns for his second appearance at Chicago's Soldier's Field but this year he's bringing half of Nashville with him. Tickets might be a bit pricy but when artists like Chesney, Sugarland, Montgomery Gentry, Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum, are all on the same ticket, it's priceless. (Page 6)
2. Summerfest, 6/25-715 We know that Milwaukee isn't exactly Chicagoland but with its stellar lineup and only a short train ride away, this festival deserves to be on our radar. Boasting a mega-star line up of Keith Urban (6/26), George Strait & Blake Shelton (6/29), Willie Nelson (7/1) and Kenny Chesney (7/3), to name a few, Summerfest has it all. Sara Evans (6/27) and Jason Aldean with The Lost Trailers (7/1) are on tap for the Miller Lite Oasis during Summerfest. (Page 7)
3. Little Big Town with Zac Brown Band, Concerts for a Cause, 7/27 For those who are looking for a midsummer get-away that's not too far and for a good cause, the famous Lou's La Grotto of Peru, Ill, hosts several country concerts each summer to benefit area schools in need. Sugarland took the stage last year and this year we're looking forward to Little Big Town and the Zac Brown Band. The concerts are held on a sportsman club property in nearby LaSalle, Ill. (Page 7) P.S. You can also catch Alan Jackson on 7/18.
4. Country Thunder USA 7115 - 7118 The great outdoors, good times and amazing music. Need I say more. (Page 8) 5. Rascal Flatts, 7118 Even with the neighborhood protest surrounding the addition of a third concert at Wrigley Field, the country music power trio, Rascal Flatts, is poised to make history as the first country music group to play the friendly confines. Vince Gill and Darius Rucker will join Rascal Flatts on this historic day. (Page 9) 6. Big & Rich, 7126 They're comin' to our city! Big & Rich, along with Cowboy Troy and local group Cross Country Junction, are set for the West Suburban Pheasant Run Mega Center. This is the only Chicagoland stop during their limited engagement tour. As always, we expect this to be one of the hottest parties in town as Pheasant Run!AStar knows how to PARTY. Don't forget to check out the Two-Foot Fred pre-concert BBQ, You never know what to expect with these guys. (Page 9)
7. Lake County Fair, 7130 - 8/1 Although most of the late-summer fair schedules are still being organized, the Lake County Fair has a 1st Prize lineup. Blake Shelton, Jamey Johnson, James Otto and Randy Houser to name a few are schedule for this year's fair. (Page 9)
8. Zoo Tunes, Brookfield Zoo 8/23 Country music stars Josh Gracin and Daryl Worley along with local group Cross Country Junction are set for a very special performance at Brookfield Zoo. The concert is free with a paid admission to the Zoo. (Page 10) 9. Carrie Underwood, 8/30 & 31 As the only mainstream country music act set for Ravina's 2009 summer season, Carrie Underwood managed to sellout her performance before the tickets were even available to the general public. A second night has been added but again, by the time you read this they will most likely be sold out. (Page 10) 10. Chicago Country Music Festival, 10/3 & 4 Although at the time of publication the lineup and location for the annual Chicago Country Music Festival hasn't been released, if all goes well, we're sure this will again be a (late) summer highlight. The Mayor's Office of Special Events does an outstanding job of booking first-class talent as well as highlighting some of Chicagoland's amazing local talent. Best of all, this is one of the few free concerts. (Page 10)
May Yard Fulla Cars Sat, May 16, 2009 - 9PM Bobby McGee's* - 10139 S. Harlem, Chicago Ridge - $10 Door
Jason Michael Carroll Eight Shows at joe's Series Wed, May 27 - TBA joe's Bar* - 940 W. Weed St. Chicago - us99.com
Vince Gill Thu, May 21- 8PM Peoria Civic Center - 201 SW Jefferson St, Peoria $34 - $74 - Ticketmaster
Sara Evans Thu, May 28 - 8PM The Venue at Horseshoe Casino* - 777 Casino Center Drive, Hammond, IN $38 - $58 - Ticketmaster
Mark Chesnutt Fri, May 22 - 6:30PM DC's Country Junction* - 3599 W. 161 Ave, Lowell, IN - $25 dcscountryjunction.com
Keith Urban "Escape Together World Tour" with Zac Brown Band Fri, May 16 - 7:30PM Allstate Arena, 6920 North Mannheim, Rosemont $20 - $60 - Ticketmaster Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival- Bluegrass Legends Concerts Sat, May 16 - 7PM American Legion Hall Post 42 -1030 Central Street, Evanston $15 - $20
The Lost Trailers Fri, May 29 - 9PM joe's Bar* - 940 W. Weed St. Chicago - $10 - Ticketmaster
Eli Young Band with Joey + Rory and the Carter Twins Fri, May 22 - 9PM joe's Bar* - 940 W. Weed St. Chicago - $10 - Ticketmaster George Strait with Blake Shelton and Julianne Hough Sat, May 23 - 7:30PM First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre - 19100 South Ridgeland Ave, Tinley Park $35 - $75 - LiveNation Leann Rimes SOLD OUT Sat, May 23 - 8PM BlueChip Casino* - 2 Easy Street, Michigan City, IN $50 - $75 - Ticketmaster
Set the DVR!
