Country Thunder 2015

hosted by: williams & ree

2015 for festival information: OFFICIAL PROGRAM

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EVENT GUIDE INDEX Florence Mayor’s Welcome ........................6 Country Thunder Welcome ........................8 Directions and FAQs .................................10 Camping at Country Thunder ..................11 Charity/The 100 Club ................................14 The Hosts: Williams & Ree........................15

The Musicians

Old Dominion .............................................16 Clare Dunn ..................................................17 The Railers...................................................18 Dallas Smith ................................................19 Brett Eldredge ...........................................20 The LACS ....................................................21 Maddie & Tae .............................................22 Diamond Rio...............................................23 The Swon Brothers ....................................24 Joe Nichols .................................................25 Big & Rich ...................................................26 Matt Farris ..................................................27 Drew Cooper..............................................28 Jamie Lynn Spears .....................................29 Chris Janson ...............................................30 Phil Vassar ...................................................31 Jerrod Niemann .........................................32 Blake Shelton .............................................33 Logan Mize .................................................34 Love and Theft ...........................................35 John Michael Montgomery.......................36 Dustin Lynch ...............................................37 Luke Bryan ..................................................38

Entertainment

Jack Daniel’s Courtyard ............................39 Denim and Diamonds ...............................40 Electric Thunder/DJ DU ............................41 Attractions & Services ...............................42 Country Thunder Map...............................43 Published by 4M Publishing, LLC. 480.348.0343 • info@ecollegetimes.com Photos by Country Thunder and/or courtesy of their respective properties Distribution is limited to one copy per reader. ©2015, 4M Publishing, LLC.

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C O W B O Y C SO W B O Y S A R C E ON W ’ TB AO RY ES N ’ T H E R

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Welcome from Mayor Tom J. Rankin Welcome to Florence!

Consider making the Florence Visitor Center in downtown your first stop for the latest visitor information about Florence and the surrounding area. Located in McFarland State Historic Park, the oldest-standing courthouse in Arizona, the center can provide insight into our unique shopping and dining options, many of which are locally owned mom-and-pop businesses.

Country Thunder is the most anticipated event each year in Florence and we look forward to welcoming country music fans to our town once again.

Florence’s small town charm and rural lifestyle make it an ideal place to visit or live year round.

While you are here, be sure to take advantage of the many cultural and outdoor recreation opportunities in the area. Florence is known for its Territorial architecture and Old West history that can be found along the streets of downtown.

Our history can be explored best at one of three local museums or on a self-guided walking tour of the historic district. Florence is the gateway to outdoor adventure in the pristine Sonoran Desert.

Hiking, biking, and off-roading are a few of the recreational activities that abound in the vicinity.

Florence offers easy access to numerous trails and other attractions within a few minutes of town.

Again, welcome to Florence and have a great time at Country Thunder! We hope to see you in town when you are not listening to the best in country music.

Sincerely,

Tom Rankin Mayor

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Dear CT Nation, Welcome to the party! Thanks for calling off work, gathering the troops, and driving all the way out to the canyons for the 23rd annual (yup, CT turns 23!) Country Thunder Music Festival.

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.

As much as we treasure the tradition that is Country Thunder, we all look forward to new and exciting additions to the party each year.

This year’s can’t-miss list includes hot air balloon rides, theme parties at Electric Thunder, and a fully stocked general store by Project Shelter.

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.

We would like to thank our sponsors and partners for helping us generate the festival magic yet again. Stop by and show these brands some love around the festival grounds.

The Country Thunder Team

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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 water 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 8, for campers and will remain open each day until approximately 10 p.m. You are welcome to drop off a camper for your family members or friends during front gate hours, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., through Sunday, April 12. You will be asked to provide collateral (i.e., valid ID) to ensure that you exit Country Thunder grounds.

Starting Thursday, April 9, everyone onsite will be required to show a valid festival ticket and a valid camping pass, or you will be asked to purchase them.

Is the price of campsites per night or for all four days?

When you purchase a campsite, you are purchasing it for all four days of the festival.

When are campers expected to leave on Monday after the show?

Camper load out is encouraged early on the morning of April 13 and all campers are expected to be off of the festival grounds by Monday afternoon.

Does the campsite purchase include any festival tickets?

No, these are sold separately. If you want to camp onsite, you still must purchase a four-day festival wristband (this wristband can be GA, RSVD or VIP) plus your campsite.

Does it matter how many people are at my campsite, as long as we have only one 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 feet by 40 feet campsite, no exceptions.

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

We do offer disabled seating to the right of the

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stage (if you are looking at the stage) within the VIP/RSVD area. Due to limited amount of space available, we invite disabled fans and one companion to use this viewing area.

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

Unfortunately, no. 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 event. 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.

GATES When do gates officially open?

If you are a camper, you can load in as early as 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, April 8. Gates will reopen at 9 a.m. Thursday, April 9. 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?

9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, through 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, April 12. The exit gate is open 24 hours for anyone wishing to leave the site.

What are the gate times for the festival bowl?

Thursday April 9: 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Friday through Sunday: 1 p.m. to 2 a.m.

GENERAL 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 that which isn’t yours to the information tent to await its owner.

TICKETING 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.

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.

Do you offer one-day VIP or RSVD tickets?

No. These tickets are four-day weekend tickets and are only sold as such. The only single-day tickets that we sell are general admission.

Can I split my four-day, VIP or RSVD ticket?

Unfortunately, we do not split four-day tickets into single days.

Artist Name Main Stage Saturday, April 12 9 p.m.

How can I renew my VIP, RSVD seat(s) or camp ticket?

For renewing your VIP/RSVD and camping tickets, please visit the information tent from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, and 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday. If you do not renew your tickets by 9 p.m. Sunday, they will be available to the public starting at Monday, April 20th, 9 am CST. VIP PATRONS This is my first time, where is VIP parking?

