Country Thunder 2014

2014 OFFICIAL PROGRAM PRESENTED BY

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Event Guide Index Florence Mayor’s Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Country Thunder Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Directions and FAQs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Camping at Country Thunder . . . . . . . . 12 Charity/The 100 Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 The Hosts: Williams & Ree . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Photo by Andy Hartmark

The Musicians

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Chad Brownlee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Ryan Bexley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Will Hoge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Thompson Square . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Mary Hoffman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Cassadee Pope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Sawyer Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Easton Corbin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 The Band Perry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 LoCash Cowboys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Charlie Worsham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Mark Chesnutt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Craig Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Miranda Lambert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Matt Farris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Joe Diffie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Tyler Farr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Colt Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Jason Aldean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Entertainment Visit www.halopiercing.com for printable coupon

JEWELRY & PIERCING

(Central & Camelback Road) Phoenix, AZ 85013 (602) 230-0044 www.facebook.com/halojewelry

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Electronic Thunder/ DJ DU . . . . . . . . . . 37 Jack Daniel’s Courtyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Denim and Diamonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Florence Trolley Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Attractions & Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Country Thunder Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Published by 4M Publishing, LLC. 480.348.0343 • info@ecollegetimes.com Photos by Eric Jelinek, Country Thunder and/or courtesy of their respective properties Distribution is limited to one copy per reader. ©2014, 4M Publishing, LLC.

Welcome from Mayor Tom J. Rankin

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Howdy, partner! Welcome to Florence, Arizona, and the 2014 Country Thunder Festival. This year’s event is packed full of great music, including the newest music stars and some familiar faces that we have all enjoyed over the years. There are many unique vendors and attractions to go along with all this great music.

The Town of Florence really appreciates that you choose to be here in Florence, Arizona, this weekend. We are proud to welcome you with a tip of the hat. We have a proud tradition of farming, cattle ranching and a great appreciation for country music. Florence is home to the world’s oldest kids rodeo, the Junior Parada, which takes place every year on Thanksgiving weekend. Our town is rich in western heritage and is the perfect location for the Country Thunder festival.

If you want to see what Florence has to offer, be sure to take our free trolley, provided by the Town of Florence, that will take you on a tour of our community and stop at our local grocery stores, restaurants and other shops. The trolley runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

And be sure to check out the many other events that are happening throughout the year here in Florence. This place has a lot to offer!

Have a great time and we hope to see you again next year,

Mayor Tom J. Rankin Town of Florence

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Dear CT Nation, Here we are again for our annual family reunion, the weekend we look forward to all year long. Thank you for bringing your country spirit, good times and sing-along voices. We promise this will be a weekend to remember.

Living the Western Dream

We would like to thank our sponsors and partners for helping us bring the festival to life. Our little city could not be built without their help. Be sure to check out all they have to offer inside and outside of the festival bowl. How can you say “no” to a free blowout by your favorite hair brand, an educational experience involving a whiskey museum, or a free charge from a big name phone provider?

This program is filled with helpful (and fun) notes to guide you through your festival experience. Flip through for additional information and to learn more about this year’s lineup. You’ll also find a handy festival map and important schedules.

We hope you take the time to soak in the sun, take in the gorgeous desert we all call home for the weekend, and rock out to the music we live our lives by.

Happy Country Thunder!

—The Country Thunder Team

Furniture Barn: 480.575.1357 General Store: 480.575.7025 In the Heart of Historic Cave Creek 6602 E. Cave Creek Road www.BigBroncoCaveCreek.com info@bigbroncocavecreek.com

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WELCOME TO COUNTRY THUNDER! Frequently Asked Questions CAMPING Are the campsites serviced?

Although the campsites are not serviced, we do have water and sewer trucks available to provide and/or pump sewage for a nominal fee.

I am dropping off a camper for a family member/friend before the festival begins. Do I need a wristband to get onto the site?

The gates officially open at 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, for campers and will remain open each day until approximately 10 p.m. You will be asked to provide collateral (i.e., valid ID and credit card) and sign documentation to ensure that you exit the Country Thunder grounds.

Starting Thursday, April 10, everyone onsite will be required to show a valid festival ticket and a valid camping pass, or you will be asked to purchase them.

Does it matter how many people are at my campsite, as long as we have only 1 sleeping unit?

No, you can have as many people on your campsite as you want, as long as you are following the rules. Everyone on the campsite must have a four-day wristband, and all of your belongings must fit on your 19 foot by 40 foot campsite—no exceptions.

DISABLED PATRONS Do you have a disabled area? How do I get to it?

We do offer disabled to the left of the stage (if you are looking at the stage) within the VIP/

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RSVD area. Out of respect for limited amount of space available, we invite disabled fans and one attendant to use this viewing area.

Someone in my party has trouble walking. Is there a service to get them to the disabled area?

Unfortunately, we do not. Though we welcome everyone, it is an outdoor festival and weather sometimes is an issue. We provide ADA parking, which is quite close to the festival bowl. If you are unable to walk, you are welcome to bring a wheelchair or a medical scooter (no golf carts please) to get around.

Again, the festival site is large and is earthy (not paved), so please keep this in mind as you are planning your visit.

GENERAL When do gates officially open?

If you are a camper, you can load in as early as Wednesday, April 9, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Gates will re-open at 9 a.m. Thursday, April 10.

If you arrive at Country Thunder after 10 p.m., you will have to wait outside the gate until the next morning, so please plan accordingly.

What are the front gate hours?

Wednesday, April 9: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Thursday, April 10: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday, April 11: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday, April 12: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday, April 13: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. **The exit gate is open 24 hours for anyone wishing to leave the site.

GENERAL (CONTINUED) What are the gate times for the festival bowl?

Thursday, April 10: 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Friday, April 11: 1 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Saturday, April 12: 1 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Sunday, April 13: 1 p.m. to 2 a.m.

OMG, I’ve lost an item! How can I find it?

Lost and Found is located in the Information Tent onsite. Although we would like to think that everyone is our friend, it is not often the case. Try to hold onto your things, but if you do happen to lose something, check out the Information Tent to hopefully find your belonging.

OMG, I’ve found an item! How can I return it to its rightful owner?

You are a good soul. Thank you for returning what isn’t yours to the Information Booth to await its owner.

What happens if I break or lose my wristband?

Can I get a replacement?

Unfortunately, no, we do not replace lost or stolen wristbands. Also, because wristbands are cloth, they tighten easily. Please be careful with your wristband as you will not be allowed anywhere on site without one.

I purchased tickets but am now unable to attend the event. Can I return them for a refund?

Unfortunately, no, we do not offer refunds, as all sales are final. Helpful Hint: Advertise your ticket at www.facebook.com/countrythunderusa to notify other patrons of your situation.

WHERE AM I?

Is there re-entry with a one-day ticket?

Yes, you may exit and enter the site at your leisure, as long as you are wearing the correct day wristband.

Where do I pick up my VIP meal pass?

Meal passes for VIP patrons are distributed at the VIP entry point.

What are the meal times?

Meals times are as follows Friday through Sunday: Lunch is served from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner is served from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. **Notice: Only dinner is served on Thursday.

Country Thunder USA is held at Canyon Moon Ranch 20585 E. Price (Station) Road Florence, AZ 85132 From Phoenix: Take U.S. Highway 60 to State Highway 79 south. The Canyon Moon Ranch is near the intersection of Price (Station) Road and Highway 79, just north of central Florence.

From Tucson: Take Interstate 10 to State Highway 87 north. At Coolidge, take State Highway 287 east to State Highway 79 north.

The Canyon Moon Ranch is near the intersection of Price (Station) Road and Highway 79, just north of central Florence. Alternative route: Take State Highway 77 north to State Highway 79 north.

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CAMPING RULES AND REGULATIONS GARBAGE How is garbage handled?

Please place all bagged and tied personal and campsite garbage in containers for 6 a.m. pickup. Don’t forget to pick up your free recycling bags from Right Away Disposal on Market Street.

ALCOHOL Is alcohol allowed on site?

If you are of the age and plan to drink alcoholic beverages, please carry your age identification (i.e., driver’s license) with you at all times (even after being wrist-banded) as you may be stopped by undercover patrol. No exceptions.

What about underage drinking?

Underage drinking will not be permitted in the campgrounds or on the event grounds.

Anyone found participating in or contributing to underage drinking will be brought to the attention of local law enforcement personnel, and will be evicted from the grounds immediately without refund.

HOURS What are the quiet hours?

Big Rig: 1 a.m. to 7 a.m.

Canyon: 2 a.m. to 7 a.m.

Crazy Coyote: 2 a.m. to 7 a.m.

Crown: 2 a.m. to 7 a.m.

Encore: 2 a.m. to 7 a.m.

Last Chance: 2 a.m. to 7 a.m.

