August 2009 Concerts

Blake Shelton and Jamey Johnson
Saturday, August 1 – 8PM
Lake County Fair – 1060 E Peterson Rd, Grayslake
$10 - lakecountyfairassoc.com

Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band
Saturday, August 8 – 8PM & Sat, Aug 15 – 8PM
Toyota Park – 7000 S. Harlem Ave, Bridgeview
$29 – $129 - Ticketmaster

Bucky Covington
Wed, Aug 12 – 7PM
Boone County Fair – 8791 IL Route 76, Belvidere
$5 – boonecountyfair.com

Illinois State Fair - Fri, Aug 14 – Sun, Aug 23
agr.state.il.us/isf/

Josh Turner with Jamey Johnson and Chuck Wicks
Sunday, August 16 – 8PM | $15 – $20

Montgomery Gentry with Kellie Pickler, James Otto and Candy Coburn
Friday, August 21 – 8PM | $20 – $28

Pat Green with Halfway to Hazard
Thursday, August 20 – 9:30PM
Joe’s Bar* – 940 W. Weed, Chicago
$30 – Ticketmaster

Josh Gracin with Daryl Worley and Cross County Junction
Sunday, August 23 – 1PM
Zoo Tunes - Brookfield Zoo – 8400 31st St, Brookfield
FREE with paid admission to the Zoo – astarconcerts.com

Lady Antebellum with PennyMaeDixon Band and Southern Heritage
Sunday, August 23 – Noon
DeKalb Corn Fest – DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport – 3232 Pleasant St, DeKalb
Free – cornfest.com

Billy Currington with Heidi Newfield
Friday, August 28 – 7:30PM
Bureau County Fair – 811 W Peru St, Princeton
$24 – $32 – bureaucountyfair.com

Chasin’ Mason
Thurs, Aug 28 – 10PM
Joe’s Bar* – 940 W. Weed, Chicago
$TBA - joesbar.com

Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band
Saturday, August 29 – 8PM
Alpine Valley Music Theatre – 2699 Highway D, East Troy, WI
$33.00 – $133 – LiveNation

Carrie Underwood
Sunday, August 30 – 7PM – SOLD OUT
Monday, August 31 – 8PM – SOLD OUT
Ravinia – 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park
$30 – $95 – ravinia.org

Sugarland Live on the Big Screen

Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush are always one of the hottest tickets in town but this time, fans won’t be flocking to a concert venue for this exclusive show.

In conjunction with the duo’s upcoming live album release, for one night only Sugarland will be hitting theaters across America for their theatrical premiere of “Live on the Inside”. The 1 hour and 25 minute movie, much like the DVD, will feature high-definition footage of some of the duo’s biggest hits performed during their Lexington, Kentucky show.

While fans will be able to purchase the duo’s “Live on the Inside” CD-DVD exclusively through Wal-Mart on August 4, the band has taped an exclusive greeting to fans that can only be seen in movie theaters.

To watch the trailer and purchase tickets, visit http://www.dandeentertainment.com/sugarland/home.html

Details:

The Marcus Cinema of Orland Park is the only Chicago area theater showing the limited-edition movie. Tickets are $11 and available through the theater’s box office and through movietickets.com. Tickets are being sold on a first-come, first-serve basis and they do not guarantee seats.

Big & Rich comin’ on strong

Live Review

It’s been almost half a decade since the Big & Rich released their debut album “Horse of a Different Color”. Since then, fans have learned to appreciate the duo’s harmonic songs, unpredictable twists and semi-rowdy performances. While recent rumors expose a possible breakup, Sunday’s concert was almost relaxing to see both John Rich and Big Kenny, with his large top hat, enter the stage for a performance that was anything but a breakup song.

The Mega Center at Pheasant Run, located in West Suburban, St. Charles, Ill. was the only Chicago area venue on the duo’s limited engagement summer tour. While they performed all of their mega, Big & Rich hits like “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy”, “Holy Water” and “Lost in this Moment” it was evident that both entertainers had some side work to share with the energetic crowd. Both Rich and Big Kenny performed new music that you won’t find on a Big & Rich album. One of the most obvious solo songs of the night included Rich’s recent hit “Shuttin’ Detroit Down” from his album, “Son of a Preacher Man,” released earlier this year.