Please see the festival site map to locate the parking lot.

Where do I pick up my meal tickets?

Meal passes are distributed at the VIP entry point.

Upon entering the festival bowl, go directly to the festival information booth to ask any questions or to renew your seats for next year.

What are the meal times?

The meal times are as follows: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday for lunch 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday for dinner Note: Only dinner is served on Thursday

Camping Rules and Regulations

Body Copy GARBAGE How is garbage handled?

Please place all bagged and tied personal and campsite garbage in containers for 6 a.m. pick-up.

A garbage-filled campsite is grounds for eviction.

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?

Premier: 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.

Outback: 2 a.m. to 7 a.m.

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

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 8, through Sunday, April 12.

Monday, April 13, is the time to depart.

When can I start loading in my campsite?

Campers can start loading in at 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, when front gates officially open. If you are dropping off a camper/RV for another patron and do not have a four-day wristband, you will be allowed to do so on Wednesday only. In addition, you will be asked to leave collateral at the will call booth (i.e., driver’s license or wallet).

GENERAL Who is responsible for the camp site?

Every campsite must be registered to one responsible

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adult—this person must be 18 years of age or older.

They also must accept full responsibility for the campsite—any rules broken may mean eviction with no refund, absolutely no exceptions.

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 2015 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.

DOS 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

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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.

VEHICLES AND PARKING What is considered an oversize 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.

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 ADA 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 extravehicle 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.

RV DROPOFF Can I have someone drop off my camper?

You may have someone drop off an RV for you on Wednesday, April 8. If the person doing the dropoff does not have a four-day event wristband, they must leave a photo ID and credit card at the gate to be picked up within two hours of entry.

®

Attention Campers:

Enjoy great music without the rubbish!

With over 20,000 Country Thunder Music Festival Campers the amount of trash collected at this year’s event could easily overshadow what most Arizona towns and cities produce in one month.

Help us maintain a clean, green, safe event.... and we make it easy!

How it works Right Away Disposal

It’s like you never left home. Much like your residential curbside garbage service Right Away Disposal (RAD) will be onsite each day helping festival goers enjoy a clean and memorable experience.

Campsites

RAD Access Road

Campsites

In order for RAD to do the best possible job, they need your help! Each RAD Campers Trash Kit includes: three (3) 45 gallon waste bags and the flyer you’re currently reading. Use the trash bags throughout the event, once full you have two options.

Option One: You can carry your bags to the nearest RAD dumpster, which will be regularly maintained by RAD staff.

Option Two: Each morning starting at 7:00 a.m. RAD will collect all tied waste bags placed at the front of your campsite (see left).

Please do not place large bulky items (boxes) in your waste bags, the RAD staff will also remove these items if placed alongside your waste bags.

Why is it important to keep your campsite clean?

Decrease the post festival clean-up, which often takes weeks Reduce the exposure to annoying pests and rodents Eliminate unfavorable smells and odors Be a good neighbor, respect your fellow campers

Need more bags? We have you covered!

Please visit the RAD Pavilion (see map on back for location) or text/call the Country Thunder Music Festival RAD Waste Hotline at 480.524.8515. Our onsite representatives will deliver, free of charge, additional bags to your camp site (campsite number and name will be needed for delivery).

Country Thunder Camper Flyer.indd 1

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3/18/2015 9:16:29 AM

100 CLUB OF ARIZONA AT COUNTRY THUNDER

By Breanne DeMore For the last seven years, the 100 Club of Arizona has been the official charity of Country Thunder, growing in presence and support every year.

By supporting all public safety agencies, fire services, probation, corrections, parole and law enforcement departments with assistance to them and their families, the 100 Club has made a reputation for itself in Arizona.

“The 100 Club is most known for supporting the families of officers and firefighters when they die in the line of duty, but (we) do so much more,” says executive director Sharon Knutson-Felix.

For example, the 100 Club gave out 108 scholarships last year to say “thank you” to first responders.

“Several of the scholarships are to children or spouses of line-of-duty deaths and those who have experienced a serious or career-ending injury, but any family member of those who stand behind the badge, active duty or retired, can apply,” says Knutson-Felix.

The 100 Club also provides financial assistance when the first responders experience a life-altering event such as the death of a spouse

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or child, cancer or psychological debilitating injury. In addition, they provide training and safety stipends to increase the safety of those first responders.

The work that the 100 Club does and the support that it provides are extremely important.

“Often our police officers feel hostility from the general public. The support of the 100 Club allows them to feel appreciated for the job and risks they take. Each year we receive letters and updates from some of the recipients, thanking the 100 Club for making their dream of a college education come true,” says Knutson-Felix.

This year, for the first time on Country Thunder’s main stage, the 100 Club and a multiagency honor guard and pipes and drums will present the colors and pay tribute to those officers and firefighters who died in 2014.

For the charity, the exposure and backing that they get from the music festival and its patrons is priceless.

“Even after the event, people from outside of Arizona will send a check to help us support the families of public safety when they hear of a tragedy,” says Knutson-Felix. “The impact Country Thunder has had on the 100 Club is immeasurable.”

Williams and Ree Emcees Williams and Ree, also known as “The Indian and The White Guy,” are one of the longestrunning and most successful comedy/music teams in history. Politically incorrect and proud of it, the duo reigns supreme as the quintessential antidote to staid and stagnant entertainment choices.

Bruce Williams and Terry Ree met in the Black Hills of South Dakota and formed a union stronger than most marriages. They began touring the country primarily as a musical act but soon incorporated their unique brand of humor into the show.

The pair moved to Nashville and allied themselves with the burgeoning country music scene.

