Line Up
MAIN STAGE
Click on the artist name to see show times. All times are subject to change.
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Dierks Bentley
Friday, 9:45 PM
Probably no other artist on country radio in the past ten years could manage this kind of range and versatility. Especially when one considers the broader record. He’s had eight No. 1 singles and written every one of them. He’s performed at Lollapalooza, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Bonnaroo and the CMA Music Festival, tailoring his sets to each. His instantly recognizable voice and acoustic/electric hybrid sound have propelled him to membership in the Grand Ole Opry and, in 2011, a performance for the President at the White House. All made possible by his devotion to developing all sides of his musicianship.
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Chris Young
Friday, 8:00 PM
When an artist looks back on his or her own career, there are always moments he or she can point to where there was a shift to another level. Those defining moments tend to be easy to spot with the benefit of hindsight but more difficult to see without the passage of time. Yet Chris Young has a sense that something is happening.
"I really do believe in timing," says Young. "Everybody has a different point in their career when things start to come together and click, when it's your time."
With the release of his third studio album, NEON, Chris Young leaves no doubt. Now is his time.
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KIX BROOKS
Friday, 6:30 PM
Before he became half of Brooks & Dunn, the most popular country duo of the '90s, Kix Brooks cut an unsuccessful solo album on the basis of a much more productive songwriting career. Brooks was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1955, and discovered country music through his neighbor Johnny Horton; he began performing with Horton's daughter as a youth, and spent his high-school years playing clubs and writing songs on the side. After graduation, he moved to Alaska to work on the oil pipeline, and then relocated to Maine, where he performed often at ski resorts and other venues. He moved to Nashville in the early '80s and landed a job as a staff songwriter with Tree Publishing, which resulted in his compositions being recorded by the likes of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Highway 101, and John Conlee, among others.
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David Nail
Friday, 5:00 PM
With Sinatra-like levels of poise and class, the rare gifts of natural melody and soul, and a voice as enveloping as a Cumberland River fog, the Missouri native is a modern-day country gentleman. He’s Jim Reeves crossed with Elton John. Garth Brooks meets Stevie Wonder. Glen Campbell blended with Michael Bublé.
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Jon Pardi
Friday, 3:45 PM
Pardi’s high-energy approach, perfected on stages throughout his native California, has its stamp all over his Capitol Records Nashville debut. Just as importantly, that energy is applied to music rooted in songwriting legend Harlan Howard's adage that country is three chords and the truth.
"If you can take a piece of life and put it in a song," says Pardi, "it's going to be a good song—especially if it's from the heart."
Life and love, truth and energy wind their way all through his debut album, which showcases a young artist who is clearly no ordinary newcomer. Few artists hit stride as quickly and as forcefully as he has, and his fellow artists have been among the first to take note.
Jukebox Mafia
Friday, 2:30 PM
Dave Fenley & Josh Hoge have started a new project with the support of Miranda Lambert. Accompanied by Derek Bahr on guitar. Come see us with Miranda and Dierks in a city near you!
Friday, July 19
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LUKE BRYAN
Saturday, 9:45 PM
With his 2007 debut, "I’ll Stay Me," Luke Bryan unapologetically shared his own brand of traditional country music with an ever-growing legion of fans. On his sophomore release, "Doin’ My Thing," Luke is destined to find an even broader audience.
Luke was also among the finalists for the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Male Vocalist Award and was tapped an artist to watch by both Billboard and Country Weekly.
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THOMPSON SQUARE
Saturday, 8:00 PM
Thompson Square isn’t a real place, exactly. It’s the musical territory staked out by the husband-and-wife duo of Keifer and Shawna Thompson, an exciting and unpredictable area where country meets rock, rough meets smooth and one vagabond heart finds a harmonious common ground with another. It’s the sweet destination where two journeys end and another one begins. “It’s the place where we create our thing, a little fantasyland where we live,” Keifer says.
Florida Georgia Line
Saturday, 6:30 PM
The duo's multi-week #1 single, "Cruise," hit the Top 10 just 14 weeks after its release, faster than any debut since Brooks & Dunn’s “Brand New Man.” It's the kind of affirmation few young artists ever experience, and yet was just the cap on a year that saw Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard thrill audiences on tour dates with Alabama, Brantley Gilbert and Jake Owen; cut an EP and their first album HERE’S TO THE GOOD TIMES with producer Joey Moi (Nickelback, Jake Owen) and sign a label deal with Republic Nashville -- after selling nearly 200,000 digital downloads independently.
