We Believe in Joe
March 1, 2010 by CountryMusicChicago.com Staff
Filed under Chicago, Concert Alerts, Events, FEATURED
Win general admission tickets to this show!
Joe Nichols country music career can be summed up as successful but behind the awards shows, album releases and music videos there’s is a side that, till now, has been blind to most fans. Prior to the release of his latest album, “Old Things New”, Nichols was battling an alcohol addiction which eventually led him to rehab. A life changing circumstance that compelled him record tracks like “Old Friend of Mine” and “Believers”.
“I think a lot of people around me that knew I had a problem and I knew I had a problem,” said Nichols in a video on his new album release. “This album means a lot to me, not just because of the music that’s on there just because it’s like a new beginning.”
With a new outlook on life and fresh music in his bag, Nichols is headed back to Joe’s Bar to please his best Chicago fans. While he’ll still be singing his best drinking songs, you can bet that Nichols will be sticking to the unleaded drinks.
“Just because I’m not drinking a half gallon of tequila doesn’t mean I can’t have fun with everybody.” Nichols said. “Things are getting better for me everyday.”
Today, Nichols looks toward his wife and his fans for inspiration and guidance. On Friday, Chicago fans can look toward Nichols for another great show and a dose of their own inspiration.
Download “Old Things New” on iTunes: 
CONCERT INFORMATION:
Joe Nichols with Jeff Allen and Chasin’ Mason
WHEN: Friday, March 5, 2010 | 8PM
WHERE: Joe’s Bar, 940 Weed Street, Chicago
TICKETS: $20 ticketmaster.com or Joe’s Box Office (Cash Only)
WIN GA TICKETS TO SEE JOE NICHOLS
Meetup with fellow country music fans! The CMC Meetup Group is headed to this show. Join us here.
Randy Rogers Band back at Joe’s
February 25, 2010 by CountryMusicChicago.com Staff
Filed under Chicago, Concert Alerts, Events, FEATURED
Win tickets to their show on Country Music Chicago!
Concert Alert:
While their Windy City debut has long passed (six times over), The Randy Rogers Band is no stranger to Chicago, especially not Joe’s Bar. This Texas, by the way of Nashville, based band is leaving their 70 degree Austin sunshine for Chicago’s blustery-cold weather to perform, once again, at the north side venue.
“We always have a great reception playing at Joe’s,” said Geoffrey Hill, the band’s lead guitarist. “It’s always cool to catch up with our Chicago following.”
Fresh out of the recording studio, the band will perform live on Thursday.
“We just finished our new album title ‘Burning The Day,’ Hill said. “The first single off the album is a great song called ‘Interstate’. We’re sure to play this one for you.”
While “Burning The Day” isn’t expected until sometime this summer, fans need not to worry as the band has quite an extensive play-list to choose from. Their dossier of songs spans over six albums.
Over the years, the Randy Rogers Band has opened for acts like Willie Nelson, the Eagles, Gary Allan and Dierks Bentley while being labeled as a must-see touring act by the Rolling Stones Magazine. In addition to their extensive touring, including their multiple Joe’s Bar gigs, the Randy Rogers Band has perform on The Tonight Show, The Late Show and the Grand Ole Opry, which have all helped them earn a solid, steady following.
Tickets are $10 and available on Ticketmaster.com or at Joe’s (Cash only).
Check them out: Download “Kiss Me In The Dark”, “In My Arms Instead” and “One More Goodbye” on iTunes.
CONCERT INFO:
Randy Rogers Band
WHEN: Thursday, March 4, 2010 – 8PM
WHERE: Joe’s Bar, 940 W. Weed Street, Chicago
TICKETS: $10 – Ticketmaster.com or Joe’s Box Office (Cash Only)
On the web: randyrogersband.com
Mega Ticket Mania
February 19, 2010 by CountryMusicChicago.com Staff
Filed under Burbs, Concert Alerts, Events, FEATURED, Ticket Line
TICKET ALERT:
While Rascal Flatts might not be bringing their 2010 tour on Wrigley Field – as they did in 2009 – the Flatts Boys along with headliners Tim McGraw, Brooks & Dunn, Brad Paisley, Toby Keith and Montgomery Gentry are all, at some point, “swinging by” one of Chicagoland’s more traditional country music confines this summer.
For those planning to attend every concert, as recommended, you’ll be happy to here that Live Nation, US99 and the First Midwest Bank Amphitheater are returning the 2010 Country MEGA ticket. The promotional package guarantees seats at all six country music concerts headed to the South Suburban amphitheater.