The duo now enjoys a rigorous touring schedule year-round. Whether sharing the stage with contemporary country music artists or headlining their own sold-out shows at festivals, theaters and Indian casinos, Williams and Ree remain at the top of their game, bringing joy and laughter to generations of inspired, frenetic fans.

Williams and Ree Available CDs Williams and Ree have a slew of CDs available. Two serve as primers to the duo’s act.

“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”

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

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”

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

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Old Dominion Main Stage Thursday, April 9 3:30 p.m.

Recently, when Old Dominion stepped onstage at its live shows, something unusual happened. “It was a whole different feeling!” says the country rock outfit’s frontman and lead singer Matthew Ramsey, excitedly relaying how audience members at the five-piece band’s gigs are now belting their lyrics back at him. Sure, this might have regularly happened in the past when the red-hot band comprised of seasoned Nashville songwriters and pro-musicians performed songs they’d written for high-profile artists, including The Band Perry, Keith Urban and Luke Bryan. But hearing their own music getting so much love? Well, that was something different entirely. “To hear that and to feel that interaction, it takes it to a completely different level,” Ramsey explains. “It’s a breath of fresh air to play for a crowd of people that knows your music.”

Playing for an unconditioned crowd is looking to be a thing of the past. Blending oldfashioned country charm, lyrical wit and rock ‘n’ roll grit into radio-friendly hook-heavy pop nuggets—traits best exemplified on its new self-titled EP—Old Dominion has emerged as one of the hottest breaking bands in country music. “It’s kind of the classic, seven-year overnight success story,” lead guitarist Brad Tursi says with a laugh. “I think we’re all lucky enough to really love what we do and in that

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respect we were gonna just keep doing it no matter what.”

A band stocked with time-tested song craftsmen, Old Dominion—which includes Ramsey, Tursi, multi-instrumentalist Trevor Rosen, bassist Geoff Sprung, drummer Whit Sellers and lead guitarist Brad Tursi—writes nearly every day. It’s a custom ingrained within them. So when piecing together its EP, which addresses road-tripping reflection, long-night love affairs and boozy bad decisions at every turn, it wasn’t so much a matter of writing catchy songs but instead choosing from its well of stellar material. The five resulting tracks speak as much to Old Dominion’s pristine decision-making skills as its musical chops.

“We just try to find a groove or a hook or something that catches our ear, follow that rabbit trail and try to chase down a good song,” says Rosen, and the proof lies in the foot-stomping whiplash of Old Dominion’s single “Break Up With Him,” the hard-charging rock riot “Shut Me Up” and the slow strutting “Nowhere Fast.”

With a slew of upcoming gigs at top-notch venues and mega-tours supporting the likes of Kenny Chesney and Eli Young Band, the members of Old Dominion are undoubtedly excited about the future. And yet these country music lifers remain nothing if not extremely humble. Rosen adds, “Every time we achieve a new level we go ‘Oh my God! I can’t believe we made it to this level!’ And plus,” he adds with a chuckle, “now our wives’ parents no longer think we don’t have jobs.”

Clare Dunn Main Stage Thursday, April 9 5 p.m.

Born on a farm in Southeast Colorado, Clare Dunn’s roots run deep in the heart of Dust Bowl country. Working cattle, hauling water, driving combines, tractors and 18-wheelers were all part of Dunn’s everyday life from a young age. When your closest neighbor is 6 miles away, and many hours are spent behind the wheel of a John Deere tractor on the family farm, a strong work ethic becomes ingrained in your soul. While burning up miles hauling water to cattle, Dunn dreamed of creating her own music.

While driving 45 miles to school each day, listening to country music became a part of her daily routine. She achieved All-State basketball and volleyball recognition in high school, and after graduating in a class of eight, Dunn’s chance to fully pursue her dream of a music career came with college. After a brief stint at a small college in Texas, Dunn relocated to Nashville to attend Belmont University. She paid her way through college by driving a silage truck for harvest through Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska during every academic break. During the long hauls across the

Midwest, she picked up a guitar for the first time, determined to master acoustic and electric guitars.

After graduating from Belmont University with honors, Dunn signed her first publishing deal as a songwriter and hasn’t looked back. Involved with every aspect that goes into the creative process, from writing her debut single, “Get Out,” with cowriter and producer Ben West, to playing guitars on the track, to singing background vocals for some of Nashville’s finest, including Luke Bryan’s smash hit “Country Girl (Shake It For Me),” Dunn’s music is a true representation of all the things that make her who she is—a farm girl with a vision and sound forged from life experiences with a deep passion for her dreams.

Most recently, Dunn signed with renowned record label Universal Music Group Nashville. She was also named by USA Today, Boston Globe, Billboard and leading country music website, Roughstock, as “One to Watch” in 2015 and Music Row Magazine also named Dunn as one of the publication’s “Next Big Thing” for 2015. Last fall, she opened for Bob Seger in his home state of Michigan.

Dunn has traveled an unconventional path, but with her undeniable talent and the attention she’s already receiving, it’s clear that she is here to stay and that the best is yet to come.

Dunn’s music is a true representation of all the things that make her who she is—a farm girl with a vision and sound forged from life experiences with a deep passion for her dreams.

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The Railers Main Stage Thursday, April 9 6:30 p.m.

When brothers Jordan and Jonathan, raised in rural Missouri, met lively Arizona native Cassandra in the mountains of Flagstaff, Arizona, the foundation was laid for the adventure of a lifetime. All three classically trained students had plans of making the 2,600-mile journey to Music City to follow their dreams. But it wasn’t until an impromptu concert in Phoenix that the trio realized there was an undeniable blend between their musical styles.

“The show was just supposed to be a farewell for our family and friends who had encouraged us individually to take a chance and move to Nashville to pursue country music. We had no idea that night would plant the seed of becoming a band.

