2:12:41 PM: Traffic backed up on Richmond Rd from Country Thunder to US12/IL31 intersection.

2:47:08 PM:  David Nail performs at Country Thunder. - http://twitpic.com/28nal9

3:27:33 PM: David Nail hammers out his two most popular songs last, “Red Light” and “Turning Home”.

4:22:07 PM:  Luke Bryan playing it on the main stage: http://twitpic.com/28o1ny

4:40:47 PM: Sorry Luke, if you like rain you should have been at Country Thunder on Thursday. Doesn’t look like rain is going to happen today.

4:49:00 PM: There’s no slowing down on Sunday at Country Thunder. The lawn is almost completely full.

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8:59:14 PM: Country superstar Kenny Chesney takes the stage to close Country Thunder 2010 http://tweetphoto.com/34977379

9:01:37 PM: The general admission lawn is packed with Chesney fans singing along to “Summertime”. http://tweetphoto.com/34977729

9:05:33 PM: …I hope that everyone of you can relate to this song tomorrow, said Chesney prior to performing his hit song, “We Went Out Last Night”.

9:42:25 PM: Luke Bryan and Billy Currington join Chesney on stage for the Steve Miller Band classic, “The Joker”.

9:52:11 PM: Jo Dee Messina joins Chesney on stage during “When The Sun Goes Down”. She was reluctant because she was in her pajamas!

9:57:21 PM: Chesney ends his main set. The crowd chants “Kenny”.

10:05:57 PM: Chesney encore: “She Thinks My Tractor Sexy”.

10:08:23 PM:”That concert was amazing,” we overheard by a fan. “Like every second of it.”

10:11:03 PM: That concludes Country Thunder 2010 main stage lineup and our live blog! CMC

12:21:52 PM: Day 3: prepping underway as Gloriana, Collin Raye, Craig Morgan, Kevin Costner and Miranda Lambert will take the main stage today at Country Thunder

2:50:32 PM: For their 2010 return, Gloriana takes the main stage at Country Thunder. – http://twitpic.com/28axr3

3:28:16 PM: Gloriana ends with their hit debut, “Wild at Heart“.

3:31:20 PM: Can you name all of the members of Gloriana? Mike Gossin, Tom Gossin, Cheyenne Kimball and Rachel Reinert!

4:35:41 PM: Collin Raye takes the stage and signs autographs for fans. Overhead clouds are giving fans a light sprinkle.

4:36:51 PM: As Raye sings, “That’s my story and I’m sticking to it”.

4:57:48 PM: Collin Raye wraps with “Love, Me“.

4:59:12 PM: Collin Raye finishing his set. – http://twitpic.com/28c0nb

5:18:02 PM: The sun returns while fans wait for Craig Morgan

5:44:29 PM:  Craig Morgan performing his first #1, “That’s What I Love About Sunday” at Country Thunder. – http://twitpic.com/28ce7h

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5:58:03 PM: Craig Morgan’s lead electric guitarist is from Union Grove, Wisc, approx. 20 miles from Twin Lakes.

6:26:31 PM: Ah, Morgan saves his biggest hits for the closer, “Redneck Yacht Club” followed by “International Harvester“.

7:31:57 PM: From the silver screen to the stage, actor/musician Kevin Costner takes the stage with Modern West. http://twitpic.com/28dcnd

8:41:12 PM: A picturesque sunset closes Costner’s set, fans await for Miranda Lambert.

8:49:57 PM: Breaking: 2011 Country Thunder Headliners include Rascal Flatts!

9:11:59 PM: ACM female Vocalist of the Year, Miranda Lambert, opens the Country Thunder stage with Kerosene.

9:33:29 PM: This is our third time back [to Country Thunder], said Lambert. “The first time playing in the dark!”

9:34:36 PM: She then thanked her fans.

9:59:35 PM:  “Miranda Lambert is singin’ her butt off. Country Thunder indeed,”  tweeted @BethBrinker via Twitter. http://yfrog.com/7gm7hgj

10:29:05 PM: Lambert’s encore: “House that Built Me”, “Sin For A Sin”, “Traveling Band”, “That’s The Way The World Goes Around”, “White Liar” …

10:29:41 PM: … and finally, “Gunpowder & Lead” followed by “I Love Rock and Roll”.

Country Thunder kicks off with a scorcher! After torrential storms the following night and the temperature near 100 degrees, fans and campers stick it out and the Stateline music festival. Shade spots are at a premium but some lucky fans manage to claim the little few left.