The Academy of Country Music Television Special to honor country music star, George Strait will air on Wed, May 27 at 7PM CST on CBS.
*May require patrons to be 21 +
June Reckless Kelly with Sarah Pierce Fri, June 5 - 9PM joe's Bar* - 940 W. Weed St. Chicago I $10 - Ticketmaster Heidi Newfield & John Eddie Fri, June 12 - 9PM joe's Bar* - 940 W. Weed St. Chicago I $10 - Ticketmaster
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US99 Pre-Concert Party with Penny Mae Dixon Band, Cross Country Junction and Friends Sat, Jun 13 - NOON Soldier Field Gate 14 - 1400 S. Museum Campus Drive Chicago - TBA Kenny Rogers Sat, Jun 13 - 8PM Blue Chip Casino* - 2 Easy Street, Michigan City, IN $50 - $75 - Ticketmaster
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Phil Vassar - SOLD OUT Fri, Jun 19 - 8:30PM joe's Bar* - 940 W. Weed St. Chicago - $37 - Ticketmaster Jeffrey Steele, Penny Mae Dixon and Cross Country Junciton WCCQ Summer Bash Sat, June 20 - 2PM Best Western Timber Creek Inn and Suites - 3300 Drew Ave, Sandwich $10 - astarconcerts. com Billy Currington Sat, Jun 20 - 9PM joe's Bar* - 940 W. Weed St. Chicago I $25 - Ticketmaster
Kenny Chesney - Greatest Hits Two (BNA) - May 19
Kenny Chesney "Sun City Carnival Tour" with Sugarland, Montgomery Gentry, Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum Sat, Jun 13 - 4PMSoldier Field1400 S. Museum Campus Drive, Chicago $20 - $200 - Ticketmaster
Randy Rogers Band and Wade Boden Wed, Jun 17 - 8:30PM joe's Bar* - 940 W. Weed St. Chicago - $10 - Ticketmaster Jeffrey Steele with Penny Mae Dixon Taste of Rockford Fri, June 19 - 5PM Road Ranger Stadium - 4503 Interstate Blvd, Loves Park $10- $40 - astarconcerts.com
Tracy Lawrence - The Rock (Rocky Comfort) & Darryl Worley - Sounds Like Life (Stroudavarious) -June 9 Daryle Singletary - Rockin' In The Country (E 1) - June 16 Brad Paisley - American Saturday Night (SonyBMG) June 30 CountryMusicChicago.com for a complete list.
*May require patrons to be 21 +
June & July Cont.