Don’t delay, the Mega Tickets general public sale begins today through Live Nation. Packages range from $150 for lawn seats all the way up to $600 for “100” level seat, per person. While that might seem like a big tank to your recession-run pocket book, if you do the math, it really is a great deal. Plus, existing Mega Ticket holders have first dibs on next year’s tickets.
Lineup Lowdown:
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Country Throwdown Tour featuring:
Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Little Big Town, Jack Ingram, Eric Church, Eli Young Band, The Lost Trailers, Heidi Newfield and more.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Tim McGraw with Lady Antebellum and Love & Theft
Friday, July 16, 2010
Brad Paisley with Darius Rucker
Sunday, August 8th, 2010
Brooks & Dunn (The Last Rodeo Tour) with Gary Allan
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Rascal Flatts with Kellie Pickler & Chris Young
Saturday, September 18
Toby Keith
Live Nation – Concert Tickets On Sale Now!
Church of Joe’s
February 7, 2010 by CountryMusicChicago.com Staff
Filed under Chicago, Concert Alerts, Events
CONCERT ALERT:
While Nashville may have the Ryman, here in Chicago our downtown country music venue is Joe’s Bar. Some might say you can’t compare Joe’s with a historic landmark like the Ryman, but with Joe’s Academy of Country Music win for “Nightclub of the Year” and its countless back-to-back country shows it’s “History in the Making” (Thanks Darius) here in the Windy City.
While some of us do worship our favorite country stars at Joe’s, the “Church” play on works is really in reference to the country music star, Eric Church, who is set to return the north side venue on Feb. 18. Church is no stranger to Chicago as he’s played Joe’s at various stages of his career and even poked his head, as the only country music act, into last year’s Lollapalooza festival in Grant Park. While his latest album, “Carolina”, was released just about a year ago, he’s had one heck of a year to practice, and refine, his current set-list. Church’s hits include, “How ‘Bout You”, “Guys Like Me” and “Love Your Love The Most”.
Joining Church on the Jagermeister Country Tour is newcomer Josh Thompson who is making his way into mainstream country with the single, “Beer On The Table”. Thompson’s will release his debut album, “Way Out There”, on Feb. 23.
WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO THIS SOLD OUT SHOW!
CONCERT DETAILS:
Eric Church with Josh Thompson and Rick Monroe
DATE: Thurs, Feb. 18, 2010 | 8:30PM
WHERE: Joe’s Bar: 940 W. Weed Street, Chicago
TICKETS: $25 & $150 V.I.P. – ticketmaster.com
DETAILS: This concert is currently sold-out at the $25 level. Must be 21+ to enter.
Wisc. Summer Country Fests
January 26, 2010 by Scott Winterroth, Editor
Filed under Events, FEATURED, Guides
While summer might feel like light years away – considering while I write this it’s snowing here in Chicago – the Wisconsin country music festival organizers are in high gear. With major lineup announcements fluttering my inbox and pre-season deals in full-swing, I thought it might be a good time to highlight some great deals for summer fun. Besides, with times like these, you might as well forgo that Caribbean getaway for a country music filled extended weekend in the Northwoods.
Looking forward: In June, Country USA will kick it off in Oshkosh on June 22 and Country Fest will fire up in Cadott on June 24.
Country Thunder in Twin Lakes and Country Jam in Eau Claire share the July 22 weekend. Country Thunder is considerably closer than Country Fest but they’re both well worth the trip. The new kid on the block this year is the Log Jam Fest in Phillips and it boasts a great lineup and fun additional activities. If you time it correctly, you could hit this festival with Country Thunder or Country Jam.
They ALL have excellent star-studded lineups, tons of great brew and for the outdoor 
enthusiast they all offer on-site camping. Be sure to book now. Early bird offers end soon and VIP/reserved seating move quickly. Camping generally requires multi-day passes and reserved sites go quick. Hotel rooms are typically very limited and usually way off site.
- North Central
NEW: Log Jam Fest – Phillips (July 30 – Aug. 1, 2010) logjamfest.com
Log Jam Fest is the newest addition to this list. While it’s the farthest North, the lineup and activities look well worth the drive and the Philips area is beautiful. You could really turn it into a great vacation. Bonus, it’s produced by AStar Promotions (Zoo Tunes/Pheasant Run/Joliet NASCAR /Southern Lights in Kentucky/ numerous events in Nashville & Country on the Beach in Cancun) they always put on a awesome show!
Major headliners include Montgomery Gentry, Cowboy Troy, Jake Owen, The Lost Trailers, Josh Gracin, Jeffrey Steele, Randy Houser and Gretchen Wilson. Plus one of our local artists, the PenneMaeDixon Band.