Everyone kept asking what our group’s name was, and it became obvious that we had something really special together,” says concertina player and vocalist Cassandra.

So in January 2002, the eldest brother Jonathan was the first to pack up his little truck and make the 28-hour drive. Cassandra followed suit six months later, with Jordan not far behind.

For the next several years, they each paid bills by working various industry jobs, playing for several country artists including Sara Evans, Josh Turner and Lorrie Morgan.

But it wasn’t until May 2008 when they met the easy going Indiana drummer, Tyler Oban,

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that the story was set in motion. After a couple years of fitting shows in between rigorous touring schedules and school, they reached a crucial fork in the road. On April 11, 2010, they all took a deep breath and a leap of faith, signing their names on a crumpled cafe napkin that said “Sept. 11, 2010, or Bust.” Vowing to quit their jobs, and start their quest to becoming fulltime artists. “It was probably the scariest time in our lives, walking away from a steady paycheck and into the great unknown,” says vocalist, mandolin and fiddle player Jordan Lawson.

But so far, it’s paid off. Within the first month of freedom, they landed an opening slot on Sara Evans’ Fall and Christmas tour. And shortly after that, another 60-show tour was booked with an Irish starlet.

More than 200 shows and12 months later, they were sitting in the office of the president and chief executive officer of Sony ATV Publishing.

After two songs, he wouldn’t let them leave his office until a contract was in the works. By the next year, they were offered a major label record deal with Warner Music Nashville/Atlantic and show no signs of slowing down.

By combining personal lyrics, airtight harmonies and earthy instrumentation using mandolin, violin, concertina, and acoustic guitar and percussion, the group melts its energetic songs with classic groundbreaking styles of the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Dixie Chicks, Nickel Creek and Bonnie Raitt, leaving audiences with an undeniable sound and unforgettable live show.

Dallas Smith Main Stage Thursday, April 9 8 p.m.

Hailing from British Columbia, Dallas Smith is skyrocketing to the very top of the country music scene. His 2012 debut album “Jumped Right In” generated five singles in the Canadian Hot 100, including the gold-selling title track, garnered five CCMA Award nominations and was nominated for Country Album of the Year at the 2013 JUNO Awards.

Following a slew of sold-out tour dates with Florida Georgia Line and Bob Seger, Smith released 2013’s “Tippin’ Point EP,” making his debut in the United States and setting the bar high while representing Canadian country music’s cutting edge sound.

Co-written by Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard along with The Cadillac Three’s Jaren Johnston, “Tippin’ Point” set the record as the fastest Canadian country single to go gold. Additionally, Smith topped SiriusXM’s The Highway Hot 45 Countdown and most recently added the title of “platinum-selling country artist” to his repertoire with the announcement that “Tippin’ Point” had been certified platinum.

Amassing national appeal, Smith netted three 2014 CCMA Award nominations including Single, Album and Male Artist of the Year and is the first Canadian country artist to have eight singles reach the Top 10 at radio in Canada. Following a summer of notable festival dates, including an outstanding headline performance in front of 25,000 fans at the Boots and Hearts Music Festival, and a recordbreaking performance at the Craven Country Jamboree where he drew more than 12,000 fans and shattered attendance records, Smith released his second full-length country album “Lifted” on Nov. 25. “Lifted” reunited Smith with prized producer Joey Moi (Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen).

Smith is no newcomer to music, having fronted the Canadian rock band Default from 1999 to 2011. He expects to be “schooled” in the country genre by the likes of Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton when they all come to down for Country Thunder in Florence.

“You can go to school with guys like Blake and Luke,” he says. “They’re at the top of their game and excellent entertainers. It’s always good to get ideas and see how they connect with a crowd. It’s obvious that what they’re doing is working quite well. It’s a great privilege to do some homework.”

Amassing national appeal, Smith netted three 2014 CCMA Award nominations including Single, Album and Male Artist of the Year and is the first Canadian country artist to have eight singles reach the Top 10 at radio in Canada.

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Brett Eldredge Main Stage Thursday, April 9 10 p.m.

Country newbie Brett Eldredge has always been drawn to singers, a fact that should come as no surprise to anyone who’s heard the Illinois native’s distinctive baritone.

“I always gravitated toward big voices, because, as a kid, I had this big voice coming out of me,” says Eldredge. “I was hooked on the way that somebody could tell a story through the tone of their voice.”

With a Country Music Association Awards’ nomination for “New Artist of the Year,” his single “Don’t Ya” climbing to No. 1 on the country charts, new single “Beat of the Music” most added at radio in its first week and debut album Bring You Back having been released last summer on Atlantic Records, Eldredge is finally getting the chance to share his story.

Ray Charles, Ronnie Dunn, and Frank Sinatra were the “big voices” that influenced Eldredge in his younger days. When his parents bought him a guitar and a small sound system, he didn’t immediately take to the instrument. By age 15, though, Eldredge was a performer in demand for local functions.

“I really grew to love the feel of the crowd,”

he says. There was no question that the passion for performance would carry him to Nashville, but Eldredge says his move to Music City after college made one thing clear: He was going to have to pick up that abandoned guitar. “I saw people on stage playing these songwriter nights, just them and a guitar,” he says. So Eldredge locked himself in a room to practice, and eventually started writing songs of his own.

He’s since moved on to writing with some of Nashville’s greats, including the legendary “Whispering” Bill Anderson, who taught him that one of the tricks to being a great songwriter is to “just keep writing,” Eldredge says. Two of the singles he’s released so far certainly prove his range, from 2010’s poignant “Raymond” to his No. 1 single “Don’t Ya,” an up-tempo flirtation that ponders the mystery of romantic relations, and showcases the sexy growl in Eldredge’s voice. His writing chops are also gaining recognition with the hit TV show “Nashville” using the Eldredgepenned song “Adios Old Friend,” country star Trace Adkins cutting his song “Watch the World End” (featuring Colbie Caillat) and the Country Music Association featuring him in their esteemed songwriters series in New York City. “You can create something from nothing,” is how Eldredge describes the joy of writing. “That’s the coolest thing in the world to me.”