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COLT FORD
Saturday, 5:00 PM
For the legion of fans that have seen Colt’s live shows—over 750,000 did in 2011 alone—“the edge” is what they’ve come to expect. In the same way that a superstar athlete leaves everything he has on the field, Colt knows no other way to perform than to be all in. “I give it everything I’ve got when I go out on stage,” he says. “It’s about the fans. That’s my goal, to reach and touch as many people as I can. I don’t really have any goals beyond that. I’m so blessed and lucky to play music for a living.”
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Jon Pardi
Saturday, 3:45 PM
Pardi’s high-energy approach, perfected on stages throughout his native California, has its stamp all over his Capitol Records Nashville debut. Just as importantly, that energy is applied to music rooted in songwriting legend Harlan Howard's adage that country is three chords and the truth.
"If you can take a piece of life and put it in a song," says Pardi, "it's going to be a good song—especially if it's from the heart."
Life and love, truth and energy wind their way all through his debut album, which showcases a young artist who is clearly no ordinary newcomer. Few artists hit stride as quickly and as forcefully as he has, and his fellow artists have been among the first to take note.
Drake White
Saturday, 2:30 PM
Drake White is an aspiring singer songwriter residing in Nashville, TN. The Hokes Bluff, Alabama native has a very different country feel with a freestyle twist on many of his original songs. He ad-libs throughout a show phrasing rhythmic lyrics as his entertaining live show unfolds. Drake frequently involves the audience in his witty craftsmanship of verbalization as well. The enthusiastic 27 year old credits many country, blues, rock, freestyle and bluegrass influences that forms his musical sound that is unique in its own way. The EMI singer/songwriter is incredibly motivated in his pursuit of creating great music and wants nothing more than to do what he loves. He is a God fearing, river rat, beach bum that loves the outdoors and expresses this love through his soulful lyrical exchanges that breeze through the listener's ears effortlessly.
Brett Eldredge
Saturday, 1:45 PM
Country up-and-comer Brett Eldredge has always been attracted to singers, a fact that should come as no surprise to anyone who’s heard the Illinois native’s soulful, distinctive baritone. “I always gravitated towards big voices, because as a kid I had this big voice coming out of me,” says Eldredge. “I was hooked on the story that somebody would be telling through their voice.” With his debut album slated to be released in 2013 on Atlantic Records and new single “Don’t Ya” at radio now, Eldredge is finally getting the chance to share a story of his own.
Saturday, July 20
JASON ALDEAN
Sunday, 9:45 PM
With more than seven million records sold and 10 No. one hits under his belt, entertainer Jason Aldean recently released one of 2012's most buzzed about new albums, NIGHT TRAIN. Entertainment Weekly calls Aldean's delivery on the album "epic," and Billboard points to the singer pushing the limits to move his "sound forward sonically, vocally and lyrically." NIGHT TRAIN's first single, “Take A Little Ride,” has already had a three-week reign at No. one and set multiple sales and radio airplay records, and the 15-song collection goes on to cover plenty of turf.
THOMAS RHETT
Sunday, 6:30 PM
Funny thing about destiny. If something is truly designed to occur – particularly a career choice – the path is often extraordinarily easy once the resistance is dropped. Just ask Thomas Rhett.
The singer-songwriter spent most of his teens figuring out what, other than music, he could do for a career. Kinesiology, business, anatomy, media – anything but music. None of those rather ordinary pursuits seemed to work out.
JERROD NIEMANN
Sunday, 5:00 PM
While writing and recording his new album, Jerrod Niemann immersed himself in the history of country music. A student of music theory and production—he majored in Performance Art Technology at South Plains College in Levelland, Texas—Jerrod pondered a question that is heard more and more frequently these days: Just what exactly constitutes country?
His answer to that query can be found in the musically and technically groundbreaking Free The Music. “This album is my interpretation of how I feel about country right now,” Jerrod says.
