One of summer’s hottest country festivals will roll into South Central Wisconsin starting Thursday, July 22. Country Thunder USA, a Stateline favorite for 17 years, strikes again with improved festival design, extended music format and a stellar music lineup.

In 2009, with headliners such as Taylor Swift and Tim McGraw, it seemed impossible to expect a follow-up that could exceed last year’s expectations. While it seemed hard to believe, in 2010, Country Thunder organizers managed to really raise the bar by persuading the recently engaged Miranda Lambert; swaying Sugarland from their highly anticipated Incredible Machine Tour and miraculously convincing country mega star Kenny Chesney to return to the stage during his highly publicized tour retirement.

There’s only one word to sum up this year’s lineup … Unbelievable!

Country Thunder Lineup:

Thursday, July 22

Eric Church – 5:30PM
John Michael Montgomery – 7PM
Sawyer Brown – 9PM

B-Stage Lineup

Bomshel – 10:30PM
Chasin’ Mason – 11:30PM

Friday, July 23

Rio Grand – 1PM
Trailer Choir – 2:15PM
Randy Houser – 3:45PM
Big Kenny – 5:15PM
Jason Aldean – 7PM
Sugarland – 9PM

B-Stage Lineup

Trailer Choir – 10:30PM
Rio Grand – Midnight

Saturday, July 24

Kate & Kacey – 1PM
Gloriana – 2:30PM
Collin Raye – 4PM
Craig Morgan – 5:30PM
Kevin Costner & Modern West – 7PM
Miranda Lambert – 9PM

B-Stage Lineup

Blackberry Smoke – 10:30PM
Saddlebrook – Midnight

Sunday, July 25

Jason Jones – 1PM
David Nail – 2:30PM
Luke Bryan – 4PM
Jo Dee Messina – 5:30PM
Billy Currington – 7PM
Kenny Chesney – 8:30PM

B-Stage Lineup

Jason Jones – 10PM
Jason & The Haymakers 11:30

FESTIVAL DETAILS:

Country Thunder USA

Featuring Kenny Chesney, Sugarland, Miranda Lambert and more.

WHERE: 2305 Lance Dr, Twin Lakes, Wisc.

WHEN: July 22 – 25, 2010

TICKETS: Daily, general admission passes (lawn) range from $25 – $65, while 4-day adult passes are $119. Reserved seats range from $159 – $600 for all 4-days. The best Country Thunder experience is reserved for campers in the festival on site campground. Camping packages range from $100 – $500.

Event website: CountryThunder.com

Typically, when concert goers set out for a country concert, getting soaked is something to avoid but when country music star Brad Paisley returns to the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre on Friday, he’s hoping to make a big splash. With the help of Darius Rucker, Justin Moore and a bit of Mother Nature, Paisley just might get his wish, both figuratively and literally. Regardless of the weather, as there is a slight chance of rain in the forecast, there’s no doubt the much anticipated H2O Tour will quench Chicago country fans’ expectations.

With handfuls of number one hits and albums, numerous industry awards and one heck of sense of humor, Paisley is quite the country icon these days. Although Paisley might be that one big fish, along with Rucker who was once a blowfish, the H20 Tour boasts quite a school of hot and upcoming talent. In addition to the tour headliners, new swimmers, err. artists, Steel Magnolia, Josh Thompson and Easton Corbin set to take the first plunge on the tour’s support stages.

Tickets prices range from $29 -- $59 and are available through Live Nation and Ticketmaster outlets. Gates open starting at 4PM.

H20 Tour Details:

Brad Paisley with

Darius Rucker, Justin Moore, Josh Thompson Steel Magnolia and Easton Corbin

WHEN: Fri, July 16 | 4PM

WHERE: First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre – Tinley Park

TICKETS: $29 -- $59 – ticketmaster.com

Brad Paisley “Water” on YouTube:

While country music isn’t the only genre of music set for this year’s Ribfest, it appears that festival organizers are counting on country fans to parlay this year’s Fourth of July festivities. Booked artists include country music stars LeAnn Rimes, The Charlie Daniels Band, Jason Michael Carroll, as well as newcomer Julianne Hough, one-time country cross-over trio, Los Lonely Boys; and a hand full of other great local artists and big shots from other music genres.

Ribfest, sponsored by the Naperville Exchange Club, runs from July 1 – 4 with music entertainment scheduled daily, over two stages. Unlike most of the festivals featured on Country Music Chicago, music isn’t the only reason why this festival is celebrating its 23rd year. Championed rib leaders from around the country will cook-off, in a county fair style competition, to see who can pull-off the blue ribbon for the best BBQ ribs, pulled pork, BBQ chicken and tasty sauces. The music portion of this fair is just a bonus.

For country music fans, Rimes performance wraps the country lineup on Saturday but festival goes can still get a bang for their buck with free a fireworks display on Sunday.

Festival Details:

Naperville Ribfest
Featuring: LeAnn Rimes, Charlie Daniels Band, Jason Michael Carroll, Julianne Hough and more.

