FESTIVAL ALERT:
The annual Chicago Country Music Festival will return to Chicago’s lakefront – this year in Millennium Park – boasting a lineup as unique and diverse as the very city it’s named after. From the ’90 country staple Clint Black and Illinois’ own “redneck woman” Gretchen Wilson to newcomers Love & Theft and crossover artist Jewel, no matter what your country tastes may be, this free two-day festival offers a little something for everyone.
While Jake Owen‘s Saturday night appearance seems to be all-the-buzz this year, at this festival, it’s more than just the headliners. Over two stages, 19 local and up-and-coming artists will perform throughout the festival. Hours of quality country music entertainment that can comply with anyone’s budget.
Returning in 2010 is the touring Country Music Association Songwriters’ Series. Featuring Kix Brooks, David Lee Murphy (Dust on the Bottle), new to the scene The Band Perry (Hip to my Heart) and hosted by the acclaimed Nashville songwriter Bob DiPiero. The series, which also will hold a paid night at Joe’s Bar, is an opportunity learn more about some of the best in the “behind the music” business and hear the stories surrounding those hit songs.
While cowboy hats are optional at this fest, don’t forget to grab the boots. Line dancing instructions will be offered at the Best Buy Honky Tonk tent.
Can’t wait for the festival? Get a jump-start at Joe’s Bar on Oct. 7 with Chicago-based country band, The Slim Pickens Band. The event is free but attendees must be 21 and older.
The full 2010 Chicago Country Music Festival lineup:
Fri, Oct. 8:
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Gretchen Wilson – 6PM
Clint Black – 7:30PM
Americana Stage
Shelley Miller – Noon
Midway Ramblers Cajun Band – 3PM
The Henhouse Prowlers – 4:30PM
Truth & Salvage Co. – 6PM
Best Buy Honky Tonk Tent
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
Jewel – 7:30PM
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
Slamabama – Noon
Brittany Clark & Raz’n Kane – 1:30PM
Midnight Flyer- 3PM
Northern Comfort – 4:30PM
Levi Riggs – 6PM
This one’s for the kids. It’s not often a country music concert comes equipped with children’s entertainment but from noon-6 p.m., the little ones can enjoy a jumping jack, facepainting, mural coloring and some interactive games in the Megamind Kids’ Corral.
Festival Information:
The Chicago Country Music Festival
WHEN: Fri, Oct. 8 and Sat, Oct. 9 // Noon – 9PM // All Ages
WHERE: Millennium Park – Michigan Ave at Randolph St, Chicago
TICKETS: Free, Tickets not required
MORE: chicagocountrymusicfestival.us
Watch the festival commercial:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z54ZPwa_BGU