What confirmed this was a truly Big & Rich show was when I witnessed a stagehand grab a fire extinguisher before the show. I immediately thought, “Only at a Big & Rich concert.” During the encore, with the help of Cowboy Troy, John Rich lit an acoustic guitar, doused in lighter fluid, right on the Mega Center stage.

Regardless of rumors, solo albums and what sometimes seems to be different view between Rich and Big Kenny, the duo always brings-it-on whey they perform. Their perfection for the music, ability to entertain and most importantly, their understanding of their fans allow the entertainers to immediately captivate the audience almost as if they were singing directly to the hearts and minds of hard-working Americans.

Save a Horse, Ride a Hog?

Concert Alert!

Researchers say, the whole is greater than the sum of parts and on Sunday, area country music fan can witness an explosion of music when the country music power duo Big & Rich take the stage at the West Suburban Pheasant Run Mega Center. When combined, John Rich and Big Kenny create the explosive duo known as Big & Rich and while it’s apparent that both Rich and Big Kenny have been pursuing solo career stints outside of the duo, their forces have drawn them together for a limited engagement summer tour with only one stop in Chicagoland.

When we say explosive, we mean explosive. When asked, during an on-air interview with US99’s Lisa Dent and Ramblin’ Ray [Stevens], if he [Rich] would be lighting anything on fire this time, Rich replied “Yes”. It will be interesting to see how Rich will follow last March’s appearance when he ignited an acoustic guitar doused in lighter fluid on the Mega Center stage. 

While their wild concerts seem to reflect their lives, the duo has significantly contributed, in multiple ways, to country music. Through philanthropic initiatives and several chart-topping mega hits like “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy”, “Comin’ to Your City” and “Lost in this Moment”, the duo has become a staple in mainstream country music and often looked upon as a modern day spokesperson for hard-working Americans.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to see Big & Rich live. Tickets are available at the Pheasant Run Box Office, Ticketmaster Outlets and Ticketmaster.com. Make it a weekend, the best seats are available with overnight packages.

Calling on all Harley Riders!

Join fellow Harley riders in escorting Big Kenny to the concert on Sunday. Harley riders will meet at Ill. Route 64 at Ill. Route 59 at 1 p.m. The escort will be taped for a special segment to air on GAC’s Headline Country. The rally will finish with a pre-show BBQ at Pheasant Run starting at 2:30 p.m. and will feature appearances by Cowboy Troy, Two Foot Fred and live music by the PennyMaeDixon Band. Harley riders eat free, non-riders $25 at the door.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for local Harley riders to ride along with Big Kenny, one half of the famous duo, and other special guests right here in St. Charles, ” says Diane Rosenthal, General Manager of Pheasant Run Resort.

Harley riders should email AStar Promotions at events@astarnow.com to register for the road rally.

CONCERT DETAILS:

WHO: Big & Rich with Cowboy Troy and Cross County Junction

WHEN: Sunday, July 26, 2009 | 6PM – Main Concert

US99 Pre-Party BBQ featuring Two Foot Fred and friends | 2:30PM

WHERE: Pheasant Run Mega Center, St Charles, IL

4051 East Main Street, St. Charles, IL 60174

TICKETS: Tickets range from $39 – $79 and are available from the Pheasant Run Box Office or Ticketmaster.com

Last Chance for Taylor

Breaking News….

Country Thunder USA festival organizers just announced a last minute decision to release additional general admission seating to Thursday’s concert headlined by country music teen-sensation Taylor Swift.

Swift, following performances by Kellie Pickler, Jack Ingram, Mark Chesnutt, Williams & Ree, The Bellamy Brothers and Burns Poe, will take the festival’s main stage at 9 p.m. 

Thursday’s performance is the only Chicago area Taylor Swift concert with tickets available for purchase. Swift’s two-day appearance in October has sold-out.