WHEN: July 1 – 4 | Noon – 10PM

WHERE: Martin Ave at West Street, Naperville
Note: parking is limited, remote parking available check website for details.

TICKETS: $12 ($1 off with select Pepsi products)

FIREWORKS: July 4 at 9:30PM -- Free public access begins at 7:30PM

Julianne Hough -- My Hallelujah Song

From the silver screen to the concert scene, Tim McGraw has it covered.

It’s no shock that Tim McGraw seems to be taking a liking to his recent success in the Hollywood scene. With his recent acting credit in the Academy Award nominated film, “The Blind Side” and other recent cameos in major motion pictures, it’s no surprise if McGraw is singing “Sweet Home Hollywood.”

While it seems to be a little more common these days to catch McGraw without his signature cowboy hat, fortunately for his country music fans there’s one thing this Louisiana native will always possess, his southern voice.

On Saturday, McGraw will land his “Southern Voice” Tour at the Southwest Suburban First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre. The tour, modeled after his latest album of the same name, marks McGraw’s first return back to Chicago since his limited performance at Joe’s Bar back in early October.

Accompanying McGraw are two of country music’s hottest new trios. The Grammy Award winning group Lady Antebellum will take the stage following newcomers Love & Theft.

Tickets for the Southern Voice Tour range $29 to $79 and are available through ticketmaster.com.

CONCERT DETAILS:

Tim McGraw with Lady Antebellum and Love & Theft

WHEN: Saturday, June 26 – 7PM

WHERE: First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre: 19100 S Ridgeland, Tinley Park

(AKA: Tweeter Center)

TICKETS: $29 to $79 -  ticketmaster.com.

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.

Unlike most country concerts, the Throwdown Tour isn’t just about the headliners. For the full experience, ticket holders should prepare head down to the Southwest Suburban amphitheatre a bit earlier than normal. With doors opening at 1 p.m., early birds can catch a special series lead by the acclaimed Bluebird Café. For Nashville locals and visitors, the Bluebird is where fans, and artists, can examine the newest, and brightest, in the local songwriting community.

Tickets for Saturday’s event range from $21 – $41 (plus fees) and can be purchased through ticketmaster.com.

Event lineup for Sat, May 22, 2010.

Doors open at 1PM

Bluebird Café Singer – Songwriter Tent
1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Local Songwriters

Bluebird Café – Country Throwdown
Singer – Songwriters:
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Brad Tursi, Ashley Ray and Dave Pahanish
3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Cory Branan, Jedd Hughes and Sarah Buxton
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. Troy Olsen, Walker Hayes, Heather Morgan

Stage I
1:45 p.m. Tyler Reeve Band
2:45 p.m. Heidi Newfield
3:45 p.m. The Lost Trailers
4:45 p.m. Eli Young Band

Stage II
2:15 p.m. Emily West
3:15 p.m. Jonathan Singleton & The Grove
4:15 p.m. Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses
5:25 p.m. Eric Church

Main Stage:
6:25 p.m. Jack Ingram
7:10 p.m. Singer – Songwriter Group I
7:30 p.m. Little Big Town
8:15 p.m. Singer – Songwriter Group II
8:35 p.m. Jamey Johnson
9:25 p.m. Singer – Songwriter Group III
9:45 p.m. Montgomery Gentry

CONCERT DETAILS:

Country Throwdown Tour
Featuring Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Eric Church, Little Big Town and many more.

WHEN: Saturday, May 22, 2010 – 1PM
WHERE: First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre – 19100 S Ridgeland, Tinley Park
TICKETS: $21 – $41 -  ticketmaster.com.

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!

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

Cadillac Ranch
1175 West Lake St, Bartlett
cadranch.com

Cadillac Countdown to 2010 – Get wild at the Ranch as they count down to 2010 high tech style. Join DJ Hillbilly for a champagne toast with super cool party favors and of course dancing. The club is open till 4 a.m.

Joe’s Bar
940 W. Weed Street, Chicago
joesbar.com

Well, doesn’t look like Joe’s is goin’ country this New Year’s Eve. Why not support our favorite entertainment venue any way. The Rum Runners will rock the night away with pop hits from U2 to Journey.

Saddle Up Saloon and Dancehall
4440 W. Ogden Ave, Aurora
saddleupsaloon.com

As the newest hot spot on the block, Saddle Up Saloon and Dancehall is quickly becoming a local favorite among the suburban country joints. Located in West suburban Aurora, the Saloon is hosting Decadance “The Dance Party of the Decade” on New Years Eve. Admission includes line dancing lessons, “roadhouse” dance party and a giant cash-ball drop at Midnight.

Sundance Saloon
300 Lakehurst Rd, Waukegan
sundancesaloon.com

Probably one of most known suburban country bars, the Sundance Saloon is open and celebrating the New Year with the local band Easy Louise. All tickets include entertainment, champagne and party favors. Pop for a little extra and they’ll throw in a buffet!