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10:56:44 PM: I’m at Country Thunder USA (2305 Lance Dr, Twin Lakes, Wisc., County Hwy O, Twin Lakes) w/ 7 others. http://4sq.com/9h9jid

4:52:11 PM: Gates are open and fans/campers begin to arrive, and we’re live blogging on day 1.

5:10:30 PM: Williams & Ree emcee the opening ceremonies. Something with a cannon!

5:14:29 PM: Wow! It’s official, Country Thunder 2010 opens with a cannon blast provided by our U.S. Marines.

5:20:23 PM: Temperature near 95 degrees but it seems there is no stopping Country Thunder fans.

5:39:21 PM: Eric Church opens: http://twitpic.com/27op7i

6:32:07 PM: Eric Church ends with his hit, “Love Your Love The Most“. John Michael Montgomery up next at Country Thunder.

7:04:37 PM: John Michael Montgomery and Eddie Montgomery duets? Maybe this fall according to John Michael.

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7:50:00 PM: JMM walks the catwalk! It’s like a ’90s flashback! http://twitpic.com/27plcp

8:22:29 PM: The thunder rolls at…Country Thunder. Thunderstorms spotted just north of festival grounds.

8:28:06 PM: John Michael Montgomery wraps.

8:38:29 PM: Trivia? In 1992, Sawyer Brown took the #1 spot with what song?

9:07:39 PM: Severe Thunder Storms cancels Sawyer Brown performance. Bomshel to still perform at 10:30… Maybe.

9:09:09 PM: Regardless, trivia answer: 1992 Sawyer Brown hit, “Some Girls Do“.

9:18:11 PM: Campers return to their tents and prepare for heavy storms. We’re out of here.

11:30:00 PM: Country Thunder USA officials offer rain checks for Thursday, 1-day attendees.

Country Thunder will recognize all ALL single-day Thursday wristbands on Friday July 23rd. You must have attended Thursday night and received (and be wearing) a Thursday wristband on Friday when you come. We welcome you back, and hope to see you at the show tomorrow!

Details on the Country Thunder Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/countrythunderusa

CHICAGO – The Mayor’s Office of Special Events released the first round of entertainment for the 2010 Chicago Country Music Festival. Country music star Jake Owen, Love and Theft are among the first entertainers announced. Main stage headliners have not been released.

In addition to shifting the festival from its traditional Saturday-Sunday format to Friday-Saturday, the two-day festival, held on Oct. 8 and 9, will move northward from its 2009 Grant Park location to Millennium Park and utilize the Pritzker Pavilion as its main stage. While the Country Music Festival will remain free, the move has been cited as a cost-saving measure.

The nationally touring Country Music Association (CMA) Songwriter Series will return to the festival’s lineup, on Oct. 9. While official entertainers for the Chicago stop have yet to be announced, according to a CMA press release, country star Jamey Johnson and songwriters Buddy Cannon, Bobby Pinson and Bob DiPiero will perform for the series in New York.

In addition to the country music concerts, other country themed entertainment will return to the lakefront festival. The Kid Corral, line dancing instructions and some of Chicago’s best restaurants will return to this year’s festival.

Country Music Festival released lineup: (As of published date)

Fri, Oct. 8:

Americana Stage
Shelley Miller – Noon
Midway Ramblers Cajun Band – 3PM
The Henhouse Prowlers – 4:30PM
Truth & Salvage Co. – 6PM

Best Buy Honky Tonk Tent (Line dance instruction between acts)
Charissa & Auburn Sky – Noon
Brushfire – 1:30PM
Whitey Morgan & The 78s – 3PM
Slim Pickens Band – 4:30PM
Country Sky Band – 6PM

Sat, Oct. 9:

Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Love & Theft – 4:30PM
Jake Owen – 6PM

Americana Stage
Scarlet Oaks – Noon
Doug & Telisha Williams – 1:30PM
CMA Songwriters’ Series – 3PM
Sawbuck – 5PM
The Giving Tree Band – 6:30PM

Best Buy Honky Tonk Tent (Line dance instruction between acts)
Slamabama – Noon
Brittany Clark & Raz’n Kane – 1:30PM
Midnight Flyer- 3PM
Northern Comfort – 4:30PM
Levi Riggs – 6PM

Kids’ Corral

Featuring a jumping jack, face painting, mural coloring and interactive games – Noon – 6PM both days

Chicagoland truly has an amazing group of local country musicians but since last Friday that group, for a great reason, just shrunk by one. Katie Quick, a former school teacher turned aspiring country music star, truly has an amazing story and as of late last week, the Evergreen Park native began a new chapter in that book called life. After finishing up some last-minute packing and preparation, Quick departed the Windy City for the next big step in her career, taking on Nashville by storm.