Road Runner Family: 1 a.m. to 7 a.m.

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Road Runner Adult: 2 a.m. to 7 a.m.

Starlight Preferred: 1 a.m. to 7 a.m.

Sidewinder: 2 a.m. to 7 a.m.

All gas/diesel generators must be turned off by 1 a.m.

Please be respectful of others.

What are the load-in hours?

9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, through Saturday, April 12.

Monday, April 14, is the time to depart.

GENERAL Who is responsible for the camp site?

Any rules broken may mean eviction with no refund. A garbage-filled campsite is grounds for eviction.

Who is allowed in the camping areas?

Everyone entering the campgrounds must have a four-day event wristband on. Single day ticket holders do not have access to the campgrounds.

Can I have a campfire?

Wood-burning fires are not allowed at the 2014 festival. Gas and charcoal burning grills are permitted.

Can I sell items on site?

No soliciting on site. This includes, but is not limited to, food, beverage, merchandise and entertainment. Unauthorized selling of items will result in seizure of merchandise, eviction and possible prosecution.

DO’S AND DON’TS The following are OK: Charcoal or gas/propane barbecues; generators (turned off during quiet hours); one sleeping quarters per site; and two motorized vehicles The following are not OK: Wood-burning fires; Chinese lanterns; glass bottles/containers; weapons, cruising; fireworks; live music performances; swimming pools; dance floors; staging/other structures; ATVs, golf carts, mopeds; bicycles, skateboards, in-line skates; on-site soliciting.

What are your eviction policies?

Country Thunder reserves the right to evict any persons on the grounds of but not limited to: • No four-day event wristband • Garbage-filled campsite • Drinking and driving • Aggressive pets • Excessive noise • Unauthorized sale of food, beverage or merchandise on site The facility reserves the rights to refuse admission or eject any person without refund who is violating the facility, local, state or federal laws, or whose conduct is deemed illegal, disorderly or offensive by management.

PETS Should I bring my pet?

We love our pets, but Country Thunder strongly recommends that you leave your pets at home.

The crowds at events like Country Thunder cause distress to many animals and animals have been stolen at similar events around the nation.

If you do bring a pet to Country Thunder, you are responsible for your pet. Pets must be leashed and must be kept at your campsite at all times. You are responsible for cleaning up after your pet.

Please keep your pet safe and secured on your campsite.

No pets will be allowed into the festival bowl at any time.

Aggressive pets are not allowed, and will be removed from the campground. Violators are subject to eviction from the event and campgrounds without a refund.

What vehicles are allowed on the grounds?

No ATVs, golf carts, mopeds, bicycles, skateboards, scooters or any other similar devices, with the exception of those permitted for handicap transportation, are allowed.

Unauthorized vehicles may be impounded and Country Thunder accepts no responsibility for such vehicles.

What about motorcycles?

Country Thunder considers motorcycles to be vehicles. Therefore, should you chose to bring a motorcycle as a vehicle to Country Thunder, it must have the appropriate tag, whether it be your primary vehicle or you purchase an extra vehicle pass for it. All motorcycles found without the appropriate credential will be impounded.

Can I park anywhere?

No parking on campground roads. These are emergency lanes and must be kept clear of traffic. If illegally parked anywhere, your vehicle may be towed and impounded with a fine.

Country Thunder is not responsible for these vehicles.

Can I drive in the campgrounds?

We understand you may need to leave the campgrounds during the festival, but we ask that you keep any driving to a minimum and do not do so between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Cruising in the back of a vehicle and/or driving between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. are grounds for eviction.

Driving in the campgrounds after 7 p.m. is prohibited.

VEHICLES AND PARKING What is considered an oversized camping unit?

Camping units larger than 35 feet are considered to be oversized. Should your camping unit be considered an oversize unit, you must purchase two sites side by side.

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100 Club of Arizona at Country Thunder

By Ana Anguiano Last year alone 23 Arizona public safety officers and firefighters died in the line of duty, including the 19 Prescott Granite Mountain Hotshots who were caught in the Yarnell Hill Fire. The 100 Club of Arizona helps alleviate some of the stress and financial burden that can accompany such a loss.

Since 1968, the 100 Club of Arizona’s mission has been to give financial assistance to the men and women who serve behind a badge. It serves 50,000 public safety officers and firefighters, as well as their families in Arizona.

The 100 Club is Country Thunder’s official charity and, since 2010, the festival has raised more than $95,600 in raffle sales and donations from attendees alone. The organization has returned this year with an information booth and a 50/50 raffle.

Tamra Ingersoll, the 100 Club of Arizona’s events and public relations specialist, says the community goes above and beyond to support the organization.

“We have community events almost every day,” she says. “The officers and firefighters throughout the state are some of our biggest cheerleaders.”

The 100 Club works hard to assist public safety officers and firefighters who are injured or killed, whether it is in the line of duty or not. It also has financial assistance programs for special needs and emotional wellness services.

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Every year it pays tribute to those men and women who have died. It also hosts a scholarship ball. The 100 Club gives scholarships to the immediate family members of active and retired Arizona public safety officers and firefighters. Last year, it doled out 104 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Since 2007, the program has awarded more than $1 million to more than 300 students statewide.

“It’s our way to say thank you for serving by giving a scholarship to their family,” Ingersoll says.

Funds also help more than just individuals and their families. The organization has a membership program to help canines, because they have badges, too.

The 100 Club offers stipends to help agencies and departments purchase needed goods.

Ingersoll says the group recently aided a smaller fire agency that couldn’t afford to buy wildfire turnout gear.

Arizona has a very tight-knit community that comes together in times of need. Ingersoll says that when Phoenix Det. John Hobbs was killed in the line of duty earlier this year, the 100 Club was asked to work with two news stations to gather donations.

“The number of officers that came off shift and sat on those phones, and talked to the people who called in, and who donated money and who thanked them—it’s amazing,” she says.

“It’s amazing how much every one of them does for us.”

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Williams and Ree Williams and Ree, the self-professed “Indian and White Guy,” have been entertaining audiences around the world with their unique and irreverent comedy/ musical style for more than three decades.

Bruce Williams and Terry Ree have established themselves as proven headliners at fairs, festivals, arenas and casinos. They continuously refresh and reinvent themselves show after show by incorporating topical and observational humor “dripped from the headlines.”

Williams and Ree have the added “wow” factor of being terrifically talented musicians and singers as well.

Numerous television, radio, and commercial appearances have cemented their relationship with their fan base, promoters, and marketing directors. The sheer longevity of this dynamic duo has allowed them to attain legendary status and point up the fact that they are truly America’s favorite comedy team.

Williams and Ree Available CDs “The Indian and the White Guy: Best of Williams and Ree” was released in 2010 and is available at Amazon.com. Tracks on the album span the duo’s 30 year career, including: “We Are All the Same” “Speaking Sioux” “Impressions” “Bob Barker and Government Cheese” “War of the Rosens” “I Love Fat Women” “Reservation Rap” “Whiplash Will”

The same year, Williams and Ree released “Way Up Norsk,” a fresh, entertaining CD featuring: “Welcome to Hostfest” “Lutefisk” “Swingin’ and Tattoos” “Through the Halls” “Columbus Day” “Drug Commercials” “The Battle of New Orleans”

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“Indian National Anthem” “Running Bear” “Oak Ridge Boys and Viagra” “Sagging” “Liposuction” “The Car Routine” “The Ding Dong Song”

“Our Band, Bill” “Cognac” “Candidate Theme Songs” “Lefse” “A Couple More Years”

Chad Brownlee Main Stage Thursday, April 10 2:30 p.m.

A testament to his drive and talent, Chad Brownlee is an example of what one person can achieve. Although he may focus on living in the moment and absorbing every treasured second with his fans while performing on stage, Brownlee has already lived a life many would argue could fill multiple lifetimes. An awardwinning singer, songwriter, philanthropist and former NHL draft pick, the country music artist is by definition a renaissance man, who lives by the credence that “opportunity lies along the path created by the choices you make.”

In recent years his singles have rapidly climbed the Canadian country music charts, with multiple singles cracking Top 10, including “Listen,” “Smoke in the Rain” and “Crash.” In February, he released the single “Fallin’ Over You” off his forthcoming album. “‘Fallin’ Over You’ has become one of my favorite songs to sing because of the passion that comes out of the melody and lyrics,” Brownlee shares.

“You know that feeling you get when you realize that a certain someone has taken a hold of you in the best way possible? That’s what this song is all about. That feeling of freedom, of flying, and falling without worrying where you’re going to land.”

Since the release of his sophomore album, “Love Me or Leave Me,” the singer-songwriter has shown the industry that his star in country music is on the rise, quite literally, as he was

also the recipient of the 2011 Rising Star Award at the CCMA Awards.

