Wish I Was There, Country Thunder
One week from today, I would normally be loading up my car with notepads, pens, camera lens, cell phone batteries, rain ponchos and about 50 ounces of really strong sunblock. Then I'd strap on my media credentials and enter the Country Thunder grounds in Twin Lakes, Wis.
I'm not going this year, for a list of reasons too long to blog about. But that hasn't stopped me from crying a river over it to anyone who will listen. There is so much I'll miss, from the fresh air and henna tattoos to the corn dogs and people-watching. I might even kind of miss the muddy parking lot. But obviously, when there are four days of country happening practically right in my backyard, what I will really miss this year is the non-stop music.
This fest is so well orchestrated, in fact, that it feels like the minute a country artist walks off the stage another one comes on. So on July 15, right when the Lost Trailers finish their set, you will be on the verge of watching Tracy Lawrence (whose new "Up to Him" song is right up there with "Paint Me a Birmingham," in my mind). Then on July 16, you get Gloriana, Jack Ingram, Mark Chesnutt, Kellie Pickler and Taylor Swift. So a thorough mix of the classic, Texas and pop kinds of country. The July 17 lineup is just as sweet, with Heidi Newfield, Jake Owen, Phil Vassar, Alan Jackson and Neal McCoy. All of whom do an outstanding job of swaggering the catwalk while they sing.
But it's the July 18 show I am heartbroken I will miss. I want to catch Joey & Rory's set (and see how Rory really looks in those overalls). I want to hear Terri Clark's new stuff from the new album she's been working on. I want to hear about the worst 15 minutes of Rodney Atkins' life. And I want to watch Tim McGraw close the festival with songs from his Southern Voice album.
Maybe I should rethink my decision not to go.
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Jeff Dykhuis says:
I have always wanted to go to Country Thunder, i know one of the organizers but i have never been. Right about this time i am usually at another awesome festival called Jamboree in the Hills in St. Clairsville Ohio on the west Virginia border at Wheeling. I have attended that festival for the last 4 years and always had free tickets. Now my connection there is gone so ive been considering Country Thunder. Joey & Rory put on a good show, too bad you missed it at Joe’s, but you can see how Rory looks on my site.
Twangtown7 says:
You mean Tim is actually gonna take time out from promoting new cologne and Hallmark cards to do some music? Wowzers!
Janetgijoenurse says:
Guess Brad Paisley wanted to cashin on the cards also cause his face, music and Hallmark cards are all over the stores now.
Now what do you say about that jerk!
desere says:
Hallmark cards is on HWY 65………..AL.
Morgan says:
You won’t be missing much. Tim is not worth making the trip or paying the money for. It will not be as good as it used to be. Save your money.
hotelmotel says:
I agree. Tim’s music has gotten dull, preachy, and very sentimental in the last few years. He has still released a few decent singles here and there, but McGraw isn’t making good music on a consistent basis.
Janetgijoenurse says:
hotelmotel just can it you are not a fan of Tim so don’t pretend you ever were, you just liek to come on here with your variety of names and trash him cause its the only thing you have to do in your sorry life.
Janetgijoenurse says:
Twangtown7 did you buy the Brad Pasiley’s Hallmark cards for Father’s day or someone’s brthday. You can find them in all the stores.
star says:
tim mcgraw puts on a great show I have seen him many times with faith and with out he is one of the best live performers of this decade!
Redmaz says:
I took the time to check out every act that was mentioned in this blog, and can easily say this is not the type of music I like. This would be a terrible experience for me. I would never attend anyting like this. Completely out of the question.
goldie says:
TIM IS A GREAT STAR AND VERY HUMBLE PERSON HE HAS A VERY AWSOME SHOW!! AT LEAST THE TIMES I SAW HIM!
hotelmotel says:
janetgijoenurse says “hotelmotel just can it you are not a fan of Tim so don’t pretend you ever were,”
I’ve never pretended to be a former Tim fan. To clarify: I think Tim’s music has always been mindless drivel. But it has gotten worse lately: while in the early nineties it was merely mindless pablum, it is now also mindless and preachy, mindless and sentimental.
Janetgijoenurse also says, “you just liek to come on here with your variety of names” but, alas, I do not use other names on this site. I am on other non-music sites, under different names, though. That said, one name is more than enough for me to use to express my dislike of McGraw’s music.
MOLLY6 says:
too bad. you are missing a lot. I love Tim Mcgraw and all of his music.His new song is awesome.
erika says:
tim is awsome and so good lookin
star says:
Iam going and seeing both tim and taylor and I have seen taylor this allready Iam sure it will be great!!!
erika says:
you dont have to rub it in!!!!lol
erika says:
where r u seing them at is it in FL?
erika says:
r u seeing them together?
hurry up….lol
……uh….lol?
jk (just kidding)
Crystal Darcy says:
ok i have been listening to tim mcgraw since i was little and i love his music and him he is awesome.
T J says:
I was right about getting some great photos of Taylor from Country Thunder - not only is she a super entertainer - she is way photogenic too!