“I always gravitated toward big voices, because, as a kid, I had this big voice coming out of me,” - Brett Eldredge 20 COUNTRY THUNDER 2015

The LACS Main Stage Friday, April 10 2:30 p.m.

The LACS—short for Loud Ass Crackers—have a proven formula for success. Mix 65 percent country music storytelling with 20 percent hip-hop attitude, add in 15 percent rock ‘n’ roll plus 100 percent hard work and you have a multi-format duo that defies definition and oozes opportunity.

The duo, which is made up of hip-hop artist Clay “Uncle Snap” Sharpe and lead vocalist/ guitarist Brian “Rooster” King, doesn’t easily fit into any predetermined box.

“When we make a mix CD on our computer, we don’t put together 30 songs that are straight country,” explains Sharpe. “We might have 10 country, 10 rock and 10 rap songs. We knew our kind of people would like it.”

The LACS’ unique blend of music is on full display on “Keep It Redneck,” the duo’s latest release. “Our music is not one dimensional,” Sharpe says. “We take the good out of rock, the good out of country and the good out of rap and mix them together and create something different. We build from scratch.”

Born and raised in South Georgia, the pair met when King moved to Baxley, a rural town more famous for its sawmills and turpentine stills than its music scene. In a town with only four stoplights it’s not hard to spot a stranger. “I saw him riding around town and I didn’t know him, so I just stopped him one day and said, ‘Who are you and what you got goin’ on?’” Sharpe recalls of his first

meeting with King. “We ended up hanging out that night. He pulled out the guitar and I did, too.

We’ve been making music together ever since.”

They pooled their money and went into a local studio to record. “We knocked out 20 songs in three days,” Sharpe says. “Even the studio guys were surprised.”

Sharpe and King pressed the music onto CDs and, along with a few friends armed with CD players, began peddling their album in Walmart parking lots. To their surprise, people liked what they heard.

“There were days we’d sell a thousand CDs and come back with $5,000 or $10,000 and we realized, ‘We might have something here’,” Sharpe admits.

The LACS recorded five CDs on their own and eventually caught the attention of noted producer and Average Joes Entertainment label head Shannon Houchins, who was working with musical maverick Colt Ford. “We let him hear one of our CDs and he invited us to his studio immediately,” Sharpe remembers. “He said, ‘I’d love for you to be part of our record label.’ We thought about it a couple of days and we said, ‘Let’s do it.’”

The duo has released two successful albums on Backroad Records, a subsidiary of Average Joes.

The duo regularly attracts thousands of fans to its shows, which have included an appearance at the Atlanta Motor Speedway prior to a NASCAR race.

“That’s like the Super Bowl for us,” Sharpe says.

“That’s the biggest redneck sport in the world.”

They’ve come a long way for sure. “Now Walmart is selling our CDs inside, so we don’t have to sell them in the parking lot,” Sharpe says.

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Maddie & Tae Main Stage Friday, April 10 3:30 p.m.

When Maddie & Tae came to Nashville at 17, they had a publishing deal and a dream.

The notion seemed outlandish that they would have a No. 1 hit, an RIAA gold-certified single, international acclaim and more than 19 million VEVO views on their first sing, “Girl in a Country Song.” Named Single of the Year in the Nashville Scene’s Country Critics’ Poll, Maddie & Tae became only the third female duo in 70 years to have their debut single top the charts.

For the songwriter/singers from Sugar Land, Texas and Ada, Oklahoma, getting the music right was everything. Rather than rush an album, Maddie Marlow and Tae Dye insisted on taking their time, refusing to hurry the recording process and collaborating with uber-producer Dann Huff on their Republic/Dot Records debut, “Start Here.”

“But we’re really lucky,” Maddie picks up. “Everyone at our label understood and supported the process... Our first album means

so much to us, and we wanted to get it right, to get it just the way we heard all these songs.

Dann Huff is amazing and so patient. We’re almost done, and we’re both so ready.”

In addition to “Girl in a Country Song,” “Start Here” will include the follow-up “Fly,” which was debuted on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and world premiered on CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown alongside Old Crow Medicine Show’s “Brushy Mountain Conjugal Trailer.” Having written with some of Nashville’s best writers, the Academy of Country Music Vocal Duo of the Year nominees are ready to get started.

“We had so many names,” Maddie marvels.

“Pieces of lyrics, song titles, our names. But when it really came down to it, what this record is to us is the beginning of everything! You only get one first album...”

“Start Here,” Tae continues. “It says it all.

Like ‘Fly,’ it is one of those sentiments that holds all the promise, all the chances and maybe a little bit of being scared. But you have to start somewhere, and this is pretty great place to begin.”

“We had so many names,” Maddie marvels. “Pieces of lyrics, song titles, our names. But when it really came down to it, what this record is to us is the beginning of everything! You only get one first album...”

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Diamond Rio Main Stage Friday, April 10 5 p.m.

After 25 years together, more than 10 million albums sold, a Grammy Award, a Dove Award, six Vocal Group of the Year wins (CMA and ACM), two Greatest Hits projects, nine studio albums including three certified platinum and five gold, five multi-week No. 1 singles, 22 Top 10 singles, an autobiography and zero band member changes, Diamond Rio is finally releasing its first live album.

“Diamond Rio Live” becme available at iTunes Nov. 18. The CD/DVD “Diamond Rio Live” will be available exclusively through Rio Hot Records at www.diamondrio.com.