Brownlee’s passions run deep; helping his fellow man most certainly tops his list of priorities. He frequently donates his time wherever and whenever possible to a variety of causes, most recently combining his dualpassions (music and hockey) to support MusicCounts, he played in the 2013 JUNO Cup. Annually he continues to partner with the Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation to share the joy of music with young campers, leading music workshops across Canada.

An artist who believes “to be considered a professional you must always act like a professional,” his warm personality and charming persona intimately invites the audience to experience a musical journey as he performs with a commanding, intoxicating stage presence. With a new album release on the horizon, and more tour dates to be announced, his fans can look forward to another memorable year filled with new music and powerful performances.

‘Fallin’ Over You’ has become one of my favorite songs to sing because of the passion that comes out of the melody and lyrics.

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Ryan Bexley Main Stage Thursday, April 10 4 p.m.

Ryan Bexley is the real deal when it comes to country music up and coming stars. Born and raised in the outskirts of New Jersey, Bexley moved to Arizona to play football for Arizona State University. Shortly after college, he continued writing great country songs and won the Arizona’s Next Country Star competition.

Bexley moved to Nashville and completed his first national debut EP, scheduled to release in the spring of 2014.

Bexley is on the road promoting his EP release. His ability to move his audience onto the dance floor is what has catapulted him so

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quickly to the top. He has already shared the stage with talented artists like Lee Brice, Jake Owen, Dierks Bentley and Jason Aldean, to name a few.

Fans can check him out on the Country Thunder stage Thursday night April 10 in Arizona. Listen for tracks like “Green Eyed Carolina Girl,” “Don’t Deserve Me” and “Heels to Boots” to add to their summer playlists.

For more information, visit www.RyanBexley. com, www.facebook.com/ryanbexley or via Twitter @RyanBexley.

Bexley is on the road promoting his EP release. His ability to move his audience onto the dance floor is what has catapulted him so quickly to the top. He has already shared the stage with talented artists like Lee Brice, Jake Owen, Dierks Bentley and Jason Aldean, to name a few.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Main Stage Thursday, April 10 5:30 p.m.

Nearing its fifth decade together, the iconic and profoundly influential Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, often cited as a catalyst for an entire movement in country rock and American roots music, continues to add to its legendary status.

With multiplatinum and gold records, strings of Top 10 hits such as “Fishin’ in the Dark” and “Mr. Bojangles,” multiple Grammy, IBMA and CMA awards and nominations, the band’s accolades continue to accumulate.

Its groundbreaking “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” album has been inducted into the U.S. Library of Congress as well as the Grammy Hall of Fame.

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s recording of “Mr. Bojangles” was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2010.

Founded in 1966 in Long Beach, Calif., The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band—which features Jeff Hanna (guitars and vocals), Jimmie Fadden (drums, harmonica and vocals), Bob Carpenter (keyboards, accordion and vocals) and John McEuen (banjo, fiddle, guitars and mandolin)— continues its nonstop touring in its 48th year together.

Its most recent studio release was the critically acclaimed 2009 album “Speed of Life,” released on Sugar Hill Records.

Produced by George Massenburg and Jon Randall Stewart, “Speed of Life” features

live, freewheeling studio recordings that purposefully avoid overproduction and demonstrate the band’s collaborative spirit and spontaneity.

The band penned 11 of the 13 tracks on the album. Two are classic covers of “Going Up the Country,” Canned Heat’s Woodstock hit; and Stealers Wheel’s “Stuck in the Middle with You.” In 2013, Capitol/EMI reissued, in its original form on vinyl, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” for its 40th anniversary.

“Will the Circle be Unbroken” features a virtual who’s who of bluegrass, folk and blues luminaries as primary and guest artists, including Mother Maybelle Carter, Roy Acuff, Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, Merle Travis, Jimmy Martin, and more, as well as compositions by Acuff, Scruggs, Travis, Martin, Hank Williams and Joni Mitchell, among others. Upon its original release, the album crossed genre lines, uniting fans of country and rock music in widespread appreciation, peaking at No. 4 on Billboard’s country chart and at No. 68 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart.

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band continues its nonstop touring in its 48th year together.

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Will Hoge Main Stage Thursday, April 10 7 p.m.

Will Hoge has been through the wringer.

Since launching his career in the late ’90s, the Nashville singer-songwriter has grinded it out on the road, touring through the dead of winter in an RV with no heat; released albums that, while critically acclaimed, didn’t result in the kind of commercial success many predicted; and even stared down an early death, surviving a wicked traffic accident in 2008, an experience that framed his poignant 2009 album “The Wreckage.”

Yet Hoge has persevered. And that defiant world view is woven throughout his latest project, “Never Give In.” Hoge’s ninth album, “Never Give In,” is a collection of 11 songs, ranging from Stones-y rock ’n’ roll to Kristofferson country, that reflects an artist taking stock of where he is as a father, a husband and a man.

“In both my career and personal life, I’ve had a million chances to walk away or quit,” says Hoge, a married father of two. “But with this project, there is a sense of pride and ownership that we—the band, our families and our fans—have taken, and that mentality is about never giving in. It represents where we all are, artistically and in our lifestyles.”

For Hoge, he’s standing firmly in the sweet spot. In 2012, he received his first No. 1 single for Eli Young Band’s “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” a song he co-wrote with Eric Paslay. The

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song netted Hoge a Grammy Award nomination for Best Country Song, along with CMA Award and ACM Award nominations. For its No. 1 album “Golden,” superstar trio Lady Antebellum chose to record Hoge’s “Better Off Now (That You’re Gone).”

But while Hoge is enjoying newfound success in country music, “Never Give In” defies genre classification. Album cuts like the shuffling “Still Got You on My Mind” and the imagery-rich “Daddy Was a Gambling Man” are indisputable country songs, but other tracks would be right at home on rock radio. Album opener “A Different Man” is a hard-charging testament to changing one’s ways, made to sound, Hoge says, as if “The Who were from Nashville.” The sneering “Home is Where the Heart Breaks” recounts an upbringing that is far from idyllic. And “Bad Ol’ Days” calls to mind Keith Richards with its chunky guitar riff—and fond recollections of past vices.

“I’m a rock ’n’ roll guy at heart. That’s just where I come from,” Hoge admits.

With “Never Give In,” Hoge is poised to further raise a profile that is already reaching lofty heights.

“I’ve been an underdog for a very long time and a lot of people have wondered, ‘Why isn’t this bigger or why aren’t more people paying attention?’” he continues. “I never spent much time worrying about the answer to that question. I just wanted to keep writing, keep touring and keep letting it build.”

Thompson Square Main Stage Thursday, April 10 9 p.m.

In the world of entertainment, music arguably demands the most personal investment from its artists, and it doesn’t get any more intimate than Thompson Square.

While most celebrities go to tremendous lengths and expense to carve out personal space in a Twitter-manic, paparazzi-fueled culture, husband and wife Keifer and Shawna Thompson veil no aspects of their relationship.

In fact, they put their 13-year marriage on display.

Hence, their sophomore album, “Just Feels Good,” is a compelling view of a relationship that offers no distinction between the personal and the professional.

“Much more than the first record, ‘Just Feels Good’ explains exactly who we are,” Shawna says. “This is a very personal record.”

Adds her husband, “It’s a stronger, more accurate representation of who we are and where we’re at right now in our life and our music career...” and, she finishes, “who we are as artists, who we are as individuals and who we are as a married couple, as well.”

Despite the promotional pounding and a grueling 250-date-per-year schedule, they managed to create a more grounded and cohesive collection of songs as they went.

“This album evolved on its own in a way we weren’t even aware of,” Keifer says. “That’s

one of the coolest things about writing, finding songs, recording and going through a process like this. The music takes on a life of its own.

When we got done I called Shawna over to look at the list of songs, because it hit me that they actually tell a bigger story about our journey to Nashville, finding each other, making it work, life on the road and everything else. We didn’t actually sequence the album that way, but you could. It’s us. And it was completely by accident.”

Shawna and Keifer have credits on six of the album’s 13 songs, including the first single, “If I Didn’t Have You.” For the production of “Just Feels Good,” the duo once again teamed with New Voice, the four-man collective behind its first album.

“We intentionally went outside the box a little bit and stretched the Thompson Square sound,” Keifer says.

Expanding sonically while drawing close to its core in writing and song selection, Thompson Square has taken the next bold step in one of the most thriving young careers in country music. Having done that while also sustaining one of the most thriving marriages in country music is truly astounding—or maybe it’s just their secret ingredient.

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Mary Hoffman Main Stage Friday, April 11 2:30 p.m.

Mary Hoffman is a remarkable singer/songwriter out of Mesa.

When she was 15, her mom brought home a pawn shop guitar that was meant for Hoffman’s older brother. He wasn’t interested in the guitar, but Hoffman sure was. Her mom gave it to her and she never put it down.

