After dodging a bunch scrutiny by the surrounding neighborhood and special approval from Chicago’s City Hall, country music power trio Rascal Flatts made history as the first country artists to play Chicago’s very own Wrigley Field. A concert that went on to sell-out with a mere 37,000 fans that cool July evening in 2009.

Three years later, it looks like country music is being called back to the ballpark as the CMA Entertainer of the Year, Brad Paisley, is headed to the north side confines on Saturday, June 9, 2012, with a home-run of a lineup.

Miranda Lambert, Chris Young, The Band Perry and Jerrod Nieman will joining Mr. Paisley on the Chicago-stop of his 2012 Virtual Reality World Tour.

Tickets go on sale to the general public starting tomorrow (Jan. 27) at 10 a.m. through Live Nation and Tickets.com.

Brad Paisley’s  ”American Saturday Night”:

Little Big Town

Little Big Town is one of those distinctive country bands that have the unique ability of being able to rile up the crowd with hand clapping hits such as Little White Church and Boondocks just as easily as they can tear their heart out in ballads like Kiss Goodbye and Shut Up Train. It just might be this God-given talent that makes them the ultimate band to play the rowdy, yet intimate Joe’s Bar in Chicago.

“Playing a smaller venue gives us the chance to play a full set of songs and go deeper into the albums, showcasing what Little Big Town is all about,” explains Little Big Town’s Phillip Sweet in an exclusive interview with CountryMusicChicago.com. “While we love to play the arenas, the fans can seem so far away. I love how the smaller venues allow the fans to really get close to the music and musicians. It just feels good.”

Armed with miraculous four part harmonies and a unified love for music in general, Little Big Town says they are ready to take Joe’s Bar by storm. Sweet says Friday night’s set will include all of the favorites, including a selection of covers from the band’s wildly popular Scattered, Smothered and Covered web series of videos.

“(Scattered, Smothered and Covered) has really become a great avenue to be creative and go a little crazy,” says Sweet of the online series of videos that have featured the band performing everything from Lady Gaga’s Born this Way to Adele’s Rolling in the Deep. “The songs feel really fresh and chances are some people might have never heard a certain song that way.”

Still riding high on the success of their 2010 chart topping album The Reason Why and last year’s popular arena tour with Sugarland, Sweet says 2012 will feature new music and a brand new summer tour for Little Big Town.

“We are doing the bulk of the recording for the new album in February,” explains Sweet. “We are super excited about the new music and being able to work with producer Jay Joyce. Who knows…we may break out some new music Friday night.”

Tickets for Saturday night’s show are currently sold out.  

Little Big Town’s “Shut Up Train” music video:

Brett Eldredge

Our hometown boy is coming home…just in time for the holidays.

One of country music’s fastest rising stars Brett Eldredge will appear at Joe’s Bar this Friday, and in an exclusive interview with Country Music Chicago, Eldredge says an appearance at the venue was high on his list of Christmas must-haves.

“Believe it or not, this is my first time playing Joe’s Bar,” says Eldredge, who last came through the Chicago area while on tour with country legend Willie Nelson. “I’ve been bugging my manager and agent that out of all of the bars I’ve been playing, I definitely didn’t want to miss the chance to play at Joe’s. It’s my city and it’s my home, and I am ready to get up on that stage and get a little crazy.”

In fact, Eldredge says he spent many a Sunday afternoon watching football and basketball games at Joe’s before he started to make a name for himself in Nashville. A native of Paris, Illinois, (Map Below) Eldredge attended Elmhurst College just before the country music industry began calling his name.

“I used to love going downtown around the holidays and seeing all the lights,” recalls Eldredge, who plans to release a record of new material sometime in early 2012. “My friends and I always said we wanted to go ice skating too…but as of yet, we haven’t. Maybe this time we will end up giving it a try.”

While Eldredge is scheduled to play a number of bar dates through mid December, he is looking forward to heading back home to Paris, IL to spend time with family and friends.

“On Christmas Eve night, you will find me standing up in the same choir loft I have sung from since I was just a 12 year old boy,” he says. “My family fills off nearly half of the church. Afterwards, we head home to eat, drink and be merry. I also like to carve out some time to go ice fishing while I’m there. I know it doesn’t sound too exciting…a bunch of guys standing around looking into a hole in the ice, but for me, it’s a good time.”