“It’s something we’ve wanted to do for a while,” lead singer Marty Roe says. “Our live show plays a major role in who we are. I didn’t start as a recording artist. I started on stage.”

“As a group of guys goes, we are some of the best procrastinators there are,” mandolin player and background vocalist Gene Johnson jokes.

“We’ve been known for a long time as the live band that sounds just like the record, so it was time to capture that.”

“Diamond Rio Live” includes two never before recorded highlights of its show, the “Newgrass Medley” and “Western Medley.” Recorded from multiple live performances, “Diamond Rio Live” features 32 songs. The distinguished three-part harmonies and instrumentation sound as sharp as they do in its live show because the 14-time

Grammy nominees and Grand Ole Opry members have always been known for playing every note on every album—from the beginning. “Who could duplicate Diamond Rio’s sound better than we can?” says drummer Brian Prout.

The DVD, available exclusively through Rio Hot Records at www.diamondrio.com, features never before seen interviews of the six longtime friends reminiscing about the past 25 years, sharing their fondest memories from the road, stories of recording various albums in the studio and talking about their lean early years getting started.

Formed in 1989 in Nashville, the band consists of Gene Johnson (mandolin, tenor vocals), Jimmy Olander (lead guitar, acoustic guitar, banjo), Brian Prout (drums), Marty Roe (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Dan Truman (keyboards) and Dana Williams (bass guitar, baritone vocals).

Diamond Rio signed to Arista Records and in 1991 with the release of “Meet In The Middle,” became the first country music group in history to reach No. 1 with a debut single. The band is also known for their hit singles “How Your Love Makes Me Feel,” “One More Day,” “Beautiful Mess,” “Unbelievable,” “In A Week Or Two” and more. It released its first autobiography, “Beautiful Mess: The Story of Diamond Rio” on Thomas Nelson in 2009.

Known for its charity commitments including long-time spokespersons for Big Brothers Big Sisters, the band has raised more than $1 million for nonprofits and received the Minnie Pearl Humanitarian award.

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The Swon Brothers Main Stage Friday, April 14 6:30 p.m.

There really must be something in the water in Oklahoma. The state has produced more country greats per capita than probably anywhere else on earth—Reba, Blake, Vince, Garth and Toby all hail from the same state where The Swon Brothers spent their formative years. In fact, Muskogee, Oklahoma, natives Zach and Colton Swon grew up right down the street from “American Idol” champ-turned-country-superstar Carrie Underwood, and the three shared a stage many times throughout their childhood years.

Already naturals before they were even preteens, both Zach and Colton found that they were most at home on stage. They were performing in their family’s gospel group since they were old enough to talk.

“We traveled with our parents every weekend playing churches,” Zach says. “Ever since we were babies, we’ve been on the bus, hearing music and watching musicians. It’s definitely what got us turned on to music. I played instruments earlier than Colton; he was more the singer and stage performer. I started out on drums at age 3, and by the time I was 9, I was playing drums for my parents’ band. I feel really blessed to be a musician because I’ve never taken a lesson on any instrument.”

After leaving the road, their parents formed a family-style variety show in nearby Wagoner,

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Oklahoma, and soon Zach and Colton were charming crowds and cutting their musical teeth on everything from Elvis to Frank Sinatra.

“That’s where I came out of my shell on stage and really began performing,” says Colton. “We had to learn everything from Sinatra to Michael Jackson in the show—but of course, country was our favorite. We both had solos in the show, and Zach loved Elvis, so he actually dressed up in a suit and wig and did an Elvis impersonation.”

The Swons’ show at the Civic Center was soon filling the building to capacity, and little did they know that those weekly performances would be great training for their break as contestants on NBC’s hit talent competition, “The Voice.”

After trying out for the show in 2013, the siblings became instant fan favorites.

Teamed with judge Blake Shelton on Season 4, Shelton guided the duo into the Top 3 and a nearwin, and later became a close ally who helped them navigate the ins and outs of the music business when Nashville record labels came calling.

Life has a funny way of coming full circle, as the Swons discovered when they signed a deal with Arista Nashville, the same label as their old Oklahoma buddy, Carrie Underwood.

The Swon Brothers released their self-titled album and its groove-filled opening single, “Later On.” They say they hope their music will endure.

“We wanted to make a record that we would want to hear years from now,” Colton says, as Zach adds, “Ultimately, we made something that we are very proud to call ‘us.’”

Joe Nichols Main Stage Friday, April 10 8 p.m.

By Joe Nichols As far as where I’m at with my new music and my new label, Red Bow, this is more than a new chapter. It’s a new book. My new single “Sunny and 75” is getting as great a reception as anything I’ve ever done, and the album it comes from is something I might have hoped I could do at other points in my career, but have been held back from.

And I’ll be the first to say that the holding back has mostly been me. What strikes me this time is how much freedom I’ve felt in this process, the depth I have in my relationships—personal and professional—it really is a family thing. And, to be honest, just how much fun I’m having. Freedom, family and fun...there’s your sound bite.

The hard part of this journey, if that’s not too

cliché a word for it, was leaving my last label, because the wheels in Nashville just turn really slow sometimes. I went into the studio to start making music with my own money. Quite a few were interested, but the majors tend to have a lot of artists in line and wanted me to look at a late 2014 release. I wanted to be in business with somebody who had the same sense of urgency about me as I do, and Broken Bow did. Being one of the flagship artists on their latest imprint, which is a joint venture with Sony Red, helped this all feel brand new.

There are layers to my relationships and the people around me. There’s a depth there that I’ve never felt before, especially in a working environment. I care passionately and deeply about the music, as well as the people I’m working with.

I care about the overall well-being and success of everybody. That is a wonderful feeling, and way more important than having hit records and looking good to the outside world. This is family.