Hoffman learned how to sing and play guitar at the same time. Stage fright kept her from performing in front of anyone, however, she felt inspired by Jewel’s “You Were Meant for Me.” After months of practice, Hoffman put stage fright on the back burner and sang it at her high school talent show. From then on, she was known as the ‘Jewel Girl.”

After that, Hoffman was hooked on performing.

She started playing at every open mike night she could find and eventually was booked at some of the venues. She continued to perform while attending Arizona State University, where she earned a degree in communications. She even won the ASU Idol competition in 2004.

Upon graduating from ASU, Hoffman figured it was time to think about a “real” job. She landed a job, but after working for about a year, she gave it up to pursue music. She has been playing music fulltime ever since and never looked back. Music is her passion and she can’t see herself doing anything else.

Hoffman has been a country music fan since her parents subscribed to cable and she saw the Martina McBride video of “Independence Day” in 1994. She has served as a warm-up act for some of the acts she

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saw on television, including Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Gary Allen, Easton Corbin, Phil Vassar and Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband.

In 2012, Hoffman won a “Sing with Sugarland” contest and had the privilege of singing the song “Baby Girl” with Sugarland at its “In Your Hands” tour stop in Phoenix.

Hoffman is working on her independent studio album, “I’m Good Company,” which is due for release this year. Fans can purchase a four-song EP via iTunes to warm up for her show at Country Thunder.

For more information, visit www.maryhfofman. net.

Hoffman has been a country music fan since her parents subscribed to cable and she saw the Martina McBride video of “Independence Day” in 1994. She has served as a warm-up act for some of the acts she saw on television, including Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Gary Allen, Easton Corbin, Phil Vassar and Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband.

Cassadee Pope Main Stage Friday, April 11 4 p.m.

With soaring vocals, opening slots on major tours and sales of more than 2.2 million tracks to date, Cassadee Pope is making a mark.

Her debut single, “Wasting All These Tears,” has been certified platinum for sales surpassing 1 million downloads, placing Pope in an elite group of only three other women to achieve the milestone. Not since Taylor Swift in 2006 has a solo female country artist gone platinum on her debut single.

Often dominating the No. 1 spot on iTunes prior to winning season three of “The Voice,” Pope returned to the show last summer, premiering the lead single in front of mentor Blake Shelton and fans nationwide.

Pope’s Republic Nashville album “Frame by Frame” debuted in the upper echelon on the Billboard charts—No. 1 Top Country Albums and Top 10 all-genre Top Albums. The achievement solidified Pope as one of only two solo women in the past five years to top the country chart with a debut release.

The talented vocalist has appeared on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” “Today,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and VH1’s “Big Morning Buzz Live” as well as sat in with legendary band The Roots on NBC’s “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.”

Pope’s follow-up single, “I Wish I Could Break Your Heart,” created a buzz online with

more than 725,000 views of the accompanying video. Helping to secure more than 25 million meals across the country through an initiative with her record label Big Machine Label Group, General Mills and Feeding America called Outnumber Hunger, Pope joined labelmates at “Outnumber Hunger Live!” during the ACM Party for a Cause Festival. She was slated to perform on April 8 at the 2014 NCAA Women’s Final Four in Nashville.

After Country Thunder, Pope will join Tim McGraw’s “Sundown Heaven Town 2014 Tour.”

Her debut single, “Wasting All These Tears,” has been certified platinum for sales surpassing 1 million downloads, placing Pope in an elite group of only three other women to achieve the milestone. Not since Taylor Swift in 2006 has a solo female country artist gone platinum on her debut single.

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Sawyer Brown Main Stage Friday, April 11 5:30 p.m.

“There were five of us thinking that we can. This is the life and times of a travelin’ band...”

Those words end the first verse of the title track to Sawyer Brown’s latest CD, 2011’s “Travelin’ Band.” If ever there was a band that is well qualified to paint a picture of what it means to be a travelin’ band, it’s Sawyer Brown.

Founded in 1981, Sawyer Brown has played more than 4,000 shows over the course of those years, logging mileage well into the seven figures. And, as the act clearly shows on “Travelin’ Band,” the wheels are still turning and an ever-open road stretches out ahead.

“We are just who we are—period,” says lead singer Mark Miller when asked for some of the secrets to the band’s longevity. “From the beginning, we didn’t want to sell ourselves as something we weren’t. We’re blue collar, working-class guys from the neighborhood who just happen to get up on stage at night and make music.”

One story at a time—that is certainly the way that the life and times of this travelin’ band unfolds.

“What we try to do—what we’ve always tried to do, I think—is capture those moments that matter, and capture them in a song,” Miller says. “It seems to me that it’s really the small moments in life that are the big ones, anyway.”

And capture those moments the band has.

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From the tentative moments of transition that underscore Miller’s evocative ballad “The Walk” to the moment that a guy realizes he just might have found the right girl in the band’s energetic signature song “Some Girls Do,” Sawyer Brown consistently manages to bring to life those moments that all to often slip by unnoticed— unnoticed, that is, until a song sings our life back to us.

Sawyer Brown has been singing our life back to us now over the course of 23 albums, and the Miller-produced “Travelin’ Band” continues that rich tradition. The band has never been satisfied to concentrate only on the two or three songs that might become radio singles; they view an album as offering a more complete picture than that.

“We have always wanted there to be a reason for someone to buy and to listen to the entire album,” Miller says. “Maybe on any given day, you’re drawn to the up-tempo stuff—but maybe the very next day, it’s one of the ballads that hits home. I know it’s like that for me as a music listener.” Hubbard adds, “That’s one of the great things about music—the connection it makes. And the fact that different songs forge different connections for me when I listen to music keeps me believing—keeps us believing—that every song matters.”

Easton Corbin Main Stage Friday, April 11 7 p.m.

Easton Corbin knew he wanted to be a country singer well before he learned how to play guitar.

“One of my earliest memories is from when I was 3 or 4,” he remembers. “I was sitting between my parents in the car and a song came on the radio—it was Mel McDaniel’s ‘Baby’s Got Her Blue Jeans On’. I began using the gearshift as my microphone. The desire has always been there.”

Now those lifelong dreams are coming true. In a six-month period, he received 13 country music award nominations and won three country music trophies.

“This is a dream come true,” he says. “This is something I’ve wanted all of my life. To be able to do this for a living and have people like it, I couldn’t ask for any better. I am so blessed.”

Born and raised in rural Gilchrist County, Fla., Corbin spent much of his time on his grandparent’s cattle farm after his parents divorced when he was young. “I lived a mile from the Suwannee River,” he says. “I grew up fishing on it and I loved to work on the farm. Every weekend, that’s where I’d be.”

While no one in his family played a musical instrument, music was a big part of his upbringing.

“My grandparents liked to watch the Opry,”

Easton remembers. “We’d start Saturday night off with ‘Hee Haw’ and then ‘Opry Backstage’ and then ‘Opry Live.’”

He played in bands around town before attending the College of Agriculture at the University of Florida. Corbin then moved to Nashville. “I always knew I wanted to move up here,” he says. “There was never any question about it. I didn’t want to wake up one day and wish I would have tried it, but I had to get my education first so I had something to fall back on.”

Corbin, who had been making regular trips to Nashville to perform at writer’s nights, took a day job at a local ACE Hardware. When a distant cousin, also a professor of music management at the University of Montana, heard Corbin’s music, he asked if he could send it to some of his Nashville contacts. Among those who were impressed by Corbin’s music was booking agent James Yelich, who asked if he could hear him play in person. Corbin, eager for a shot to pursue his dream, quickly agreed.

Also at the meeting was Joe Fisher, who had recently joined Universal Music Group Nashville as senior director of A&R. The two men were blown away and Fisher quickly signed him to the label.

The rest is history. Now that his lifelong dream is upon him, Corbin says he’s ready. “I just want to make great country music,” he says. “Just the opportunity to play music for a living is a great thing. I’m just thankful to have the opportunity to do what I’m doing now.”

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The Band Perry Main Stage Friday, April 11 9 p.m.

Since releasing its self-titled debut album in 2010, The Band Perry has ascended to dizzying heights. Fronted by Kimberly Perry and rounded out by her younger brothers Neil and Reid, the band has notched a string of hit singles, including the quadruple-platinum “If I Die Young,” the platinum “You Lie,” and the country No. 1 “All Your Life.”

It has also enjoyed sold-out tours and a showering of honors, including multiple ACM, CMA and CMT Music awards, as well as Grammy, Teen Choice, AMA, ACA and Billboard Music award nominations.

Despite the validation that comes with such success, Kimberly, Reid and Neil felt as if they were walking into the unknown when it came time to write and record their second album, “Pioneer.”