Tickets are still available for the show, and Eldredge promises a song list that goes far beyond the song “Raymond”, a tearjerker of a song but one of his biggest hits to date.

“I can have a serious side, and I love my family…but there is another side of me that likes to have a whole lot of fun,” he laughs. “Every day, I get to wake up and play music, and I can’t wait to share that with the fans that come out to Joe’s. Especially during the holidays, people want to forget everything else that’s going on, and partake in a little holiday cheer.”

BRETT ELDREDGE with Drake White

WHEN: Friday, December 9, 2011 – 8PM

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

TICKETS: $8 – joesbar.com // ticketweb.com

Map of Paris, IL:

Brett Eldredge: “Raymond”

A line dance is any dance in which a group of individuals line up and follow a choreographed sequence of steps in unison. And though classic country line dancing tunes, such as “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” remain popular even among younger crowds, today’s line dancers are stepping to a diverse array of different songs, ranging from contemporary country hits like Blake Shelton’s “Honey Bee” and Luke Bryan’s “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” to rock and roll oldies such as Elvis Presley’s “Stuck on You.” For Chicagoans looking to get in on the action, there are several places in the area which offer line dancing, including some local bars, clubs, park districts, and even a few health clubs and banquet halls.

According to Cathy Vary, who was recently filmed line dancing for an American Family Insurance commercial and who has been teaching line dancing in the Chicago area for twenty years, “It’s easy to learn line dancing on the fly, as there are just a few basic steps.” For line dancing beginners, Vary recommends Glendora Banquets in Chicago Ridge, which offers line dancing on Tuesday and Thursday nights in a relaxed learning environment. From 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday night, Vary teaches four line dances, followed by an hour of open dancing from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The first dance that Pat “CountryPat” Stamer, who has been a line dance instructor in Chicagoland since 1990, teaches to those in his line dancing classes is the Electric Slide. According to Stamer, “Many people know the Electric Slide already, and it gives them the confidence to try other dances.” From there, Stamer teaches other basic line dancing steps, including the Grapevine. To do the Grapevine, one takes a step right with the right foot, crosses the left foot behind the right foot, steps to the right with the right foot, then scuffs to the left.

“Country Pat” Stamer periodically offers Rock ‘N’ Country and Country & Western Dance Classes at Dance Center Chicago. Referring to his Rock ‘N’ Country line dance classes, Stamer says, “I teach dances to country songs, and then we switch it over to oldies rock and roll. It is a lot of fun, and the mix of music seems to please those that may not be hard core country fans. I mean, who doesn’t like to Tush Push to Elvis’ ‘Stuck on You’?”

Likewise, Cathy Vary notes that today’s line dancers are just as likely to be burning holes in the dance floor with such R&B and pop tunes as “Mustang Sally” and “Mamma Maria” as they are to be Canadian Stomping to country rock hits like Shania Twain’s “Any Man of Mine” and Steve Earle’s “Copperhead Road.”

One of the largest line dancing crowds in the area converges upon the Saddle Up Saloon in Aurora every Wednesday through Saturday night starting at 7:30 p.m., when the saloon transforms into one giant line dancing party. On these nights, Vary teams up with the Saddle Up Saloon to offer line dance classes that are geared toward both beginner and intermediate line dancers, and sometimes up to 700 line dancers attend per night.

Pondering the Saddle Up Saloon line dancing experience, Vary says, “All dances taught are easy enough for people that have never line danced, yet fun for the experienced dancers. This is the first place I have worked where the experienced dancer will come on the floor for lessons they already know to help the beginners, which is amazing. The people at Saddle Up are very friendly.”

Besides the several suburban bars and clubs that have line dancing, city dwellers can line dance into the wee hours of the night and early morning at Carol’s Pub in Chicago. This quaint, honky-tonk country, Uptown neighborhood bar has line dancing every Friday and Saturday night from 9:00 p.m. until 4 a.m. and is the only bar in Chicago’s city limits where patrons can line dance.

Both Vary and Stamer tout the health benefits of line dancing as well. Stamer says, “Line dancing is a lot of fun, as well as a great workout! In fact, some people do it just for the exercise.” Vary adds that two of her line dancing students lost a substantial amount of weight (55 pounds and 45 pounds respectively) over the past year, and those students attribute much of that weight loss to the multitude of calorie burning moves characteristic of line dancing.