With the help of a portable video camera, Quick is posting snippets of her new life in the Music City. Be sure to catch her “vlogging” on her Facebook Fan Page, as she’s really doing amazing job keeping her Chicago crew up-to-date. Good Luck Katie!

Congratulations to the Team US99

While Team USA brought home the gold from the Winter Olympics, Chicago’s own country radio station grabbed a few trophies of their own from an annual radio industry awards program. The 2010 Country Radio Broadcasters/Country Aircheck Award winners are (Chicago Edition)… WUSN Chicago for the prestigious Station of the Year award for a Major Market Station; Lisa Dent, Ramblin’ Ray and crew for the Lisa Dent and Ramblin’ Ray Show and Marci Braun (weeknight host/MD) for Major Market MD. Congratulations to our hometown winners!

A penny for your country!

Penny Road Pub is not your typical country music digs but last Saturday, with the help of some of Chicagoland’s best country music bands, the northwest suburban bar traded the Hoobastank covers for pure Honky Tonk. The country showcase included Chicagoland’s own Lucky Town, the Roadhouse Prophets and the Ragtop Rodeo. Even with the South Barrington pub not normally on the country music scene’s radar, the troops still managed to pack the venue.

Kudos:

Tim McGraw has partnered up with Outback Steakhouse to help support Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization that assists military families and wounded veterans. Proceeds from the restaurant’s Red, White and Bloomin’ menu sales during the month of March will go towards the restaurant’s $1 million commitment to the non-profit. Proceeds from McGraw’s “Southern Voice” commemorative t-shirt will also benefit the worthy cause.

Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott had a remarkable 2009 but for the trio best known as Lady Antebellum, 2010 is rolling out quite nicely. Just after their album release of “Need You Now”, which spent two weeks atop of The Billboard 200 music chart, the trio took home their first GRAMMY Award for Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals for “I Run To You”.

The new hardware they picked up at the Grammys was not the only trophy the trio took home from the televised award show. Their performance of “Need You Now” seemed to have caught the attention much larger audience outside of the country genre. The trio seemed to  impress the Queen of day-time T.V. as Lady A made their way to Chicago to performed live on Friday’s airing of the Oprah Show.

Watch the Oprah Show recap and the premiere of the Lady Antebellum “American Honey” music video on oprah.com.

New Music:

Josh Turner continues spinning with his third studio album, “Haywire” which was released on on February 9. His unmistakable baritone pipes are strategically fitted into this 11 plus track album. Check out the full review on the Chicago Country Music Blog.

Video Stars:

Laura Bell Bundy might not be a household name but with her debut music video this Kentucky-bred singer/songwriter is dancing her way to the top. Her old-west infused music video, “Giddy On Up”, mixes country music with the choreography of a Britney Spears video. Choreographed dancing in country music videos is nothing new but if Bundy starting a trend for 2010, it would be interested to see Alan Jackson or George Strait kickin’ it up like Bundy in their next videos. – Preview/Download “Giddy On Up” on iTunes

On the other side of the spectrum, Sarah Buxton has been trying to edge her way into country music stardom over the last several years. Since her debut duet with Cowboy Troy on “If You Don’t Want To Love Me”, Buxton has been brewing up a full-fledged album ever since. Five years in the making, Buxton is hitting the shelves with her self-titled debut on Feb. 23. Word on the Street is Buxton produced her “Outside My Window” music video with the song’s co-writer for about $80. While the production budget was slim, it’s making waves on CMT and GAC. Watch “Outside My Window” on CMT.com

Concert Watch:

Kix Brooks (Brooks & Dunn) has tapped country music artist Cowboy Troy and local group Cross County Junction for a special “House of Blues” performance coming up on March 15. The event is billed as a special US99/Kix Brooks Announcement Party. More details to come…

MEGA TICKET

The 2010 US99 Country Mega Ticket is here. Grab your seats for six of Chicago biggest summer country music concerts. Headliners include Montgomery Gentry (5/22), Tim McGraw (6/26), Brad Paisley (7/16), Brooks & Dunn (8/8), Rascal Flatts (8/28) and Toby Keith (9/18). All concerts are billed for the South Suburban, First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre. Ticket packages range from $150 – $600. Live Nation

Mark Your Calendar:

Country music is returning to Brookfield Zoo this summer. Jimmy Wayne, Cowboy Troy, Cross County Junction and a “TBA” will take the stage on August 29 for Zoo Tunes.  Concert is free with paid admission to the Zoo!