GREG BATES
Sunday, 3:45 PM
If any artist can marry the right lyrics with the right melody in three minutes flat and connect with an audience, it’s Greg Bates. Full of energy and ambition, he’s always ready to write, forever in search of that perfect song.
Chase Rice
Sunday, 2:30 PM
This Carolina reared, good-times tunesmith must be dripping adrenaline from beneath his backwards ball cap as he’s always at full throttle both on and off the stage. Beneath the party up persona, you’ll find the persistent passion of a college football linebacker, the drive of a NASCAR crew member and ultimately the level-headed, hard working values that are the result of a close family unit (and a mom that whipped him into shape). “That guy you see on stage having the time of his life is the same guy you get behind the scenes. Some artists turn on a switch and you’re like ‘where did that come from?’ but for me --- this is it. I’m a ball cap and t-shirt guy to the core. We’ll roll out some songs and I may even join you for a few when we’re wrapped and ready to head out.”
DEE JAY Silver
Between Acts
Dee Jay Silver has been a top touring dj/remixer/producer for over 10 years, having played in premier venues in virtually every major market in the US, Mexico and Canada. Currently touring with Country Super Stars Jason Aldean & Luke Bryan for his second year on Aldean's "My Kinda Party Tour". Touring with the like of Eric Church, Thompson Square, Chris Young, The Jane Dear Girls, Rascall Flatts, Sarah Evans, Easton Corbin, & Justin Moore in 2011, Dee Jay Silver has entertained millions of listeners with his unique brand of party rock country style of music mixing. His high energy performances get the crowds moving – whether in stadiums paving the way for each new act coming on stage, or at top clubs and parties throughout North America. As a highly sought after crowd pleaser, Dee Jay Silver has energized large and high profile events and parties, including for the Coca-Cola Beach Party & Louie’s Back Yard Spring Break events, L.A. X-Games, MTV Music Awards after parties, Academy of Country Music Awards (ACMs), Country Music Awards (CMAs) after parties, Country Music Weekly Fashion Show, Jackass World Tour, Viva La Bam Spring Break Tour, and too many others to count.
Sunday, July 21
SECOND STAGE
Click on the artist name to see show times. All times are subject to change.
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Will Hoge
Friday, 5:45 PM
Will Hoge began touring in the American South. He independently released his first CD, Live At The Exit/In, a live set recorded at the Nashville club. His original sound drew much attention and, through constant touring, he was able to release his first studio album, Carousel.
Will caught the attention of Atlantic Records music executives and he was signed to a record deal in early 2002. Atlantic then re-released Carousel to a wider market. His 2003 major label debut, Blackbird On A Lonely Wire was a cleaner sounding effort.
Will grew up in Franklin, Tennessee, located just south of Nashville. His sound was heavily influenced by his musician father and uncles and the extensive record collection that his father kept.
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The Cadillac Three
Friday, 4:15 PM
While The Cadillac Three might be a brand new band – a little over a year old as of this writing –Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason and Kelby Ray have been friends and musical co-conspirators for as long as anyone can remember. They’ve weathered their wild teenage years and even wilder tours, weathered major label letdowns and major league triumphs, conquered Music Row – Johnston co-wrote Keith Urban’s #1 single “You Gonna Fly” – and crashed on the couches of strangers in far flung cities. These boys have seen more ups and downs than a Smoky Mountain tour guide.
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GUNNAR & THE GRIZZLY BOYS
Friday, 3:00 PM
There is no experience as true to homegrown American country music as a Gunnar & the Grizzly Boys show. Their electrifying sound hits you like your favorite shot; the words shine through like your best friend recalling a favorite memory. The sheer energy brought by the Grizzlies live explodes into the audience like a dose of adrenalin.
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ANNABELLE ROAD
Friday, 2:00 PM
With a big-as-the-room sound, the ability to rock the doors off the toughest clubs, the heart to keep a crowd hanging on every note and the party going till closing time, Annabelle Road blows in from the intersection where rural and urban sensibilities meet. Tapping Motor City's rich musical well by way of Butcher Holler, this barnstorming band fuses the best of rock and country seamlessly to their polished originals. Mass appeal is guaranteed from the rockers to the honky tonkers. It's trucker hats and big hair in a chopper shop. Moonshine on steel wheels. If you're ready to rock out on a Carrie Underwood-meets-Johnny Cash-by way of-Skynyrd trip, do not miss the opportunity to experience the joyride that is Annabelle Road.