So whether you’re a diehard, boot-kickin’ ‘90s country fan or someone aiming for fitness while enjoying modern country or even rock music, there is a place in the Chicago line dancing scene for you! Contact one of the line dancing instructors listed below for more information on private or group line dancing lessons, or just head on out, either solo or with a group of friends, to one of the venues listed below for some line dancing fun.

Line Dancing Instructors in the Chicago Area

Pat “CountryPat” Stamer has been a line dance instructor in Chicagoland since 1990. He offers private lessons, as well as group and corporate party line dancing instruction. CountryPat’s website is chicagocountry.com, and he can be contacted at 773-339-5670 or chicagocountrymail@yahoo.com.

Cathy Vary has been teaching line dancing in the Chicago area for twenty years. She specializes in country pattern dancing, choreographed dances, and couples dances, and she offers beginner through advanced group and private classes. Vary can be contacted at 630-201-1504 or cathyvary@yahoo.com.

Line Dancing Venues in Chicago and the Suburbs

Cadillac Ranch
1175 W. Lake St.
Bartlett, IL
Phone: (630) 830-7200
Website: cadranch.com

Line dancing: Tuesday night line dance lessons at 7:30, with country dancing until 1:00 a.m.; Friday couples line dancing is from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday line dancing is from 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Features: Bring your cowboy boots and hat on the dance floor of this popular hangout for the hardcore suburban country crowd on line dancing nights.

Cover: $4 before 10 p.m.; $5 after 10 p.m.

Carol’s Pub
4659 N. Clark St
Chicago, IL
Phone: (773) 334-2402

Line dancing: Every Friday and Saturday night from 9:00 p.m. until 4 a.m.

Features: Line dance into the wee hours of the night and early morning at the only bar in Chicago’s city limits that currently offers line dancing. Located in Uptown, Carol’s Pub is a quaint neighborhood bar with a honky-tonk country feel.

Cover: $5 per person

Dance Center Chicago
3868 N Lincoln Ave, 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60607

Line dancing: Classes are offered periodically by Pat “CountryPat” Stamer. Visit Stamer’s website at www.chicagocountry.com or contact him directly at 773-339-5670 or chicagocountrymail@yahoo.com for more information on class dates and times.

Glendora Banquets
10225 South Harlem Ave.
Chicago Ridge, IL 60415
Phone: (708) 425-3686

Website: glendorabanquets.com

Line dancing: Lessons every Tuesday and Thursday night from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Open dancing every Tuesday and Thursday night from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Features: Cathy Vary is the line dancing instructor in this relaxed learning environment suitable for beginning line dancers. Four line dances are taught each Tuesday and Thursday night.

Cover: $8 per person

Saddle Up Saloon
4440 West Ogden Ave. @ Hwy 59
Aurora, IL 60504
Phone: (630) 585-8600

Website: saddleupsaloon.com

Line dancing: Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night starting at 7:30 p.m.

Features: Cathy Vary is the line dancing instructor on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights at this party atmosphere saloon. Two line dances are taught each Wednesday through Saturday night, and both beginner and intermediate line dancers are welcomed.

Cover: $5 per person. Ladies can get in free on Wednesday nights, and college students can get in with no cover charge on Thursday nights.

Sundance Saloon
300 Lakehurst Road
Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone: (847) 887-0858

Website: newsundance.com

Line dancing: Complimentary line dance lessons from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Wednesday night

Features: The new Sundance Saloon has a 4,000 square foot dance floor and a state of the art sound and lighting system.

Cover: Every Wednesday night there is no cover charge for ladies

Willowbrook Ballroom
8900 S. Archer Ave.
Willow Springs, IL 60480
Phone: (708) 839-1000

Website: willowbrookballroom.com

Line dancing: Every Tuesday night. Line dance lesson at 7:30 p.m. with line dancing until 10:00 p.m.

Features: Willowbrook Ballroom’s weekly line dancing features the hottest country hits in an intimate, friendly atmosphere. There is a 6,000 square foot dance floor with line dance instructors on a raised stage.

Cover: $8 per person

Riders will depart for the 90-minute ride from Fox River Harley-Davidson in St. Charles and end outside Joe’s Bar. Once there, Bentley will take the stage along with special guests, Jerrod Niemann and Eli Young Band.

