Country music returns to Taste of Chicago in honor of “National Country Music Day”.

It wasn’t so long ago, the Chicago Country Music Festival called the Taste of Chicago its home. In 2008, the annual country festival, produced by the City of Chicago Mayor’s Office of Special Events, departed the mid-summer Taste festival for its own two-day soiree in the fall. In 2010, Chicago country fans will get one more day.

This Sunday, with the help from some first-rate country acts, the Taste will saddle-up for a special one-day tribute in honor of National Country Music Day. Starting at noon, the following groups will perform on the Illinois Lottery Taste Stage located on Balbo Dr. at Columbus in Grant Park.

• Brian Lavender & Whiskey Bent -- Noon -- 1 p.m.

This modern day country band is deeply rooted in Chicago with a flare from the South. A majority of the band’s members, including lead vocalist Brian Lavender, were born in Chicago, but raised in the South and, like Lavender, returned to Illinois later in life. Their “Destination Unknown” single pushed them into the top four on CMT’s Music City Madness competition.

• Ragtop Rodeo -- 1:20 p.m. -- 2:20 p.m.

Ragtop Rodeo is the combined effort of six very talented musicians but the group’s lead, Caroline Kovas, truly drives this country group. While calling Chicago her hometown, Kovas has spent time songwriting in Nashville, producing in New York City and performing nationally for major touring acts like Diamond Rio. In 2009, Ragtop Rodeo released their debut album, “Going Cross Country”, which Kovas co-produced with Mario Massi.

• Katie Quick -- 2:40 p.m.- 3:40 p.m.

Katie Quick is truly the American dream. Defying her skeptics, this South Side native left her Chicago Public Schools teaching gig to pursue her career in music. After the successful release of her self-produced, debut album “Be The Change” in 2009, Quick recently relocated to Nashville to, once again, follow her dream. Quick’s passion for her “American-style” dream, and the ability to follow it, truly make this special Fourth of July homecoming  appropriate.

• Jason & The Haymakers -- 4 p.m. -- 5 p.m.

Just off of their first win in the Chicago edition of the Colgate Country Showdown, Jason & The Haymakers is one of Illinois’ most pro-active country music bands. Led by artist Jason Bertrand and supported by Dave Caughran, Cory Rehmer and Dave Torres, the Haymakers crew almost has a firecracker approach when it comes to promoting their band.   The boys will finish up the afternoon concerts starting at 4 p.m.

CONCERT DETAILS:

National Country Music Day at the Taste of Chicago

Featuring: Brian Lavender & Whiskey Bent, Ragtop Rodeo, Katie Quick and Jason & The Haymakers

WHERE: Grant Park: Balbo and Columbus Drive, Chicago

WHEN: Noon – 5PM – Fireworks at 9PM (From Navy Pier)
(NOTE: The traditional July 3 fireworks will be held on July 4th this year)

TICKETS: FREE

MORE: explorechicago.org

Katie Quick on YouTube:

From a special performance by a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame to an array of great local artists, the first unofficial weekend of summer is looking rather nice for country concerts.

Yard Fulla Cars
Thurs, June 3 – 7:30PM
Orland Days – Centennial Park, Orland Park
yardfullacars.com

Yard Fulla Cars will start the weekend on Thursday with their mix of hot country cover tunes and original favorites at Orland Days.

Jewel
Fri, June 4 – 8PM
The Vic – 3145 N. Sheffield, Chicago
$49.50 – jamusa.com

While Jewel might be best known for her time on the pop-charts, this country cross-over is set to release her second country album “Sweet and Wild” on June 9. While “The Vic” is not the typical country concert bar in Chicago, Jewel is not your typical country artist.

The Smokin’ Gunz
Friday, June 4 – 9:30PM
The Roadhouse – 200 Prairie St. Elgin
smokingunz.net

Even with the name “The Roadhouse”, country twang is not in this northwest suburban venue’s vocabulary, but one local group is willing to give it their best shot. The Smokin’ Gunz will fire it up country style  in downtown Elgin on Saturday.

Easy Louise
Fri, June 4 – 5PM
Sundance Saloon – 300 Lakehurst Road, Waukegan
sundancesaloon.com

Traditional country more your style, then this local group will tickle your fancy. Catch Easy Louise at the Sundance Saloon on Friday.