“People hear the word ‘pioneer’ and they think of covered wagons or astronauts on the moon, but to us the idea of a pioneer is very modern,” Reid says. “It reflects the idea of putting one foot in front of the other when you’re unsure how to get where you’re going. It’s about marching forward and making noise.”

Kimberly adds, “We had so many questions about our future, both personally and professionally. You can hear it in the lyrics to the song ‘Pioneer,’ which asks, ‘Where are we going?’

‘What will become of us?’ After writing those lines,

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the song became our guiding light throughout the process of recording the album, which is why we chose it as the title track. It’s truly about the last three years of our lives and trusting that the songs we wrote would lead us where we were supposed to go. We also had to let go of fear and trust the boldness that has always informed our creative decisions.”

The boldness is clearly evident in everything from “Pioneer’s” album cover—with its bright red, grey and black color scheme and the band’s confident leaning-forward stance—to the album’s fiery, rock ‘n’ roll-influenced country sound. It’s the first recording the trio feels truly captures the fullthrottle intensity of The Band Perry’s live show.

Kimberly explains that the first album was an honest representation of where they were at the time.

“When we sat down to write songs, we had pictures in our head, and back then it was very romantic imagery, like Ferris wheels at the county fair,” she says.

“This time our inspirational images were of armies and marching bands moving forward. It was very militaristic, and I think you can hear that in the melodies and the lyrics.” Adds Neil, “We didn’t discuss the images we had in our heads with each other at first. It was just what we all felt and how we processed the meaning behind the music.”

Taken as a whole, “Pioneer” enables The Band Perry to accomplish one of its primary goals: to bring the romantic mystique of bands back to music.

LoCash Cowboys Main Stage Saturday, April 12 2:30 p.m.

The promise shown in LoCash Cowboys’ live shows has come to fruition on their self-titled indie album. What else would you expect from the duo who co-wrote Keith Urban’s No. 1 “You Gonna Fly” and “Truck Yeah,” for Tim McGraw?

“Country music really boils down to the power of the song,” sums up Preston Brust, who is paired in the band with cowboy-hat-wearing Chris Lucas.

“We wanted to broaden our listeners, to reach the older crowd, the younger crowd, and the middle crowd. And we really tried to pick songs that were the best songs we could find to define LoCash. Hopefully we achieve that in this album.”

Though the high energy, roof-raising spirit of LoCash’s live shows tends to brand them as a party band, the guys, as the new album proves, are super-focused musicians and songwriters. Here, they showcase their lighthearted, fun-loving edge (“Little Miss Crazy Hot,” the redneck anthems “Hey, Hey, Hey” and “C.O.U.N.T.R.Y.”), as well as their emotional side (“I Hope,” “Best Seat in the House,” Lucas’ tribute to his late father, and “Keep in Mind,” a parent’s loving farewell to a child venturing into the world).

LoCash launched in 2002, when Lucas, a high school all-star football player from Baltimore, Md., worked as the entertainment director at

Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon. Brust, a Kokomo, Ind., preacher’s son who wrote his first song at age 11 on his paper route, had just arrived in town. Lucas offered him a job filling in for him as a DJ. One night they were goofing around on the mic, not even singing, when their electrifying banter caught everyone by surprise.

“It’s something that came naturally to me and Preston,” Lucas says. “It’s really all about the crowd, about making them feel their lives are changing. That first day on the mic, we were both thinking, ‘Gosh, we’ve got something here, dude.’ I said, ‘I hope you sing.’ And Preston was like, ‘I do, do you?’ And that’s the way it started.”

Yet their musical backgrounds were as different as heaven and hell. Brust, whose great uncle, Albert E. Brumley, wrote the gospel classic “I’ll Fly Away,” grew up steeped in the blood of the lamb. In contrast, Lucas grew up with his ear glued to Motley Crue, Quiet Riot and Whitesnake.

“I was definitely a headbanger, man. I loved ‘80s rock and glamour rock, and later R&B. Then Garth Brooks changed my life. I watched his show, and I said, ‘I want to do this.’”

Since then, Lucas has never lost sight of one thing: “We’re very serious musicians. This is our career. There is no Plan B. This is our life.”

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Charlie Worsham Main Stage Saturday, April 12 4 p.m.

See Charlie Worsham on a stage and you immediately understand what he knew from the beginning: It’s where he’s meant to be. For him, music wasn’t just a thing, it was the only thing.

“I kind of feel like I didn’t have much choice,” said Worsham, who appeared on “Bones” as a country star who is murdered.

“The songs...the playing...those were the only things that ever really kept my attention.”

As a ridiculously talented multi-instrumentalist and student of great songs, he’s developed a unique modern country sound built around the traditional acoustic instruments he grew up on.

Starting in his hometown of Grenada, Miss., Worsham was always out playing somewhere.

From the Opry at age 12 to the local Missionary Baptist Church to the back-road blues joints he wasn’t even supposed to know about, much less play in, wherever he found a stage, he played.

And when he wasn’t playing, he was listening to everything from Don Williams to Tom Petty to Earl Scruggs. With his energy and showmanship onstage and his understated Mississippi “yes sir” and “no ma’am” offstage, it’s easy to understand why so many in Nashville’s music community are rooting for him.

After studying at Berklee School of Music in Boston, he moved south to Nashville. For the last two years, he’s divided his time between writing

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songs, being an in-demand studio musician for other artists and playing his music live—sharing stages across the country with Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert and others.

On Aug. 20, 2013, Worsham released his debut album “Rubberband” via Warner Bros. Records. He co-wrote all 11 songs and co-produced the collection with Ryan Ryndell.

Vince Gill and Marty Stuart appear on the song “Tools of the Trade.”

After studying at Berklee School of Music in Boston, he moved south to Nashville. For the last two years, he’s divided his time between writing songs, being an in-demand studio musician for other artists and playing his music live— sharing stages across the country with Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert and others.

Mark Chesnutt Main Stage Saturday, April 12 5:30 p.m.

Mark Chesnutt is one of country music’s true musical treasures. Critics have hailed him as a classic country singer and some of the genre’s most elite entertainers, from George Jones to George Strait, echo the sentiment.

Chesnutt’s stature is easily gauged. He has 14 No. 1 hits, 23 top 10 singles, four platinum albums and five gold records; he maintains a front-and-center presence with a hefty tour schedule.

If you ask Chesnutt, he’ll tell you, “It’s the music and the fans that have kept me around this long.”

In a creative forum that sometimes confuses style with substance, Chesnutt possesses both.

Remaining true to himself as a traditional country artist, while keeping the pace with the ever-changing country recording landscape, Chesnutt has a knack for picking great songs, delivering them with world-class style and a heartfelt emotion that’s lived-in.

Chesnutt got his start in the honky-tonks of Beaumont, Texas, learning from his father, Bob Chesnutt, a singer, record collector and major fan of classic country music. Playing alongside his dad, Chesnutt embraced his father’s influence one set at a time and to begin making a name for himself. Chesnutt sang covers by Lefty, Merle, George and Waylon to develop his unmatched crowd-pleasing rapport and his

authentic country style.

After nearly a decade of recording on regional labels, word got out about this young country vocalist. Music Row executives came to hear Chesnutt on his own Texas turf and recognized his raw talent. In 1989, he was signed to MCA Nashville and his list of accolades tells the rest of his story.

His first single, “Too Cold At Home,” established Chesnutt as one of country’s most authentic and talented vocalists. He won the CMA Horizon Award.

“The first couple years it was nonstop.”

Chestnutt says. “I can remember one time during a tour, I didn’t step foot on the front porch for 10 months, with exception of a day or a day and a half, then, it was right back out again.”

Chesnutt’s dedication paid off. He developed a true blue fan base.

Of all the recorded highlights Chesnutt has enjoyed, they take a back seat to his first love; Chesnutt lives to perform on stage.

“I just make records because I want people to come see my show,” he says with a grin.

“Recording music for folks to just listen to music is great, but I’ve got to be out there on stage making it.”

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Craig Morgan Main Stage Saturday, April 12 7 p.m.

Craig Morgan’s resume is one of the most varied and impressive on Earth—soldier, sheriff’s deputy, EMT, adventurer, TV host, motocross racer, outdoorsman, farmer, family man. And then there is the career that ties it all together.

“Music is like a center for all those things,” says Morgan, who scored the hit “Almost Home” in 2002.

“It’s the outlet for me to express everything I am. When I’m riding my dirt bike, you may not know about my music, and when I’m in a military environment, it’s not the center point.

But my music career allows me to talk about and be a part of all of those other energies in my life. When I’m on stage, I get to express all of it.”

So it’s no surprise that his 2013 Black River Entertainment CD “The Journey (Livin’ Hits),” which includes eight of his top hits and four powerful new tracks, is as much autobiography as musical statement.

“If you don’t know Craig Morgan, you can listen to this album and see where I’ve been, where I’m at and where I’m going,” he says.