Su~erfest2009
Su~erfest
Thurs, June 25 - July 5 Marcus Amphitheater - 200 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI
Miller Lite Oasis Sara Evans - Sat, June 27 - lOPM - Jason Aldean and The Lost Trailers- Mon, July 1 - 7:30PM $3 - $33 - summerfest. com
Keith Urban with Counting Crows - Fri, Jun 26 - 7:30PM $15 - $50 - George Strait with Blake Shelton and Julianne Hough - Mon, June 29 - 7PM $30 - $65 - Bob Dylan with Willie Nelson - Wed, July 1 7:30PM - $25 - $48 - Kenny Chesney with Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum Fri, July 3 - 7:30PM - $25 - $70 Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sun, July 5 -7:30PM $15 - $60 - Ticketmaster.com
Little Big Town with the Zac Brown Band - Sat, June 27 3:30PM - Concerts for a Cause Cedar Point Sportsman Club Rt. 80 & 351, LaSalle - $30-
Chasin' Mason Fri, July 3 - lOPM - joe's Bar* 940 W. Weed St, Chicago
lous1agrotio.com/concerts
$TBA - Ticketmaster
Keith Anderson with Her and Kings County Sat, June 27 - 8PM - joe's Bar* 940 W. Weed St, Chicago
Kid Rock & Lynyrd Skynyrd Sun, July 12 - 6:30PM - First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, 19100 South Ridgeland Ave - Tinley Park - $25 - $225 - LiveNation
$15- Ticketmaster
The Windy City is by far a great place to catch your favorite country artist but nothing can compare to a first hand experience in Nashville. The Music City has tons of great historical and entertainment attractions; here is a very quick list of "must see" . Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum countrymusichalloffame.com Grand Ole Opry - opry.com Ryman Auditorium - ryman.com New music more your style? Nashville's hottest descend upon this annual music festival: CMA Music Fest 2009 - June 11 - 14 - $120 - $300 cmafest.com Of course, you can catch all types of country music in Nashville's great nightclubs and restaurants. You never know who you might see. Checkoutvi!litrnu:siccity.
2009 MEGA GUIDE -July 15 - 18 Country Thunder USA 2305 Lance Dr. Twin Lakes, WI
2009 Lineup FRIDAY - JULY 17, 2009 WEDNESDAY - JULY 15, 2009 1PM - Shawn Hammonds Howlin' Coyote Dance Hall 2PM - Restless Heart 6PM - Colt Ford 3PM - Heidi Newfield 8: 15 PM - The Lost Trailers 5PM - Jake Owen 10PM - Tracy Lawrence 6PM - Williams & Ree ...-----------, 7:PM - Phil Vassar 9PM - Alan Jackson
Country Thunder, now in its 17th year, attracts flocks Illinois and Wisconsin residents to its amphitheatre style festival. Located on a farm in rural Wisconsin, its country music starpower and midL........"'""""'........;.;;;.==~~= :~~~~~~~: L...===........IlI==::::::::~ summer fun make it a sure bet for a memorable time. This year brings some new features like redesigned camping, updated vending, cheaper beer and, of course, the hottest stars of country music.
Daily, general admission passes (lawn) range from $25 - $54, while 4-day adult passes are $119. Reserved seats range from $159 - $600 for all 4-days. The best Country Thunder experience is reserved for campers in the festival onsite campgound. Camping packages range from $100 - $500
SATURDAY - JULY 18 1PM - The Grascals 2PM - Joey + Rory 3PM - Terri Clark 5PM - Diamond Rio 6PM - Williams & Ree 7PM - Rodney Atkins 9PM - Tim McGraw Plan on a great time rain or shine. Bring your best cowboy hat and some SPF 30 sunscreen. Want to be treated like a country star?