Even without a full band, Phil Vassar made the first “live country” concert of the year a hit. Accompanied by a zebra striped piano and two members of his band, Vassar pleased the ecstatic crowed with a semi-acoustic mix of his countless hits.

Vassar never left the piano keys through his entire set, which was randomly crafted with help from the crowd. Of course, he shared a few recording from his newest album “Traveling Circus”, which was released in late December. Missed it? Don’t fret, Vassar will return to the North Side venue, for a two-night say in April. Tickets are available through the venue box office and ticketmaster.com.

Katie Quick

Local artist Katie Quick is packing it up and movin’ to Nashville. In a recent announcement through her website, the Chicago native cited that she’s ready for the next step in her country music career and is trading-in the Windy City for the Music City. “I’ve got the city of Chicago behind me so I know this decision to move is the right one,” Quick said. While reassuring me that she’ll do her best keep us all up-to-date with her progress, we’re a little sad to see her go but happy to see her career progress. Good luck Katie, we can’t wait to “hear” your success! Catch Katie at her last Chicago show this Friday at Goose Island in Wrigleyville, 3535 North Clark Street, Chicago.

- Listen to Katie Quick on CMC Radio

Speaking of Radio Talk, country music news has finally started to pick-up now that January is in full swing.

On Wednesday, country music star Trace Adkins made an unanticipated record label switch. Adkins will join Toby Keith’s Show-Dog Nashville Label which recently retooled with Universal South. Adkins, a 15 year resident at Capitol Nashville, cited the move as an irresistible offer.

Alan Jackson hit the airways with his latest single “It’s Just That Way” … The word is that A.J. will have a new album for us in late March.

On Tuesday, Lady Antebellum released their third single, “Ready To Love Again,” in the Countdown to I Run To You series on iTunes. The trio will release one final single, “Our Kind of Love” on Tuesday before the full-album release on Jan. 26.

Trent Tomlinson (“Drunker Than Me”/“Just Might Have Her Radio On”) is startin’ the year off with a new EP available on iTunes. “A Guy Like Me – EP” features his future hits “That’s How It Still Ought To Be” and “Angles Like Her” (with acoustic version and video).

Clay Walker: As a follow-up to his album “Fall”, Clay Walker released “She Won’t Be Lonely Long”, his first single release off his forthcoming album set to hit sometime this spring.

Concert Beat:

The Chicagoland Country Calendar is filling in quite nicely in the new year. Carrie Underwood’s Play On tour is booked for downstate Peoria (4/7) and Rockford (4/10). Craig Morgan and Sons of Silvia will accompany Underwood.

Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson just announced a special performance at the Rosemont Theatre on Feb. 21. A typically rare appearance, the artists will share the stage for this Sunday night performance. Willie Nelson just announced he’ll be bringing the family to the Genesee (Waukegan) on March 21 and the Rialto (Joliet) on March 24.

Tickets for the Haggard/Kristofferson and Nelson shows are available through ticketmaster.com.

Joe’s Bar recently announced the addition of Eric Church, Jack Ingram (acoustic show) and Luke Bryan to their Winter/Spring concert lineup. Tickets are available through the venue’s box office and ticketmaster.com.

In the spirit of the season, I started scouring through the last 12 months of new albums to compile my picks for this year’s top 10 country music album releases.

Best Country Music Albums of 2009

1. Brad Paisley “American Saturday Night”

Brad Paisley has had some success in the past, but “American Saturday Night” has really become a power player. From the album’s title track to “Welcome to the Future” and “Water”, Paisley not only created an album, he produced a set of future top 10 singles.  This album still resides in my car’s cd player.

2. Luke Bryan “Doin’ My Thing”

Luke, if this album is just you doing your thing. THEN KEEP DOING IT!

3. Miranda Lambert “Revolution”

With her your true-to-country-music tunes, Lambert has really taken the reigns of female country music over the last year or so.  We’re looking forward to the day when Lambert will really be recognized for this.

4. Rodney Atkins “It’s America”

“It’s America” was a clear-cut hit over the summer and will most likely make its way into “summer classic” status. We hope to see Atkins pick up some nominations for this one.

5. Phil Vassar “Traveling Circus”

Phil Vassar squeaked out this soon-to-be hit just in the nick of time for this list.  Released on Tuesday, “Traveling Circus” will most likely be the last new country music album release of 2009. As they say, “save the best for last”.