“Where I’ve been” constitutes one of the most familiar and respected careers in modern music. In addition to “Almost Home,” Morgan’s catalog includes working-class anthems like “Redneck Yacht Club,” “International Harvester” and “More Trucks Than Cars;” real-

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life love songs like “Tough” and “This Ole Boy;” and one that hits on pretty much every theme Morgan brings to the table—“Little Bit of Life.”

An avid and lifelong outdoorsman, he began his career as an 18-year-old EMT. He then served 10 years in the U.S. Army, where he traveled much of the world and took up performing and songwriting, winning military contests in both. He moved to Nashville after leaving the armed forces, and was employed as a contractor, a sheriff’s deputy and a Walmart assistant dairy manager as he pursued music.

He was singing demos when he was signed to his first label deal, thereby launching his hitfilled career.

Morgan performs frequently for military audiences, both here and abroad (he has earned the U.S.O Merit Award), and is a frequent guest at the Grand Ole Opry. In fact, the two came together when he was invited to join the hallowed institution in 2008 during an appearance at Fort Bragg, one of the places he’d been stationed during his military career.

If you don’t know Craig Morgan, you can listen to this album and see where I’ve been, where I’m at and where I’m going

Miranda Lambert Main Stage Saturday, April 12 9 p.m.

In her hit single “Baggage Claim,” Miranda Lambert sings about the kind of luggage you wish would get lost. “I have been dragging around your sensitive ego,” she tells an ex-friend or lover—soon concluding, with characteristic swagger, that she’ll “drop your troubles off at the conveyor belt/I hand you a ticket to go get it yourself.” Mr. Needy is left doing loops on the suitcase carousel while Lambert’s rocking out in the unloading zone.

With the release of Four the Record, Lambert comes bearing some baggage of her own—the precious kind, well-earned over the course of three highly loved (and unanimously platinum) prior albums. Her accolades could fill a whole set of trunks.

To point out just one carry-on case’s worth of kudos: She has been dubbed country’s reigning female vocalist of the year, as bestowed by the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music. She’s earned the prized album of the year trophy from both organizations, as well— from the ACMs for her second record, “Crazy ExGirlfriend,” and from the CMAs and ACMs for her third, “Revolution.” She received the top country female vocal performance honor at the Grammy Awards for “The House That Built Me.” And, lest all her honorifics be so high-minded, she’s been named one of People magazine’s Most Beautiful People and one of Maxim’s Hottest Women of Country. Frequent flyers can hardly rack up more awards points than that.

So when “Baggage Claim” was released to country radio stations, Lambert realized she was something she’d never expected to become: an automatic add.

She’s thrilled with her own radio success because, prior to “Revolution,” she’d never even had a top five single. Two years ago, as that makeor-break effort was prepared for takeoff, you didn’t have to listen far to hear whispers that maybe those same cutting-edge qualities that made her an award-show queen and press darling would be the kiss of death when the commercial rubber hit the road. But in 2010, she finally earned the triple crown—love from industry orgs, critics and radio— when she bagged her first three No. 1 singles with “White Liar,” “The House That Built Me” and “Heart Like Mine.”

The fascination began in earnest when she was a humble yet feisty runner-up on Nashville Star in 2003, standing out as the most independent and least likely of all reality-show contestants. Sony Nashville quickly signed her with the understanding that, even though she was still a teen, she had the moxie and know-how to write many of her own songs and pick her own team, like co-producer and fellow Texan Frank Liddell. Reflective singles like “Famous in a Small Town” proved her wise beyond her tender years, and rowdy ones like “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” proved her bold beyond all expectations of just how fresh a country freshman should be.

Now she’s exploring her genre even further with her forthcoming album “Platinum,” set for release on June 3. Fans just may hear the first single, “Automatic,” at Country Thunder.

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Matt Farris Main Stage Sunday, April 13 1:00 p.m.

Gord Bamford 2:30 p.m.

With an unparalleled passion for country music, it comes as no surprise that Matt Farris’ career has had a promising start. A heart for helping those in need paired with an incredible talent and positive energy has allowed for the early and natural growth of a significant fan base. All of these characteristics have given Farris a strong foundation on which to build his career—one that, at the hands of another, was almost taken away.

Entertaining family and friends from the moment he spoke his first word, Farris’s passion for entertainment has always been apparent. With an early exchange of lullabies for classic country tunes sung by his mother, Sandra, the Lake Havasu City native gravitated toward the genre.

After graduating high school, Farris moved to Flagstaff to attend Northern Arizona University and later to Phoenix where he became an emergency medical technician and certified firefighter through The Glendale Community College Fire Academy—all the while continuing to work on his music. His plight for country music stardom, however, nearly came to a tragic end when an altercation with two strangers trying to steal his father’s truck left both Farris and his father shot. “There were a few men looking to steal my dad’s truck.

We tried to stop them...At one point, one of the men pulled out a gun and shot. My dad stepped in front of me and the bullet went through him and into me. We were both extremely fortunate our

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injuries weren’t more serious.”

The incident put the importance of family and music into perspective for Farris, who formed a band with his father and grandfather. Eager to get back to his music, Farris began playing around Phoenix. In 2010, he surprised the band by entering the Colgate Country Showdown, making it into the Arizona State Finals. Encouraged by his success, Farris made the move to Nashville in 2011.

Later that year, Farris came to the attention of Skytone Entertainment owner and veteran producer Frank Green. His first and current single, “Redneck Radio,” saw placement in the Billboard Indicator and Music Row charts, as well as holding a position at No. 1 on the Indie World Country chart four weeks in a row. “Resident Redneck” continues to ascend and was recently nominated for industry trade New Music Weekly’s New Music Country Single of the Year Award. Radio and industry trades aren’t the only ones that have taken notice. On Feb. 1, the cast of Country Music Television’s (CMT) “My Big Redneck Family” sported Matt Farris T-shirts on an episode.

Farris continues to play live as much as possible. Despite a full schedule, he finds time to give back, supporting the Make a Wish Foundation and the American Cancer Society—focusing on breast cancer awareness. After losing friend Denise to the disease, he started Denise’s Day, an annual benefit in his hometown, now going into its fifth year.

“Giving back is extremely important to me. I love everything about what I do. But, more than anything, I love that it allows me a platform to better help those that need it. My music gives others a voice...I love my job.”

Joe Diffie Main Stage Sunday, April 13 4 p.m.

With the release of Jason Aldean’s hit “1994” earlier this year that name-checked many of Joe Diffie’s 12 No. 1 hits, the legendary singer found himself squarely back in the hearts and minds of country fans.

The multiplatinum-selling artist, who dominated the charts during a hot streak in the ‘90s, may have been absent from the radio charts for the past few years, but Diffie has never slowed down—writing, touring and recording a myriad of projects including his critically acclaimed 2010 bluegrass album “Homecoming,” and his recent “Roots And Boots” acoustic tour and collaborative CD “All In The Same Boat,” with fellow hitmakers Sammy Kershaw and Aaron Tippin.

Now he’s back at it again, riding shotgun with hick-hop sensations the Jawga Boyz on the single, “Girl Ridin’ Shotgun.”

The single, co-written by Diffie, Phil O’Donnell and Derek Thrasher of The Jawga Boyz, is a fun, up-tempo romp perfect for summertime cruising and returns Diffie to the country charts.

The performance features D. Thrash (Derek Thrasher) on the verses as Diffie’s signature vocals soar on the choruses and verses. The tune was written in part as an answer to Aldean’s tribute to Diffie and name-checks Aldean.

With chart-toppers like “Pickup Man,” “Third Rock from the Sun” and “John Deere Green,” and 13 albums and more than 20 Top 10 singles to his credit, Diffie has little to prove at this

point in his career, yet he still has a fire in his belly to make good country music. A renowned songwriter who recently turned his focus back to writing after years on the road, Diffie has penned hits for artists like Tim McGraw, Conway Twitty and Jo Dee Messina and has cuts on albums by Tate Stevens, Dylan Scott and Tyler Farr, among others.

Diffie has little to prove at this point in his career, yet he still has a fire in his belly to make good country music. A renowned songwriter who recently turned his focus back to writing after years on the road, Diffie has penned hits for artists like Tim McGraw, Conway Twitty and Jo Dee Messina and has cuts on albums

by Tate Stevens, Dylan Scott and Tyler Farr, among others.

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Tyler Farr Main Stage Sunday, April 13 5:30 p.m.

“I wanted to make an album you could take anywhere and I can take this one to a barn party on a back road and have everybody rock out and, at the same time, kids can enjoy it and dance to it,” says Tyler Farr of his Columbia Nashville debut “Redneck Crazy.”