THURSDAY - JULY 16 IPM - Burns Poe 2PM - The Bellamy Brothers 3PM - Jack Ingram 5PM - Mark Chesnutt 6PM - Williams & Ree 7PM - Kellie Pickler 9PM - Taylor Swift
Opt for the VIP tickets, they include great assigned seats, admission to the VIP hospitality tent, free non-alcoholic beverages & discount alcohol bar, VIP parking and catered meals. For more info on Country Thunder USA or to purchase tickets, visit CountryThunder .com
July & August Brad Paisley with Dierks Bentley and Jimmy Wayne Fri, August 7 - TBA First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, 19100 South Ridgeland Ave, Tinley Park - $TBA -
Alan Jackson Sat, July 18 - 3:30PM Concerts for a Cause Cedar Point Sportsman Club Rt. 80 & 351, LaSalle - $45 1ous1agrotto.com/concerts
LiveNation
Rascal Flatts "American Living Unstoppable Tour 2009" with Vince Gill and Darius Rucker Sat, July 18 - 7PM Wrigley Field - 1060 W Addison Chicago - $35 - $89 - tickets. com Jin and Tonic Fri, July 10 - lOPM joe's Bar* - 940 W. Weed St, Chicago - $8 - Door Old Town School of Folk Chicago Folk & Roots Festival Sat, July 11 - Sun, July 12 Noon- 10PM Wells Park -Lincoln & Montrose Chicago - $8 - $10 donation
Chris Cagle with Blackberry Smoke and Whiskey Myers Fri, July 17 - 8PM joe's Bar* - 940 W. Weed St, Chicago - $17 - Ticketmaster LuckyTown Fri, July 24 - lOPM joe's Bar* - 940 W. Weed St, Chicago - $5 - Door
Eric Church Lollapalooza - Fri, Aug 7 - 9 TBA - Grant Park - Columbus Drive at Congress Ave. Chicago - Three Day Pass - $190 - lollapa1ooza. com
The Two Foot Fred Barbecue pre-concert outdoor tent party Two Foot Fred, performances by the Penny Mae Dixon Band and friends and Cowboy Troy autograph session. 2:30PM - $22 Lake County Fair 1060 E. Peterson Rd, Grayslake Southern Exposure and Chasin' Mason - Thurs, July 30 - Courtyard Stage - $10 James Otto and Randy Houser - Fri, July 31 - 8PM - Bud Light Stage - $10 Blake Shelton and J amey Johnson - Sat, Aug. 1 - 8PM Bud Light Stage - $10
Billy Currington & Jason Michael Carroll Sat, Aug 8 - 8PM Wisconsin State Fair, 640 South 84th Street, West Allis, WI $10 - $30 - wistatefair.com
You May Like:
Wauconda Rodeo
Golden Oaks Rodeo Grounds Route 12 at Case Road Wauconda Sat, July 11- 7PM; gates 5PM Sun, July 12 - 3PM; gates 1PM $5 - $12 waucondarodeo.com On the go? Check out Co un tryMusicChicago.mobi on your mobile phone. Download a Blackberry Icon or (corning soon) an iPhone App
August, September & October Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band Sat, Aug 8 - 8PM & Sat, Aug 158PM - Toyota Park - 7000 S. Harlem Ave, Bridgeview $29 - $129 - Ticketmaster Bucky Covington
Wed, Aug 12 - 7PM Boone County Fair -8791 IL Route 76, Belvidere - $TBA boon eco un tyfair. com
Illinois State Fair Fri, Aug 14 - Sun, Aug 23 This year's theme is "All American Fair" 801 Sagamon Ave, Springfield- $3 agr.state.il. us Grandstand Lineup - TBA
Pat Green Thurs, Aug 20 9:30PM joe's Bar* 940 W. Weed Chicago - $30 Ticketmaster
Josh Gracin, Daryl Worley and Cross County Junction Sun, Aug 23 - IPM Zoo Tunes - Brookfield Zoo 8400 31st St, Brookfield - FREE with paid admission to the Zoo astarconcerts. com *May require patrons to be 21 +