6. Dierks Bentley “Feel That Fire”

We’ve seen Mr. Bentley persona progress over the years but the themes of his songs seem to be pretty consistent. A consistency, we seem to like.

7. Jason Aldean “Wide Open”

Jason Aldean’s debut album was great, “Relentless” was awesome and now “Wide Open” is super-awesome! Sorry, no pressure on your next album Jason!

8. George Strait “TWANG”

What can I say, long live the King. While I’m not sure if the whole reason I liked this album was for George Strait or because I feel it supports what some consider true country music. And sometimes “I need a little TWANG!”

9. John Rich “Son of a Preacher Man”

John Rich, stickin’ up for the little man! Rich’s biggest hit from his solo album is “Shuttin’ Detroit Down”. Believe it or not, there are several other good songs on this album too.  Give it a listen.

10. Pat Green “What I’m For”

Whether it’s a live concert or in album form, Pat Green always puts on a good show. “What I’m For” produced some of Green’s most recent success like “Let Me” and “Footsteps of our Fathers”.

Best New Country Music Artist Album Release

• David Nail – “I’m About to Come Alive”

I remember being stuck in traffic this summer on Lake Shore Drive and along side of me was a Ford F-150 pickup truck being handled by a young woman. As I turned down my radio, I noticed she was blasting David Nail’s “Red Light” over her CD player. I started to think that it was kind of funny because it’s not too often you find a pickup truck on Lake Shore Drive but what would be the chance it would be playing David Nail’s music as at the time he was relatively unknown. I started to ponder some more, as I had time being stuck in Chicago traffic, that Nail’s music is kind of like that pickup truck. It’s roots are country but I can sense a slight urban feel to it.

Best Local Country Music Artist Album Release of the Year

• Katie Quick – “Be The Change”

Katie has some real potential. (Label execs pay attention!) Her passion and talent will hopefully prove her well in the years to come. Hopefully, I’ll be adding her to the overall category in the future.

Best Special Album Release

• Sugarland – “Live on the Inside”

What more can I ask for, I love Sugarland and I’m a sucker for live albums. Way to go Jennifer and Kristian.

Top 10 Music Videos:

Posted on the Country Music Chicago Music Blog

Country music stars Miranda Lambert, Jamey Johnson and John Rich along with a boat load of great, local artists are scheduled for the 16th Annual Chicago Country Music Festival. Returning to Grant Park this weekend, the FREE festival, organized by the City of Chicago, will feature two days of music, dancing, children’s activities and an art fair.  The Chicago Country Music Festival Facebook Page is reporting that Miranda Lambert will be signing autographs from 5:15 p.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Best Buy Stage.  (subject to change)

For more information and a complete schedule visit chicagocountrymusicfestival.us and stay tuned to CountryMusicChicago.com for complete festival coverage.

Lambert’s Revolution

Speaking of Miranda Lambert, on Tuesday she will release her third studio album titled Revolution, a 15 track album that features her current hit singles, “Dead Flowers” and “White Liar”.

“I think this record is truly the most artistic project I have ever done. I really put my entire being into the making of it,” said Lambert in the album’s press statement. “The inspiration was easy to come by, because it’s a compilation of everything I have ever listened to and fell in love with. It’s not an album where you listen from song to song, it’s a state of mind, a way of life.”

Lambert alone wrote three songs on the album and co-wrote a majority of the balance with a handful of writers including Blake Shelton, Ashley Monroe, Allen Shamblin and Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley.

For more information on “Revolution” or on other new country music releases check out the Country Music Chicago.com Music Blog.

Willie TV

Willie Nelson is performing at the WTTW Studios tonight for a private taping of the hit PBS series Soundstage, the same program Sugarland was tapped for last spring. No word on air dates yet.  Nelson is just off the release of his latest album titled “American Classic”.

Nashville or Bust!

The Country Music Chicago team is headed to Nashville tomorrow for our first Music City trip since the Web site’s inception. Our trip itinerary includes the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium, Country Music Hall of Fame, Ernest Tubb Records and hopefully a few other must-sees along the way. We’ll post our full trip coverage when we return. (Just in time for the Chicago Country Music Festival)

Kudos

Earlier this summer, crossover artist Kid Rock and Red Stag by Jim Beam joined forces to donate 50 cents from every ticket sold to the 2009 Rock N’ Rebels Tour (Saturday, July 12, 2009 at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre) to Operation Homefront® – a non-profit organization that provides assistance to military, their families and wounded warriors. On Saturday, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, Kid Rock presented a $177,044.50 check to Operation Homefront.

- Scott Winterroth, scott@countrymusicchicago.com