Farr recorded a stylistically rich debut album, true to his roots and influences, yet with a freshness and personality that allow it to stand alone in contemporary country music. Displaying a voice honed by years of classical training, the project ranges from power ballads to edgy tracks influenced

by Farr’s relationship with his good friends, country rapper Colt Ford and Lee Brice.

“The album is who I am and it is different,” he says. “I spent two years listening to songs, picking those I thought represented me the best—not just great songs, but the right songs.”

Bringing the project to fruition was part of a journey that has transformed the singer’s outlook.

“My life has done a 180 in the past few years,” he says. “I went from having nothing to being able to make a solid living doing what I love to do—to be on the road and on a tour bus year-round.”

While his abilities as a vocalist and showman were serving him well on the road, his knack for songwriting had earned him a publishing deal and

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helped lead to his recording contract. It was the culmination of a long road to national attention that began in the farm community of Garden City, Mo., population 800.

He grew up loving the outdoors—at one point he considered a career in wildlife management or as a game warden, but his love for entertainment sprouted early.

“I would always be running around the house impersonating people, how they talked or how they sang and that probably helped me more than anything because I learned how to make my voice do different things,” Farr says.

He was encouraged to take classical voice lessons, so he traveled 20 miles to Harrisonville, which “had a movie theater and an Applebee’s—all your basic necessities!”

He kept up the lessons in high school, a choice that Farr says “was the best thing I could have done.”

Farr’s background makes him one of the most compelling young singers in contemporary country.

His life experiences and outlook have let him enjoy the ride. “I’ve learned not to worry too much or to take life so seriously,” he says. “Just have fun because you never know. I was with Luke Bryan and Lee Brice on the bus, and I’m always like, ‘C’mon boys, let’s get a picture. I don’t know how long I’m going to be doin’ this.’”

It’s a perspective that modestly allows Farr to appreciate every step of his career, as he says, “I do not take one day I get to do this for granted.”

Colt Ford Main Stage Sunday, April 13 7 p.m.

“Ride Through the Country,” Colt Ford’s debut, genre-defying album released in 2008, was re-released Oct. 1, 2013, in celebration of the fifth-year anniversary of Ford’s own independent record label, Average Joes Entertainment.

A host of country music’s most respected artists, including Ronnie Dunn, Wynonna, Joe Diffie and John Anderson, are featured on “Revisited,” joining such stars as John Michael Montgomery, Brantley Gilbert and Jamey Johnson on this breakthrough, fan favorite.

The album is pure fun, full of Southern, country rock party anthems including the Jamey Johnson co-penned, “Tailgate,” featuring The LACS, “Waffle House,” an ode to the off-ramp staple featuring John Anderson, the No. 1 smash hit for Jason Aldean, “Dirt Road anthem,” featuring Brantley Gilbert, and the autobiographical, “Mr. Goodtime,” featuring Ronnie Dunn’s unmistakable vocals.

Ford’s previous album, “Declaration of Independence,” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s “Top Country Albums” chart, and included the hit, “Back,” a collaboration with Jake Owen.

In 2012, Ford penned two No. 1 hits—the aforementioned “Dirt Road Anthem,” and Gilbert’s “Country Must Be Country Wide.”

Currently, Ford is wrapping up his fifth studio release called “Thanks for Listening,” due out this summer and is sure to delight the

legions of loyal Ford fans and fuel this country star’s growing popularity from coast to coast.

Ford has sold more than 1 million albums, millions more song downloads, has 1.3 million Facebook fans, more than 15 million YouTube views and 200,000 Twitter followers. He delivers what fans are hungry for—honest, real music that connects with audiences on every level.

Ford was also recently featured in a twopage cover story in the “Arena” section of the Wall Street Journal. In October 2013, Ford hit the road on a 34-city tour with Florida Georgia Line, and will tour with Toby Keith in 2014. In addition to being a gifted songwriter and artist, Ford is also a former professional golfer, and resides with his family in Athens, Ga. For more information, visit www.ColtFord.com.

Ford has sold more than 1 million albums, millions more song downloads, has 1.3 million Facebook fans, more than 15 million YouTube views and 200,000 Twitter followers.

He delivers what fans are hungry for—honest, real music that connects with audiences on every level.

cOUNTRY NTR THUNDER NDER 2014 35

DJ DU

Jason Aldean Main Stage Sunday, April 13 9 p.m.

Jason Aldean had an easy task, when he picked a name for his fifth album. One of its 15 songs, “Night Train,” perfectly embodied the tone of his career.

“The train is moving and it’s moving at a rapid pace,” Aldean says.

Indeed.

His last project, “My Kinda Party,” was the topselling country album of 2011 and the fifth-best seller across all genres for the year, catapulting him to the same category as Adele and Lady Gaga.

Aldean’s edgy single from that disc, “Dirt Road Anthem,” went triple-platinum and was the bestselling ringtone across all genres for weeks on end.

His duet with Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” went double-platinum and found major crossover success on multiple radio formats. Aldean also won his first two Country Music Association awards, with “My Kinda Party” securing the coveted Album of the Year trophy.

If his career is a runaway train, the real engine is his live show. Over the course of a single year, Aldean came into his own as a concert attraction.

He once crossed his fingers that he could sell out 6,000-seat venues, now he’s moved to stadiums. He sold out each of the 2012 shows on his “My Kinda Party Tour”—often in minutes at the day of on sale.

“Night Train” builds on Aldean’s reputation for

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finding quality songs and for defying categorization.

The album was introduced with a driving country/ rocker, “Take A Little Ride,” as its first single that flew out of the gate to become his highest career chart debut, and the collection goes on to cover plenty of turf. “This Nothin’ Town” provides a churning undercurrent for a celebration of America’s heartland communities. “Wheels Rollin’” captures the concert experience with anthemic results harkening back to the ‘80s rock bands that Aldean grew up idolizing. “Staring at the Sun” incorporates an impassioned vocal on the mid-tempo love song with epic results. The quirky “1994” puts a rhythmic spin on country nostalgia. And “Black Tears” captures the distress of a stripper beaten down by humiliation, a subject rarely—if ever—covered in the country genre.

The album is held together by Aldean’s unique voice and by his refusal to stick with one sonic or lyrical theme. “Night Train” takes a twisting journey, transporting the listener through a variety of emotions and distinctive instrumental sounds, adding to Aldean’s reputation as an unpredictable, uncontainable hard rocking country artist.

Even at the elite level he now occupies, he continues to push his band, push his crew, push the envelope and push himself. Most likely driven by the ups and downs of his journey in the music industry, Aldean still has a desire to win over any remaining nonbelievers still out there.

“I’ve always kind of felt like I had something to prove,” he says. “It’s what keeps me hungry.”

DJ DU/ ELECTRIC THUNDER Electric Thunder Nightly 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Born Duhamel Wayne Cassell in New York City, DJ DU is an American DJ and remix producer.

At the early age of 13, DJ DU started his career by spinning records in the “Infamous Basement” in East Windsor, N.J. His brother, Yo-el Cassell, would practice dance while DU would remix everything from dance and rock to show tunes and Latin music. Yo-el has gone on to become an accomplished dancer and choreographer, including a winner of a Tony Award.

His multicultural upbringing exposed Du to a variety of musicians. Growing up in the shadow of New York City, Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore, Du appeared at clubs and parties in his teens. DU teamed up with hip-hop artist YZ (Tony Hill) in high school where they produced their first album at Jam All Productions Studio in Philadelphia.

After high school DU felt compelled to serve his country and joined the U.S. Air Force. During his service DU extended his musical taste by visiting clubs in Europe and South America. Upon discharge, DU studied at Rowen University in New Jersey, Student by day, at night, he would spin in clubs in New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia.

During college, he met a legendary nightclub owner at a corporate gig and the mogul persuaded Du to move to Phoenix, where he would DJ full time at a country and Top 40 nightclub. Du was then recruited to take over entertainment at the Cactus Moon in Tucson where he infused country and top 40 music with

dance music to attract crowds of every musical preference and made it one of the busiest clubs in the Southwest.

After many years, DJ DU decided to depart the Cactus Moon to open him up to pursue other endeavors in music and style. Since then, Du’s career has taken off with a vengeance. In October 2012, he signed with CAA for major booking representation worldwide making him the only DJ on the Nashville roster. Soon thereafter, he was invited to do a guest set at its annual Young Nashville charity party and also MC’ed its IEBA showcase to introduce the Nashville music community to his unique blend of music and performance.

That year, Du made his first national TV appearance. Just a month later, during the American Country Awards, Du remixed “Something about a Truck” and “Beer Money” while country superstar Kip Moore took the stage to a jam-packed arena in Las Vegas.

While still in Las Vegas, Du spun 10 consecutive nights for National Finals Rodeo at the MGM Grand with equal billing as Cirque Du Soleil.