Swift joins country music stars Tracy Lawrence, Alan Jackson and Tim McGraw as nightly headliners at the four-day music festival located in rural Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. Accompanying this year’s festival headliners include some of country music’s biggest names including Rodney Atkins, Jake Owen, Phil Vassar, Heidi Newfield, Terri Clark and The Lost Trailers.

Daily, general admission (lawn) passes to Country Thunder range from $25 – $54, while 4-day adult passes are $119. Reserved seats range from $159 – $600 for all 4-days. The festival takes place on July 15 the 18. For more information, visit countrythunder.com.

Grand Slam Weekend

Concert Alert:

From the Stateline to the pitcher’s line, mid-July brings Chicago area country music fans an all-star lineup of country music concerts. As the busiest week in Chicago’s country music scene, area concerts range from country music mega group, Rascal Flatts playing at Wrigley Field to local talent like The Hoyle Brothers and Springfield’s own the Gaddis Sisters.

Staring off the week is Country Thunder, now in it’s 17th Year, the four-day festival features headliners Tracy Lawrence (Wed.), Taylor Swift (Thurs.), Alan Jackson (Fri.) and Tim McGraw (Sat.) while on Saturday, Rascal Flatts along with Darius Rucker and Vince Gill will make history as the first country concert to play the Friendly Confines. If that’s not enough, catch the Zac Brown Band at Rockton Fest on Sunday.

For those who prefer to stay South of I-88, Alan Jackson will headline “Concerts for a Cause” at the Cedar Point Sportsman Club in LaSalle. Proceeds will benefit the Easter Seals Autism & Special Needs Children.

Play-by-Play Lineup:

Chicago

Whiskey Meyers and Blackberry Smoke
Friday, July 17 – 8PM
Joe’s Bar, 940 W. Weed Street, Chicago
$5 – joesbar.com

Rascal Flatts with Vince Gill and Darius Rucker
Saturday, July 18 – 7PM
Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison, Chicago
$35 – $89 – tickets.com

The Hoyle Brothers
Friday, July 17 – 5:30PM
The Empty Bottle – 1035 N. Western Ave, Chicago
FREE – emptybottle.com

Suburbs

Chase Daniels & Western Star
Kane County Fair – Wednesday, July 15 – 3PM
525 S Randall Rd, St. Charles
$1 – kanecountyfair.com

Pat Green
Thursday, July 16 – 8PM
Emricson Park – 1313 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock
$29 – $50 – ticketmaster.com

Rockin’ for the Troops
Saturday, July 18 – 3PM
Featuring the Gaddis Sisters, Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band and more
Cantigny Gardens & Park – 1S151 Winfield Rd, Wheaton
$25 advance, parking $10 – osotil.org

Hillbilly Rockstarz
Kane County Fair – Sunday, July 19 – 5PM
525 S Randall Rd, St. Charles
$5 – kanecountyfair.com

Northern Illinois – Stateline Area

Country Thunder USA
Featuring: Tracy Lawrence, Taylor Swift, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw and many more.
Thursday, July 15 – Saturday, July 18
2305 Lance Dr, Twin Lakes, WI Please note: Highway 12 is under construction
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 – countrythunder.com

Rockton Days
Thursday, July 16 – Sunday, July 19
Settler’s Park, 100-199 S Bridge S. Rockton
$10 – $30 – oldsettlersdays.com

Keith Anderson – Thursday, July 16 – 6PM
Jamey Johnson – Friday, July 17 – 10PM
The Zac Brown Band – Sunday, July 18 – 8PM

Middle Illinois

Alan Jackson
Saturday, July 18 – 3:30PM
Concerts for a Cause – Cedar Point Sportsman Club Rt. 80 & 351, LaSalle
$45 – louslagrotto.com/concerts

Northwest Indiana

Randy Travis
Friday, July 17 – 7PM
Festival of the Lakes – Wolf Lake Park
2938 S Calumet Ave, Hammond, IN
FREE, Parking 15 – festival.gohammond.com

Some prices might not include special handling fees.

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