Vince Gill with James Otto
Sat, June 5 – 7:30PM
Ravinia Festival – 418 Sheridan Rd, Highland Park
$22 – $55 – ravinia.org

Ravinia offers concert goers a unique experience when it comes to outdoor amphitheatre style music venues. While the North Shore might not be the first place to come to mind for country music, this concert is a perfect fit for the venue. For those who want to see the concert, opt for pavilion seats. Otherwise, lawn seats are available but do not offer a direct view to the stage.

The Hoyle Brothers
Sat, June 5 – 5PM
The Beer Garden at Navy Pier – 600 E. Grand Ave, Chicago
FREE – chicagosbestbeergarden.com

Catch one of Chicago’s best honky tonk bands at Navy Pier. The Beer Garden at Navy Pier offers great brew, awesome music and spectacular views of the Chicago skyline. Bonus, catch the fireworks at 10PM.

Hillbilly Rockstarz
Sat, June 5 – 9PM
JT’s Porch – 600 Roosevelt, Lombard
hillbillyrockstarz.net

Western suburbs, we’ve got you covered too! The local group, Hillbilly Rockstarz will party it up at JT’s Porch in west suburban Lombard on Saturday. Bonus, grab a full slab of BBQ Ribs with fries and slaw for only $10.95.

The Suburban Cowboys
Sat, June 5 – 8PM
Landmark Inn – 1352 Shermer Rd, Northbrook
suburbancowboysband.com

The Suburban Cowboys is one of Chicago’s newest country bands. Primarily from the northwest suburbs, the Cowboys (and cowgirl) are packin’ it up and headed east for a gig in north suburban Northbrook this Saturday. Their specialty includes top-40 country tributes.

Chicago Bear Greg Olsen will host his second annual Shake the Lake Music Festival at Joe’s Bar, May 27.

Grammy Award winning artist Darius Rucker, known for country radio hits like “Alright” , “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” and his time as Hootie and the Blowfish front-man, will join up-and-coming artists Matt Kennon and Lewis Copeland on the musical lineup for the Receptions for Research benefit.  Chicago’s own Ramblin’ Ray of US 99 will emcee the evening, with proceeds from ticket sales to benefit the Lynn Sage Foundation.

“Receptions for Research” The Greg Olsen Foundation was established in 2009 to provide hospitals, doctors and researchers the necessary resources to save those affected with cancer. It collaborates and partners with other organizations to help find a cure for cancers. The Lynn Sage Foundation, established by the family of Lynn Sage, is committed to the discovery of a cure for breast cancer and has partnered with the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, a nationally recognized leader in breast cancer care, education and research.

Tickets for the event will start at $150 (for a limited time) and include an open bar package from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. and passed appetizers. The concert begins at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or at Joe’s, (cash only) 940 W. Weed St.

EVENT INFORMATION:

Receptions for Research featuring Darius Rucker, Matt Kennon and Lewis Copeland

WHEN: Thurs, May 27 – 8:30PM

WHERE: Joe’s Bar – 940 W. Weed St, Chicago (21+)

TICKETS: $150 – Ticketmaster and the Joe’s Bar box office (Cash Only)

Looking for a way to assist with the Nashville flood relief?

All ticket sales from the May 21 Jin and Tonic Band and The Band Perry shows at Joe’s Bar, 940 W. Weed St., will go to the Nashville flood relief. Music City was recently flooded with torrential downpours, raising the Cumberland River 13 feet above flood stage and causing upwards of $1 billion in damage. The country community has banded together to support relief efforts and Joe’s is no exception.

The Jin and Tonic Band will begin at 8:15 p.m., celebrating the release of their first full length, self-titled CD featuring nine original songs written by the band. In addition to performing their own songs, Jin and Tonic will also perform songs by country favorites like Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift and more. Their CD is set for release May 17 and will be available for purchase at the show.

For their Chicago concert debut, The Band Perry will take the stage at 10 p.m. Siblings Kimberly, Reid and Neil Perry will belt out their hits, including their recent radio hit “Hip to the Heart.” The band recently joined the Republic Nashville roster.

Tickets for the show are $8 and can be purchased at Joe’s (cash only) or through ticketmaster.com.

In addition to 100 percent of ticket sales going to the Nashville flood relief, Joe’s Bar will also raffle off items including: signed live concert posters from Carrie Underwood, Phil Vassar, Gloriana, The Carter Twins and David Nail; a signed baseball from Chicago Cub Marlon Byrd; a signed baseball bat from Chicago Cub Aramis Ramirez; and a one night stay at the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, among other items.