I care passionately and deeply about the music, as well as the people I’m working with. I care about the overall well-being and success of everybody. That is a wonderful feeling, and way more important than having hit records and looking good to the outside world. This is family.

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Big & Rich Main Stage Saturday, April 12 9 p.m.

As Big & Rich, John Rich and Big Kenny Alphin have exerted a definite “gravitational pull” to the direction modern country music has taken. Their latest album, “Gravity” provides a stellar example of the genius of their creative brotherhood—the result of two unique musical personalities colliding to form an even greater positive sum total.

From the vantage point of today’s career success, Rich notes: “When Kenny and I were first considering doing music together some 15 years ago, I can recall like it was yesterday him saying, ‘Man, we like two individual planets— wouldn’t it be awesome to collide and smash the universe together,” he recalls.

“We definitely felt that creative gravitational pull from the beginning and I think it continues to translate into the music.”

They are America’s Technicolor cowboys, brothers-in-arms in service to the creed that great music has no boundaries. Individually, Rich and Big Kenny are first-rate musicians, songwriters, producers, entertainers—and now the creative force behind their own label imprint, Big & Rich Records. Together, they are one of the most truly original musical forces ever unleashed on a welcoming world.

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Big & Rich have, of course, made a career of being relatable and musically relevant since exploding into the public consciousness in 2003 as the rarest of breeds—true country music game changers. With 2004’s triple-platinum “Horse of a Different Color,” they were able to tap into the best strands of a wide spectrum of popular music, filter them through their pens and voices and produce a sound that is instantly recognizable, if not classifiable.

“You still can’t really define what that sound is,” Rich says. “Even we can’t.”

If radio didn’t fully know what to make of them at first, fans of every musical stripe did. They packed arenas with a flying circus of sight, sound and spectacle, a touring renaissance fair of the mind, complete with raised glasses and danceable beats.

With a new studio album that finds them at the top of their creative game, their live performances find them at their hell-raising best, with crowds as intense and appreciative as any they’ve ever faced.

“It seems like when you put John and Kenny together and we become Big & Rich, it’s like Clark Kent walking into the phone booth and coming out a superman,” Rich says. “We can’t explain it.

It’s like a chemical reaction between Kenny and me on stage, something you can feel there. It’s funny to think about but it’s really true, we walk out on stage and start laying into this thing, the energy goes back and forth between us and the crowd and it’s palpable.”

Matt Farris Main Stage Saturday, April 11 1:30 p.m.

With an unparalleled passion for country music, it comes as no surprise Matt Farris has a promising start to his career. Entertaining family and friends from the moment he spoke his first word, Farris has a passion for entertainment. With an early exchange of lullabies for classic country tunes sung by his mother Sandra, the Lake Havasu City, Arizona, native has since 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 fire fighter through The Glendale Community College Fire Academy—all while working on 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 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 out around Phoenix, continuing to build his career and fan base. 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 to further his career in 2011.

In late 2011, Farris came to the attention of Skytone Entertainment owner and veteran producer Frank Green. His first single, “Redneck Radio,” placed high in country music charts, as well as holding a position at No. 1 on the Indie World Country chart four weeks in a row.

Farris still finds time to give back, supporting both 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 which can be seen at www.denisesday.org “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.”

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.

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Drew Cooper Main Stage Saturday, April 11 2:30 p.m.

Born in Springfield, Illinois, Drew Cooper moved to Tucson when he was 11 and attended the University of Arizona. He grew up loving country music and the modern classics, citing Garth Brooks, Chris LeDoux, Bruce Springsteen, and Jimmy Buffet, as his influences.

He began his music career at age 26 and found artists like Stoney Larue, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Pat Green and Radney Foster inspiring and they are influencing the music he plays today.

He has had the pleasure of working artists such as Toby Keith, Billy Currington, Dwight Yoakam, Troy Olsen, Cody Johnson, Casey Donahew, Stoney LaRue, Josh Abbott, Jason Boland, Reckless Kelly, Ty Herndon, Bellamy Brothers, Emerson Drive, Frankie Ballard, Whiskey Myers, Dustin Lynch, Thompson Square and Jon Pardi.

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Jamie Lynn Spears Main Stage Saturday, April 11 3:30 p.m.

At 23 years old, Jamie Lynn Spears is already a seasoned entertainment veteran. After five years focused on raising her daughter, Maddie, the Kentwood, Louisiana, native is back in the spotlight with a sound and style that truly captures her Southern roots.

Her official music debut comes in the form of country ballad “How Could I Want More.” The intensely personal lyrics mixed with a simple song production portrays Spears as wise beyond her years.

“How Could I Want More” was written by Spears along with Nashville songwriter Rivers Rutherford.

Spears’ experiences with Rivers and other Nashville writers, including Chris Tompkins, Liz Rose, Lisa Carver and Luke Laird, made for a master class in songwriting. Spears learned about how to bring her stories to life through music and became a part of a community that helped her figure out the kind of artist she wanted to be. The experiences paid off: Spears has more than 100 songs in her catalog.

Her first single already has critical acclaim and cultural heat. It was named a Taste of Country

Critic’s Pick and her journey has been covered by such outlets as E!, “Entertainment Tonight,” BuzzFeed, MTV, CMT and more.

A full album is imminent and Spears credits her producer, Corey Crowder, for helping her define her sound. “He is a huge influence, and mainly responsible for making my music sound like me—he really just got me,” says Spears. “It took me years to figure out my sound, and to have confidence in knowing what I wanted.”

Choosing “How Could I Want More” as her first single was not an easy decision, but she feels that it is the right one because of the help and support of her team.