In early 2013, Du continued his hot streak, starting out with performing three nights at this year’s Houston Rodeo BBQ Cookoff to 80,000-plus people over the weekend.

Destined to be the “Tiesto of County Music,” Du brings a whole new channel of entertainment and revenue to events with a high energy audio and visual experience. No musical style is off limits to DJ DU and he looks forward to seeing you on the road bringing his passion, energy and love of all music to a town near you.

cOUNTRY NTR THUNDER NDER 2014 37

The Jack Daniel’s Experience, a mobile museum, is bringing a taste of the much-loved distillery from Lynchburg, Tenn., to Florence, Ariz. You’ll learn who Mr. Jack Daniel was and how he ended up with the best-selling whiskey in the world. You’ll see (and smell) whiskey dripping slowly through charcoal and the new oak barrels used in maturing Tennessee’s finest whiskey. The “Experience” is open to all folks, 21 years old and older, for tours free of charge throughout the festival. Keep an eye out for games and giveaways at various times throughout the festival.

STAGE SCHEDULE THURSDAY Lauren Riley - 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Heartlyn Rae - 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Murrieta - 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Zona Road - 10:30 p.m.-11:45 p.m.

Shari Rowe - 12:15 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.

FRIDAY American Longspurs - 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Davis Highway - 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Saddles - 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Michael Harter - 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Tramps + Thieves - 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Laura Walsh - 10:30 p.m.-11:45 p.m.

Ace N Eights - 12:15 a.m.-1:30 a.m.

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SATURDAY Westwind - 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Tequila Highway - 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Laura Walsh - 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

J Michael Harter - 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Brandon Wild - 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Benson Band & Heartlyn Rae 10:30 p.m.-11:45 p.m.

74th Street Band - 12:15 a.m.-1:30 a.m.

SUNDAY American Longspurs - 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Murrieta - 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Lauren Riley - 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Brandon Wild - 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

74th Street Band - 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Zona Road - 10:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m.

Shari Rowe - 12:00 a.m -1:30 a.m.

Denim and Diamonds Denim and Diamonds will be hosting an onsite bar. It’s the most fun you can have with your boots on! On Sunday, April 13, Denim and Diamonds offers Cowboy Church from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Country Thunder has also partnered with the Arizona Department of Corrections Wild Horse and Burro Training Program. During the course of the festival, the program will demonstrate horsemanship, animal husbandry and farrier skills resulting in the training of untamed horses with the ultimate goal to domesticate wild horses so they can be offered for adoption.

STAGE SCHEDULE THURSDAY Horse & Burro Training - 3:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Horse & Burro Training - 5:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Horse & Burro Training - 6:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Horse & Burro Training - 8:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Dueling Pianos by Premier Piano Shows 10:30 p.m.-11:45 p.m.

Dueling Pianos by Premier Piano Shows 12:15 a.m.-1:30 a.m.

FRIDAY Horse & Burro Training - 3:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Horse & Burro Training - 5:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Horse & Burro Training - 6:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Horse & Burro Training - 8:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Dueling Pianos by Premier Piano Shows 10:30 p.m.-11:45 p.m.

Dueling Pianos by Premier Piano Shows 12:15 a.m.-1:30 a.m.

SATURDAY Horse & Burro Training - 3:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Horse & Burro Training - 5:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Horse & Burro Training - 6:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Horse & Burro Training - 8:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Dueling Pianos by Premier Piano Shows 10:30 p.m.-11:45 p.m.

Dueling Pianos by Premier Piano Shows 12:15 a.m.-1:30 a.m.

SUNDAY Cowboy Church - 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.

Horse & Burro Training - 3:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Horse & Burro Training - 5:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Horse & Burro Training - 6:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Horse & Burro Training - 8:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Dueling Pianos by Premier Piano Shows 10:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m.

Dueling Pianos by Premier Piano Shows 12:00 a.m.-1:30 a.m.

cOUNTRY NTR THUNDER NDER 2014 39

FLORENCE TROLLEY F TROLLEY ROUTE 1 TO HISTORIC DOWNTOWN FLORENCE SHOPPING, DINING, AND SERVICES TROLLEY 1 LEAVES COUNTRY THUNDER EVERY 30 MINUTES BEGINNING AT 10:00am PICK-UP AT EACH STOP EVERY 30 MINUTES LAST TROLLEY LEAVES AT 5:30pm TROLLEY ROUTE 2 TO ANTHEM MARKETPLACE GROCERIES, DINING, AND SERVICES

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McFarland State Park Ranger's Museum 1891 Pinal County Courthouse Pinal County Historical Museum

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Super Stop Minit Market Pinal Food Market Circle K Circle K Self-Serve Water Safeway Gas Station Safeway

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Happy Adobe Dollar General True Value Hardware Conquest Arms Circa 1880s Antiques Napa Auto Parts Family Dollar Prison Outlet Store Elite Shutters and Blinds

SHOPPING

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McDonald's Sonic Mount Athos Restaurant American Legion Post 9 Florence Fudge Company Kokopelli Moon Saloon Subway Old Pueblo Restaurant L&B Cantina Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant Burger King A&M Pizza Hong Kong Restaurant McDonald's Chen's Chinese Bistro

FOOD / BARS

2 6 10 15 16 20 27 32 33 35 37 40 42 44 52

Florence Nails and Spa Post Office Florence Coin-Op Laundry National Bank of Arizona Curly Moe's Barber Shop #1 Auto & Equipment Wells Fargo Bank Shear Bliss Salon Global Nail and Spa

SERVICES

8 13 18 25 31 36 46 49 51

Pinal Sheriff's Office Urgent Care Fire Station Florence Police Station Banner Health Clinic

EMERGENCY

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40 COUNTRY C THUNDER ERR 2014

HWY 79 HWY 79

MAIN ST MAIN ST

TROLLEY 2 LEAVES COUNTRY THUNDER EVERY HOUR BEGINNING AT 10:00am LAST TROLLEY LEAVES AT 5:00pm

COUNTRY THUNDER TROLLEY PICKUP/DROP-OFF

Florence Visitors Center (520) 868-4496

WILLOW ST

Thank you to our sponsors and partners.

The entire Country Thunder team would like to thank our phenomenal sponsors and partners that helped bring the weekend to life. We could not have provided the ultimate festival experience without contributions from the organizations that believe in country music. Need a break from singing along at the top of your lungs? Scope out all the awesome attractions from: CMT Jack Daniel’s T-Mobile Salt River Project Freedom RV U.S. Marine Corps Red Bull KMLE KiiM Garnier American Furniture Warehouse State Farm

Goldberg Osborne RideNow Sports Sears Vacations Dodge Ram Discount Cab Cupcake Vineyards Cracker Jack’D ACI Horse and Burro Training Program Cerveza Squeeze 100 Club College Times

cOUNTRY NTR THUNDER NDER 2014 41

Attractions Slingshot: Passengers are propelled up to 240 feet at speeds of close to 100 miles per hour.

Mechanical Bull: Ride ‘em cowboy (or girl). Rides are available 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. all other days.

Guest DJ: See page 37 for complete details Comfort Stations: Uncomfortable using a portable toilet? Check out the two ultra-luxe Comfort Stations in the festival bowl.

Festival Pedicabs: Cost to ride varies.

Camping Services Campground Info: Come ask your questions without walking into the festival. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

between Sidewinder and Canyon campsites.

Shower facilities are approximately $6 for 5 minutes.

Water for RVs: Jim’s Water Truck Service will provide water to RVs. For service and prices, call (480) 969-1882.

Garbage Collection: Please place all bagged and tied personal and campsite garbage in containers for 6 a.m. daily pick-up. Don’t forget to pick up your free recycling bags from Right Away Disposal on Market Street.

Bagged Ice: Arizona CT Ice Company is back again with bagged ice for all of the campers. Ice will be available in several locations: Look for it in its usual space next to the showers between Road Runner Family and Starlight campsites, and its new additional location located by the showers between Sidewinder and Canyon campsites. Ice trucks will continue to travel throughout the campgrounds each day bringing ice right to the campsites.

Pump Services: Jackpot Sanitation will offer onsite pump services for RVs for $35 to $50. Call (480) 284-2987 Shower Facilities: Near the general store, which is between Road Runner Family and Starlight Preferred campsites, as well as another location

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Medical Services/First Aid: If you have a medical need, we have an onsite medic team that can assist you with your needs. Located on Market Street.

Information Tent: Our Information Tent is a onestop shop for all your festival questions. Whether you are looking for lost and found, just need to ask a question, file a compliment or complaint, or renew your tickets for 2015, this is the place to stop. Please see the festival map for location.

Farmer’s Market on Market Street: Seed the Future will be selling locally grown vegetables.

Flip it!

FESTIVAL MAP cOUNTRY NTR THUNDER NDER 2014 43

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