Pre-sale tickets for Sunday’s event are sold out, but if you’d like to attend the concert, you can make a cash donation of $20 at the door. Doors for the event at Joe’s Bar open at 1pm and the music kicks-off at 2pm.

For more ride information, call (630)584-8000. For more general information, call (312) 337-8818.

For David Nail, his drive into country music fandom had been nothing but a caution light. Nail’s first formidable release into country radio hit back in May of 2009 with “Redlight”, off the album “I’m About To Come Alive”, which garnered the Missouri native a spot in the top 10 on the country music charts. At that time, it appeared to be what would become a big green light for the artist.

Since then, Nail managed hitch on to some major touring acts like Lady Antebellum and even snagged a cut written by Kenny Chesney, which would eventually end up as a radio release and music video. The single “Turning Home”, did receive a considerable amount of airplay and garnered Nail a nomination for a Best Male Country Vocal Performance by the Recording Academy, only managed to turn up a top 20 back in the middle part of 2010. Which was too bad considering to-date it’s probably the best use for Nail’s vocals as they tend to fall middle-of-the-road between country and pop.

Heading into modern day, Nail currently sits on the airplay charts with “Let It Rain”, the first single off of his upcoming album release. Although, looking back at Nail’s music, this track is a bit recycled when it comes to his typical tempo and sound while it is continuing to build upon his not quite country, not quite adult-contemporary. For an artist that still trying to find that right way to roll, it does provide some familiarity for what you could consider his existing fan base. Some thing that will hopefully be key in the upcoming months as he prepares for a new album release.

“The Sound of a Million Dreams”, which is due to be available for digital download starting November 15, marks Nail’s second commercially released album since his debut released two years ago. A much deserved release that brings considerable anticipation for a first listen.

Catch David Nail at Joe’s Bar on Saturday, Oct. 1.

It’s been awhile since Joshua Scott Jones and Meghan Lindsey graced our television screens to compete in the CMT series, Can You Duet?. While here in Chicago, we’ve had a few opportunities to catch the duo, better known as Steel Magnolia, in the Windy City, a lot has happened personally for the two since they last played on Illinois soil.

For one half of the duo, this Illinois soil is not all too foreign for the now Nashville-based duo. While chatting with the two during their recent stop at Country Thunder USA, I had to ask Jones about his little known Illinois roots.  A native of Charleston, Illinois, Jones explained his fondness for Chicago as he spent many nights in the area while gigging at the northwest suburban Durty Nellie’s nightclub.  He remarked, not in a country band but growing up in downstate Illinois, country music is a natural thing for him.  It’s obvious that Jones is multifaceted when it comes performing to music, especially since he hooked up with one very talented Louisiana girl, Meghan Lindsey.

We talked about their recent release of the duo’s debut, self-titled album and how  it finally made its public appearance earlier this year.  They filled me in on their strict touring schedule which puts the two on the road a lot. You may recall the two paid Illinois a visit when they stopped at the Pontiac Crystal Palace back in February.

My chat with the two wasn’t all about the past, in fact it wasn’t too long after the duo publicly announced their big news about a future gig – and we’re not talking about a concert.  In June, the duo announced they’re planning a 2012 wedding to finalize their long-term engagement.  Lindsey remarked that while they’re excited to finally tie the knot, they’re really busy touring around the country and hope to get all together soon.

Well Meghan and Josh, congratulations, but you’re going to have to put those wedding plans aside for at least one more night.  On Saturday, the two will return to headline Joe’s Bar. Joined by the The McClymonts and Tyler Farr as openers.  Doors open at 7PM and tickets are $10 available through ticketweb.com or at the Joe’s Box office.

Concert Details:

Steel Magnolia with Tyler Farr and The McClymonts (21+)

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

WHEN: Saturday, September 3, 2011 – 7PM

TICKETS: $10 ticketweb.com or Joe’s Box office

When it comes to summer country music festivals, there’s no competition for Country Thunder. A stellar four-day lineup of some of the biggest names in modern country music combined with all of the qualities of the great outdoors, it’s a country lovin’ paradise. Situated just north of the Illinois border in Twin Lakes, Wisc., the Shadow Hill Ranch, where the festival is held, is second-to-none when it comes to area country music fan retreats. Now in it’s 19 year, this well-oiled, fun machine leaves nothing behind – well except maybe US99 – when it comes to making some of the best country music summer fun.