THE MATT RYAN BAND
Friday, 1:15 PM
The Matt Ryan Band was formed in November 2010 by Matt Ryan and Randy Badour in Bay City Michigan.
The MRB sound is an eclectic mix of several styles of music.
Collectively it comes together and flows across the airwaves as a modern country feel. Matt Ryan's vocal styling adds a smooth soulful sound that soars over angelic 2 part harmonies. The scope of the original songs range from beautiful hoo...ks and melodies to full on hard rocking assault.
The wide range from song to song can only be attributed to it's members with many years of experience in nearly every style of music.
Friday, July 19
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CHRIS STAPLETON
Saturday, 5:45 PM
Chris Stapleton is an American country, bluegrass, and rock musician signed to Universal Music Group Nashville. He is an established songwriter with four number one songs including the five-week number one "Never Wanted Nothing More" recorded by Kenny Chesney, “Love's Gonna Make It Alright” recorded by George Strait and "Come Back Song" recorded by Darius Rucker. Stapleton also wrote the song "Drink a Beer" for Luke Bryan which will appear on Bryan's upcoming album.
As a writer for Sea Gayle Music, over 150 of Stapleton's songs have appeared on albums by such artists as Adele, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley and Dierks Bentley, and he has several notable co-writers including Vince Gill, Peter Frampton and Sheryl Crow.
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KELLEIGH BANNEN
Saturday, 4:15 PM
Kelleigh is a singer-songwriter in her hometown, Nashville, TN. New single "Sorry On The Rocks" out July 2012.
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PAULINA JAYNE
Saturday, 3:00 PM
Paulina Jayne is a high school junior who recently turned 17 years old. She started piano lessons at age 6 and began songwriting at age 9. Self-taught on the guitar, ukelele, and mandolin, her repertoire now includes well over 200 songs in all genres, though her country tunes have most recently captured national attention. As a result of her prolific and astounding songwriting abilities recognized at a young age, she has performed nationwide and recorded her original songs with well-known musicians and producers in the highly touted Oceanway Studios in Nashville and Rustbelt Studio and The Audio Cafe in the Detroit metro area.
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BRIAN LORENTE & THE USUAL SUSPECTS
BRIAN LORENTE & THE USUAL SUSPECTS
Saturday, 2:00 PM
Brian Lorente began his musical journey in earnest in 2004 when he wrote, produced, and released his first original album titled Six Strings and a Dream. In subsequent years, Brian, along with his backing band The Usual Suspects, has progressed to one of Michigan’s premier stage acts by working hard to provide high-energy entertainment that appeals to all demographics. His latest full-length release, 2:45, will be available May 2011.
In 2010, Brian shared the stage with no less than eleven national acts and appeared across the state as headliner and opening act. His blend of country and rock, classic and current hits is a sure winner in any venue. Check out www.brianlorente.com for the latest tourdates and news.
Brian and his band are completely contained and bring to the table a top-end EAW PA system and light show when the situation demands.
“We know our job, and that is to fire up your crowd and entertain. We take that very seriously.”’
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MATT AUSTIN
Saturday, 1:15 PM
Matt Austin grew up in the metropolitan Detroit area with a guitar-playing father but he didn’t gain interest in playing until his uncle from Texas moved to Michigan. When Matt was 9 years old, his uncle introduced him to a Stevie Ray Vaughn cassette tape. Matt said “what is that sound?”, and his Dad said “that’s a guitar.” He immediately asked his father for a guitar, and got one that Christmas. Over the next five years, his father taught him classic rock, southern rock and blues, and used artists such as Lynard Skynard, Eric Clapton, Jimmi Hendrix, and of course Stevie Ray Vaughn, to help inspire the young artist. This led to Matt’s involvement in bands and song writing beginning at the age of 14.
Nicknamed “The Kid”, by 17 years old, seasoned musicians watched as Matt played songs such as VooDoo Chile, Cocaine and Red House. At 18, he joined a classic rock and blues cover band as the lead guitarist and then moved forward with his own project, Bridgewood. Besides playing lead and back up vocals, Matt led the band, and wrote the songs. While having some success locally and opening for national acts such as Vince Neil, Trapt and Sponge, a friend asked him to help form a band with multiple recent national act members. They diverted him and they formed the Paper Street Saints. PSS became a major Detroit headliner, regularly packing houses throughout the metro area and opening for national acts as large as Bon Jovi with 20,000 fans in a sold out arena.