Tony Rio Thurs, Aug 21 - TBA joe's Bar* - 940 W. Weed, Chicago - $5 - joesbar. com
Jack Ingram Fri, Sept 11, - 10PM joe's Bar* - 940 W. Weed St. Chicago - $12 - Ticketmaster
Bureau County Fair Wed, Aug 26 - Sun, Aug 30 811 W Peru St - Princeton - $TBA - bureaucountyfair.com - Grandstand TBA
Sugarland Fri, Sept 18 - 7:30PM Bradley Center 1001 North Fourth Street, Milwaukee, WI $26 - $48 - Ticketmaster
Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band Sat, Aug 29 - 8PM - Alpine Valley Music Theatre - 2699 Highway D, East Troy, WI $33.00 - $133 - LiveNation
Toby Keith with Trace Atkins Sat, Sept 19 - TBA First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre - 19100 South Ridgeland Ave, Tinley Park
Chasin' Mason Thurs, Aug 28 10PM joe's Bar* 940W. Weed, Chicago - $TBA - joesbar. com
Carrie Underwood Sun, Aug 307PM- SOLD OUT Mon, Aug 31 - 8PM Ravinia 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park - $30 - $95 - ravinia.org
Sandwich Fair Sep 9 - 13 - TBA Somonauk Rd & Pratt Rd, Sandwich - sandwichfair.com
$TBA - LiveNation
Dave Matthews Band with Willie Nelson Sat, Sept 26, 7PM First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre - 19100 South Ridgeland Ave, Tinley Park $40 -$75 - LiveNation Chicago Country Music Festival - MOSE Sat, Oct 3 - Sun, Oct 4 Soldier Field - 1410 S. Museum Dr, Chicago - Lineup TBA & FREE chicago co un trym usicfestival. us
Jamey Johnson Sat, Oct 3 - IlPM joe's Bar* - 940 W. Weed St, Chicago - $17 - Ticketmaster Taylor Swift Fri, Oct 9 - Details TBA
Artist A-Z Index A Jason Aldean 8 Keith Anderson 8 Rodney Atkins 9 Trace Atkins 11 B Dierks Bentley 10 The Bellamy Brothers 9 Big & Rich 10 Blackberry Smoke 10 Bluegrass 6
Wade Boden 7 Jimmy Buffet 11 Burns Poe 9 C Chris Cagle 10 Jason Michael Carroll 6, 10 Carter Twins 6 Chasin'Mason 8, 10, 11 Kenny Chesney 7, 8 Mark Chesnutt 6, 9 Eric Church 10 Terri Clark 9 Colt Ford 9 Bucky Covington 11 Cowboy Troy 10 Cross Country Junction 7, 10, 11 Billy Currington 7, 10 D
Diamond Rio 9 E John Eddie 7 Eli Young Band 6 Sara Evans 6, 9 F Folk Music 10
G Vince Gill 6, 10 Josh Gracin 11 The Grascals 9 Pat Green 11 H Shawn Hammonds 9 Her and Kings County 8 Julianne Hough 6,8 Randy Houser 10 Jack Ingram 9, 11
J Alan Jackson 9, 10 Jin and Tonic 10 Joey + Rory 6,9 Jamey Johnson 10, 11 K Toby Keith 11 Kid Rock 8 L
Lady Antebellum 7, 8 Miranda Lambert 7, 8 Tracy Lawrence 9 Little Big Town 8 The Lost Trailers 6,8, 9 Lucky Town 10 Lynyrd Skynyrd 8 M Tim McGraw 9 Montgomery Gentry 7 N Willie Nelson 8, 11 Heidi Newfield 7, 9
o James Otto 10 Jake Owen 9
p Brad Paisley 10 Penny Mae Dixon Band 7, 10 Kellie Pickler 9 Sarah Pierce 7 R Randy Rogers Band 7 Rascal Flatts 10 Reckless Kelly 7 Restless Heart 9 Leann Rimes 6 Tony Rio 11 Kenny Rogers 7 Darius Rucker 10 S Blake Shelton 6, 8, 10 Southern Exposure 10 Jeffrey Steele 7 George Strait 6, 8 Sugarland 7, 11 Taylor Swift 9, 11 U Carrie Underwood 11 Keith Urban 6, 8 V
Phil Vassar 7, 9 W Jimmy Wayne 10 Whiskey Myers 10 Williams & Ree 9 Daryl Worley 11 y Yard Fulla Cars 6 Z Zac Brown Band 6, 8
Be sure to check CountryMusicChicago.com for updates, future listings and other exciting content. Have a great Summer! Please, pass this on to a friend.