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

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:

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:

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.

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