For this year, the figures continue to look well rounded. With country music stars Lady Antebellum, Zac Brown Band, Martina McBride and Rascal Flatts on tap as headliners for the festival’s main stage, this leaves all four nights propped with well-named “hot” act. In addition to the headliners, supporting acts such as Steel Magnolia, Charlie Daniels Band, Neil McCoy, Darius Rucker, Easton Corbin, Sara Evans and Josh Turner, to name a few, pack the 21 artist lineup scheduled for this year. Not to mention the “Frat House” stage featuring a host of named regional and local acts included on the ticket.

Country Thunder 2011 general admission “lawn” ticket prices range from $60 – $200 at the gate and range from one-day pass to a full four-day pass. Parking and onsite camping additional. Check for availability.

Think this is a lot? You’re right in some areas but luckily we’ve run some numbers for you to justify.

Country Thunder, By the Numbers:

• Approx. hours of non-stop music: 25 (Mainstage only)
• Number of artists scheduled to perform: 21
• Miles from Chicago: 67
• Average cost per lawn ticket: $116
• Approx. amount paid if purchase a ticket to each individual artist separately: $735
• Average high temperature in the forecast for the festival: 89.75 degrees – Smokin!

Do you have a little country in your blood? Join LifeSource and US99.5 for their Country Music Blood Drives on Saturday, July 23, at four suburban Chicago locations.

Donate blood for the chance to win lawn tickets to see Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton in concert on August 6 at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre in Tinley Park. Plus, get free US99.5 merchandise including CDs, t-shirts and more.

Be one of the first 100 donors to pre-schedule your appointment and receive Brad Paisley’s new album, This Is Country Music. Visit lifesource.org or call 1.877.LIFESOURCE for additional information and to pre-schedule your appointment now!

The following locations will be participating:

Holiday Inn Hotel
10AM-4PM
495 Airport Rd.
Elgin, IL 60123

Homewood Suites
10AM-4PM
16245 La Grange Rd.
Orland Park, IL 60467

Libertyville Civic Center
9AM-3PM
135 W. Church St.
Libertyville, IL 60048

Waukegan City of Miracles Event
10AM-5PM
747 Walnut St.
Waukegan, IL 60085

Kennedy, now living in Nashville, joked while she talked about the big change between living in The Music City versus her childhood home in west suburban Westchester.

“I notice I’ve started using “y’all” a lot more.” Kennedy said about her first year in Nashville, “But I am here, really focusing on music.”

And focused she is. Just off the release of her debut album “Highway Songs” – now available in the iTunes store – Kennedy cut seven original songs for the album, all in which she had a hand in writing.

“’Again and Again” is my favorite because I love the production we put on it, I think it’s one of the most original songs on the album and it’s also one of the most personal,” said Kennedy. “Although “Gettin’ Over You” is the most fun to perform because its got such a great little sassy attitude.”

Some of Kennedy’s influences include, Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride and even country legends like Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and Hank Williams. Her favorite however, is LeAnn Rimes. “I got to meet her when I was in junior high.” While growing up, she also listened to other types of music she said, “From Stevie Wonder, to the Beach Boys and the Beatles.”

All of these musical influences helped define her country style Kennedy said, “As modern country with a classic country twist- you can hear it in the writing and in the production on the album.” Kennedy has played the piano since she was young and is self-taught on guitar. When she performs, she typically plays in a three-piece group and is working on expanding into a full band.

With all of this country music flowing in her blood, the move to Nashville seemed like the natural, right thing for her to do.

“There is so much talent here [in Nashville], and I don’t really feel intimidated by it ever,” she said. “It just really inspires me to keep improving and gives me something to work towards.”

With her determination and passion for the craft, that future is looking bright for Kennedy.

“I’m really excited to focus on writing in the next year, and to come up with all new material for my next project. Nothing is in the works officially as of now; I’m just always trying to get better as a writer and a performer.”

Now she’s focused on getting some stage credits. After a quick show in Minnesota this week, Kennedy will be back in Illinois for two upcoming shows. The first, at Carmen’s Jazz Bistro in Palos Heights on July 7 from 7-8:30 PM followed by her first “homecoming concert” at Westchester Fest on July 9 from 4-5 PM.