Saturday, July 20
FRANKIE BALLARD
Sunday, 5:45 PM
Few artists in the history of country music have risen from obscurity to prominence with the speed of Warner Bros. Records guitar slinger Frankie Ballard.
On his debut album for the label, this performer brings a bluesy, rocking edge to the country scene. His talents as a vocalist, songwriter, instrumentalist and showman have already made him one of the genre’s most memorable new personalities.
In addition to its swiftness, Frankie Ballard’s ascent is notable for the seeming ease with which it has happened. In 2008, he signed with the first song publishing company he ever auditioned for. In 2009, the first time he staged a showcase for record companies, he got a major-label contract.
His first single, “Tell Me You Get Lonely,” became a top-five video chart success. His first club tour was with big-time hit maker Uncle Kracker. The first of his songs to be recorded by another artist was by million-selling Billy Currington. All of this took place in 2010.
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Jukebox Mafia
Sunday, 4:15 PM
Dave Fenley & Josh Hoge have started a new project with the support of Miranda Lambert. Accompanied by Derek Bahr on guitar. Come see us with Miranda and Dierks in a city near you!
KRIS HITCHCOCK & SMALL TOWN SON
KRIS HITCHCOCK & SMALL TOWN SON
Sunday, 3:00 PM
Two-time Texaco Country Showdown State champions and national recording artists Kris Hitchcock and Small Town Son have become one of the midwest’s most heralded and sought after country acts. With one self-produced album under their belt and another with Nashville producer Jimmy Dulin (Jaron and the long road to love) just released, awe-inspiring musicianship and dynamic live shows, this Michigan-based 5 piece band are stars on the rise. Kris Hitchcock, the bands frontman and songwriter, worked for years on the craft of songwriting before writing in Nashville, TN. With a lyrical sense in the stroke of Springsteen and Mellencamp, and a direction towards honest and personal experiences turned into songs, Kris turns pictures of life’s moments into midwest rock anthems for the people of our time.
They aren’t just country for the sake of country, or rock/pop to fit into a trend, but an authentic, gritty, and straight look at the thoughtss and issues that define growing up and growing old in our world. The sound is midwest country at its best; Tom Petty with a fiddle, Bob Seger with a twang, and 100% born and bred from the heart of the heartland.
JO CAINE
Sunday, 2:00 PM
At the intersection of Interstate 75 and Nine Mile Road, you will find "Hazel Park", Michigan. An unassuming suburb just outside of Detroit, lovingly dubbed "Hazeltucky" by its residents and just a stones throw from the original Model T factory. This is where Jo forges southern rock/ country with Yankee pride.
Jo "Bubba" Caine has been filling A-rooms all over Michigan and the Midwest, upstaging national acts and have managed to land his redneck, yankee pride, blue collar music on more than one Hollywood motion picture soundtrack (Lonestar State of Mind, Laurel Canyon, The Last Run) and a popular TV series (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation). Jo "Bubba" Caine has also written a song on Uncle Krackers "Good to be me" deluxe album called "Sittin Here"
Jo Caine's original intentions were not to pursue a music career. As a 6' 4", 245 lb. All-American tight end in college, Joe Binki had plans to go pro. An absolute hurricane with a football in his hands, his teammates christened him "Jo Caine".
KARI LYNCH BAND
Sunday, 1:15 PM
The Kari Lynch Band lives for rocking the stage and putting on an entertaining and unforgettable show. With exceptional musicianship, accomplished songwriting and incredible enthusiasm, the band brings a dynamic stage presence, impressive lead vocal and solid three-part harmony to every stage.
For them it’s all about the fans and making good music. They've experienced playing sold out venues, fairs, festivals, television, radio and opening for Major Label artists. The band’s chemistry and passion shine through each performance creating a one of a kind, country rocking show.
In their three years together they’ve become one of Michigan’s most talked about and sought after country bands--Touring extensively and making frequent trips to Nashville, TN to write songs and play shows.