Ticket Options: 1 – 3 Day General Admission, Reserved Seating, Camping add-on
- South Central
Country Thunder – Twin Lakes (July 22 – 25, 2010) countrythunder.com
Country Thunder has been a Stateline favorite for many years and 2010 boasts a stellar lineup. Best of all, if you can’t manage the whole festival, you can hop up for a night or two but the best seats and camping are reserved for 4-day pass holders. Kenny Chesney is on a very limited engagement tour this summer. Could be one of his last shows for awhile!
2010 Headliners include, Kenny Chesney, Sugarland, Miranda Lambert, Sawyer Brown, Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Kevin Costner and Modern West, John Michael Montgomery, Big Kenny, Craig Morgan, Jo Dee Messina, Luke Bryan, Collin Raye, Eric Church, Randy Houser, David Nail, Gloriana, Trailer Choir, Kate & Kacey and Jason Jones.
Ticket Options: 1 – 4 Day General Admission, Reserved Seating, Camping add-on
- Northwest
Country Jam – Eau Claire (July 22 – 24, 2010) – countryjam.com
It’s been a few years since I’ve been to Country Jam but as I recall, we had one heck of a time. If you have a bit more time for the extra drive, I highly recommend it. Eau Claire is a wonderful city and the festival is pretty impressive.
Featuring Jason Aldean, Sugarland, Miranda Lambert, Kellie Pickler, Billy Currington, Sawyer Brown, Big Kenny, LoCash Cowboys and Tim Sigler with additional acts to be announced.
Ticket Options: 1 – 3 Day General Admission, Reserved Seating, Skybox Seats, Camping add-on
Country Fest – Cadott (June 24 – 27, 2010) countryfest.com
I’ll be honest, I’ve never even heard of the town of Cadott prior to researching for this article but I wanted to share Country Fest because the lineup is pretty impressive.
Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Lady Antebellum, Blake Shelton, Toby Keith, Jamey Johnson, Darius Rucker, Rodney Atkins, Pat Green, Eric Church, Jo Dee Messina, Little Big Town, Neal McCoy, Heidi Newfield, Jason Michael Carroll, Darryl Worley, Eli Young Band, Trailer Choir and Walker Hayes.
Ticket Options: 1 – 4 Day General Admission, Reserved Seating, Camping add-on
- Northeast
Country USA – Oshkosh (June 22 – 26, 2010) countryusaoshkosh.com
Personally haven’t had the opportunity to attend this fest yet but it looks very promising. The lineup is impressive and it’s in June so it doesn’t overlap with the July fests.
Festival headliners include, Toby Keith, Blake Shelton, Darius Rucker, Zac Brown Band, Randy Houser, Jason Aldean, Darryl Worley, Rodney Atkins, Jason Michael Carroll, Confederate Railroad, Luke Bryan, Jack Ingram, Tracy Byrd, Lonestar and Sawyer Brown. Additional announcements to come.
Ticket Options: 1 – 4 Day General Admission, Reserved Seating, Camping add-on
FREE Festival Tips: Always make sure you bring the following: sunscreen, bug spray, a camera, rain gear, a 4×4 vehicle if possible and an open mind. Have fun but always play responsibly and respect fellow concertgoers. Remember, we’re all fans. See you this summer, Eh.
Who do you want to see?
This ain’t no bull…
January 24, 2010 by Scott Winterroth, Editor
Filed under Burbs, Concert Alerts, Events
CONCERT ALERT:
There probably isn’t anything wilder than this eight second ride! The Professional Championship Bullriders Tour is rolling into town on Friday, February 5 and they’ve recruited country music star Jake Owen to celebrate the series World Tour Finale IV.
While Owen’s current radio hit, “Eight Second Ride” isn’t referring to this type of riding you can bet there’ll be plenty of buckin’ bulls and flying cowboys at the Northwest suburban Sears Centre arena. Owen is on hand to perform the Friday night tournament’s encore. It’s an unusually large complex for Owen to pay but we’re sure he’ll be able to full those boots.
Tickets range from $15 – $50 and can be wrangled up on ticketmaster.com. If bull riding is your thing, the championship will continue on Saturday night at the Arena.
For a more information on the PCB Tour, visit pcbtour.com.
UPDATE: WIN JAKE OWEN/PCB TOUR TICKETS ON CMC!
EVENT DETAILS:
WHO: Jake Owen at the Professional Championship Bullriders Tour
WHEN: Friday, February 5, 2010: 7:30PM
WHERE: The Sears Centre: 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates
TICKETS: $15 – $50 – ticketmaster.com