Nashville’s NYE – “Bash on Broadway”
Broadway Ave. between 1st and 3rd, Nashville, TN
visitmusiccity.com/newyearseve/

Pack your bags because Nashville is throwing a street party on New Year’s Eve. Ring in 2010 with country music artist Rodney Atkins and GAC-TV/XM Radio host, Storme Warren, as they headline/emcee the countdown to 2010 with music, fireworks and a guitar drop at Midnight.

Chicago’s Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave, Chicago
navypier.com

Looking for more of the downtown flare and not country? Navy Pier will be hosting its annual New Year’s Eve celebrations for both kids and adults with fireworks at 8:15 p.m. and Midnight.

Don’t forget to check out the Bank of America Winter WonderFest in Festival Hall. The 170,000 square-foot winter wonderland features North Pole inspired attractions for kids of all ages. Entrance to the Winter WonderFest is free, rides and attractions require an activity wristband. Special tip, if you bring your own ice skates, you can skate in the indoor ice rink for free. winterwonderfest.com

Just looking for dinner?

The Texas Roadhouse
Various Locations (Naperville/Rockford)
texasroadhouse.com

The country music infused Texas Roadhouse is perhaps one of the few places in the Chicagoland area where country music plays while you eat. Known for their steaks and buttered rolls, each Roadhouse is part of a larger, regional chain but each kitchen features its own local flare. While the food is great for any occasion, expect long waits.

Some attractions may require attendees to be over the age of 21 and may require additional entrance fees. Please check with the venue prior to planning your night. Please remember to act responsible when drinking and do not drive.

What are you doing on New Year’s Eve? Did we miss something?

David Nail with the Carter Twins
Friday, September 4, 2009 – 8:30PM
Joe’s Bar*, 940 W. Weed St, Chicago
$8 – ticketmaster.com

Randy Travis
Friday, September 4, 2009 – 8PM
Paramount Theatre – 23 East Galena Blvd, Aurora
$49 – $64 – ticketmaster.com

George Jones
Friday, September 4, 2009 – 8PM
Hemmens Auditorium – 45 Symphony Way, Elgin
$45 – $85 – hemmens.org

The Hoyle Brothers
Friday, September 4, 2009 – 5:30PM
The Empty Bottle* – 1035 N. Western Ave, Chicago
FREE – emptybottle.com

On the Waterfront 2009
Thursday, September 3 – Sunday, September 6
Downtown Rockford
onthewaterfront.com

Jason Aldean with Katie Armiger– Great Lawn Stage
September 4, 2009 – 7 & 9PM
$30 – $50 – onthewaterfront.com

Jake Owen – Center Stage
Saturday, September 5, 2009 – 10:15PM
$18 (in advance) festival pass

Heidi Newfield – Center Stage
Sunday, September 6, 2009 – 9:30PM
$18 (in advance) festival pass

Julie Kaylin & Aural Support
Saturday, September 5, 2009 – 1PM
Frankfort Fall Fest – 140 S LaGrange Rd, Frankfort
frankfortfallfestival.info

Bucky Covington
US99 “Live Country” Series
Tuesday, September 8, 2009 – 8PM
Joe’s Bar*, 940 W. Weed Street, Chicago
Tickets available through US99.com

Jack Ingram with Steel Magnolia and Randy Montana
Friday, September 11, 2009 – 8PM
Joe’s Bar*, 940 W. Weed St, Chicago
$12 – ticketmaster.com

Lonestar
Friday, September 11, 2009 – 8PM
Sandwich Fair – Pratt & Somonauk Road, Sandwich
$10 – $20 – sandwichfair.com

Randy Rogers Band
Friday, September 18, 2009 – 10PM
Joe’s Bar*, 940 W. Weed Street, Chicago
$10 – ticketmaster.com

Sugarland
Friday, September 18, 2009 – 7:30PM
Bradley Center – 1001 North 4th Street, Milwaukee, WI
$26 – $56 – ticketmaster.com

Toby Keith with Trace Atkins
Saturday, September 19, 2009 – 8:30PM
First Midwest Bank Amphitheater – 19100 South Ridgeland Ave, Tinley Park
$30 – $70 – livenation.com

Katie Quick
Saturday, September 19, 2009 – 9PM
Yak-zies Wrigleyville*, 3701 N. Clark, Chicago
$5 (door) – katiequick.com

David Allan Coe
Saturday, September 19, 2009 – 8PM
Durty Nellies*, 180 N. Smith St, Palatine
$22 – ticketmaster.com

Lucky Town
Sunday, September 20, 2009 – 6PM
Blue Chip Casino* – 777 Blue Chip Dr, Michigan City, IN
luckytownmusic.com

Jason Boland and the Stragglers with Charlie Robison
Friday, September 25, 2009 – 9PM
Joe’s Bar*, 940 W. Weed St, Chicago
$8 – ticketmaster.com

Upcoming: The Chicago Country Music Festival featuring Miranda Lambert, John Rich and Jamey Johnson; Gary Allan, Darius Rucker, Gretchen Wilson and more.

* denotes this venue requires patrons to be over the age of 21.