CONCERT INFO:

The Band Perry with Jin & Tonic

WHEN: Friday, May 21, 2010 – 8:15PM

WHERE: Joe’s Bar – 940. W. Weed, Chicago  (21+)

TICKETS: $8 – ticketmaster or the Joe’s Bar box office (cash only)

Meetup with other country music fans at this show:  meetup.com/countrymusicchicago

CONCERT ALERT:

Luke Bryan will bring his USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year-nominated “Do I” to Chicago May 7-8.

The 2010 CMT Music Awards nominee will perform at 10 p.m. at Joe’s, 940 W. Weed St. Known for hits like “Rain is a Good Thing” from his recently released sophomore album “Doin’ My Thing” and “All My Friends Say” from his debut album “I’ll Stay Me,” Bryan is sure to turn up the heat in the Windy City.

With his recent win for Top New Vocalist of the Year and Top New Solo Vocalist at the 2010 Academy of Country Music Awards, success is nothing new to Bryan. In 2008, he was nominated for ACM Top New Male Vocalist and CMT USA Weekend Breakthrough. Bryan was also chosen as one of Country’s Hottest Guys by PEOPLE Country.

Fans have a chance to catch the country heartthrob twice in one weekend. He plays at 10 p.m. Friday, May 7 and Saturday, May 8. Tickets are $20 and on sale now at Ticketmaster.com or at Joe’s (cash only). VIP tickets are available for $100 and include express entry, a private reserved ticketed area and an open bar package from 8:30 p.m. to midnight. VIP tickets are also available at Ticketmaster.com or at Joe’s.

The Dirt Drifters will take the stage before Bryan at 8:30 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, Roger Creager will begin warming up the crowd at 8:30 p.m.

CONCERT DETAILS:

Luke Bryan

WHEN: Fri, May 7 and Sat, May 8 – 8:30PM
WHERE: Joe’s Bar, 940 W. Weed Street, Chicago (21+)
TICKETS: $20 – $110 – Ticketmaster

The Austin-based roots-rockers known for the integrity of their music, the hard-core energy of their live shows and the loyalty of their fans will kick off their show at 10 p.m. at Joe’s Bar, 940 W. Weed St.

The band’s recently released “Somewhere in Time” incorporates the roots rockers “Best Forever Yet” and the honky tonk swing “I’ll Hold the Bottle, You Hold the Wheel.” Reckless Kelly’s latest release takes a minute to look back at a time when the crowds weren’t so big and the honky tonk floors were a bit dirtier.

The band’s 2008 release “Bulletproof” quickly became their biggest seller, hitting the Billboard 200 and the Top 25 of the magazine’s Top Country Albums chart.

Tickets for the show are $10 and are available at Tickermaster.com or at Joe’s (cash only). A VIP package is also available for $100 and includes a special reserved ticket section to the side of the stage, open bar from 8:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. and express entry. VIP tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or at Joe’s (cash only).

Before Reckless Kelly takes the stage at 10 p.m., The Belleville Outfit will play at 7:30 p.m. followed by Sarah Pierce at 8:30 p.m.

Win tickets to see Reckless Kelly from Country Music Chicago!

Ticket Information:

Reckless Kelly with Sarah Pierce and The Belleville Outfit

WHERE: Joe’s Bar, 940 W. Weed Street, Chicago

WHEN: Friday, April 16, 2010 – 7:30PM

TICKETS: $10 – ticketmaster or Joe’s Bar box office

Considering Chris Young’s is still relatively new to the music business, his bio is adorned with words like traditionalist, legendary and legacy. For those who are new to his work, once they give him a spin, it’s easy to recognize why his music deserves such praise.  Today, in this wide spectrum we call country music, one might question his approach. Young addresses his doubters in his lead track on the 2009 release, “The Man I Want To Be”.

“If that makes me a little old school; Go ahead and call me yesterday’s old fool. If that makes me a little throwback; Throw it at me, don’t worry, I can take that.”

For Young, it’s that old school drive and sexy baritone voice that’s capturing listener’s attention. His most recent charted hit, “Gettin’ You Home”, AKA the little black dress song is a prime example of Young’s ability to modernize a song that could easily be ageless.

Ladies, gear up in your little black dress and catch Chris Young in concert at Joe’s Bar on April 2. Win tickets to see this show!

CONCERT INFORMATION:

Chris Young with Hunter Hayes

WHEN: Friday, April 2, 2010 – 8:30PM
WHERE: Joe’s Bar, 940 W. Weed Street, Chicago (21+)
TICKETS: $10 – Ticketmaster or the Joe’s Bar Box Office

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.

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

Enter to win tickets!

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

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.