“Keeping it honest is something that will always fall on me. I need to make choices I believe in, so I don’t lose that relationship with my fans— they are the ones I want to stay connected to through my music.” says Spears Spears began her entertainment career with a small part in “Crossroads,” portraying the fictionalized younger version of the character played by sister Britney Spears. Spears then found a home in television; appearing on Nickelodeon’s “All That” and most notably starring as the title character of “Zoey 101,” for which she won the Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Award for “Best Actress” in 2006.

“It took me years to figure out my sound, and to have confidence in knowing what I wanted.”

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Chris Janson Main Stage Saturday, April 11 5 p.m.

Unsigned, independent artist Chris Janson was all the buzz in mid-March when his dream-big anthem “Buy Me A Boat” sailed high at iTunes landing at No. 1 on the country and No. 7 on the all-genre charts. Continuing to make massive waves, the tune shattered digital sales with more than 21K sold in only three days, an impressive feat considering Janson is virtually unknown outside of Nashville and has no radio promotion staff.

“Buy Me A Boat” received a boost from DJ Bobby Bones who gave it a high-profile endorsement on his nationally syndicated “Bobby Bones Show” following the release. As Bones told Rolling Stone, “It’s not often that I play completely untested, unsigned artists...We played the same song (“Buy Me A Boat”) twice in a half hour, which is a no-no. It hit Top 15 and I realized this song had real legs...And I’ll be damned it hit No. 1 and took down Sam Hunt, which has been the No. 1 song for weeks.”

Janson, a formidable songwriter in his own right (Tim McGraw’s “Truck Yeah”), co-wrote the song with Chris Dubois (who has co-written a stream of No. 1 hits for Brad Paisley). “Every song I’ve written in the last couple of years, I was

always thinking of who’s recording now, or who’s looking for songs, or what I could do to write for somebody else and get another ‘Truck Yeah,’” said Janson to Rolling Stone. “I just had to have that one (“Buy Me A Boat”) for me. It’s rare that I love one that much.”

As the song continues its stronghold in the Top 10 on iTunes, Janson has a full schedule of dates where “Buy Me A Boat” is sure to be anticipated and echoed by the crowds at Country Thunder (Florence) on April 11, and Stagecoach (Indio, California) on April 26.

With undeniable charisma, Janson brings a blue-collar, working-class, boot-stomping hillbilly redneck attitude to bear on every live performance, earning him opening slots for Florida Georgia Line, music legends Merle Haggard and Hank Williams Jr., as well as more than 60 appearances at the Grand Ole Opry. The talented songwriter began writing at just 18 with an impressive group of musicians from the likes of Guns N’ Roses to the esteemed Larry Gatlin and co-wrote Tim McGraw’s highest chart debut of his career, “Truck Yeah.” The Perryville, Missouri, native broke onto the music scene when he landed a year-long, four-show-a-day gig at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge on Nashville’s Lower Broadway.

Janson is focusing on a heavy summer touring season and writing songs for his debut album.

...Janson brings a blue-collar, working-class, boot-stomping hillbilly redneck attitude to bear on every live performance...

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Phil Vassar Main Stage Saturday, April 11 6:30 p.m.

Phil Vassar is as driven today as he was when he first left his Lynchburg, Virginia, home to pursue—and realize—his dream of making his mark in entertainment. A career that has seen the release of eight albums, two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year trophies, Billboard Country Songwriter of the Year, countless hits as a singer and songwriter and a mantle full of awards and the launch of his own Rodeowave Entertainment label continues to expand and evolve.

As a singer/songwriter, Vassar has hit the Top 5 seven times with songs like “Carlene,” “Last Day of My Life” and “American Child” and topped the charts with “In A Real Love” and the perennial favorite “Just Another Day in Paradise.” Known as one of Nashville’s top tunesmiths, his songs other artists have taken to No. 1 include “My Next Thirty Years” by Tim McGraw, “She’s Right On The Money” by Alan Jackson, and Jo Dee Messina’s “Bye, Bye” and “I’m Alright.” New artist David Nail had a hit with Phil’s “The Sound of a Million Dreams,” which Billboard named the No. 1 song in its Top 10 Country Songs of 2012.

For Vassar, his philosophy about songs has never changed during his time spent writing hits for himself and other artists; it’s important for a song to carry a message and make the listener feel something.

“Songs should evoke something, whether it makes you happy and puts you in a good mood, or makes you cry and feel desperation... you know, whether you’re going through a marriage, or a divorce, or you’re in love or you hate somebody, or whatever it is...songs should evoke something,” says Vassar. “And if it’s just having a drink with your friends in the hot tub, that’s just as good as any song for me. I mean, I’ve had hits with every kind of song—ballads, mid-tempos, up-tempos and silly kinds of songs.

You can’t save the whales with every song you write, that’s too heavy for me,” he adds, laughing. “I honestly don’t think I’ve written my best songs yet.”

The Virginia native, who received the 2012 VAB Distinguished Virginian Award by the Virginia Association of Broadcasters is definitely no stranger to a good time, and he makes sure with every performance that his fans feel exactly the same way. Years of playing clubs, and even owning his own nightspot at one point, helped Vassar cultivate the easygoing, fun-loving manner he displays onstage and the infectious energy that infuses every single show he does.

“I’ve always prided myself on writing a lot of different types of songs, while some people may like to play it safe, I prefer diversity. So it’s about new energy and doing different things, getting away from the old ways and starting fresh, that’s what we’ve been able to do with Rodeowave.”

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Jerrod Niemann Main Stage Saturday, April 11 8 p.m.

“On my first two albums, I tried to cover all the music I enjoy,” says Jerrod Niemann. “This time, we mashed it all together and that’s what you do when you’re really attempting to create your own sound. And as it all gelled, I think it brought us into our own pure sound for the first time.”

On “High Noon,” Niemann continues to pursue the innovative sonic approach that has defined his identity, while bearing down even harder on the rock-solid songwriting that first brought him to Nashville’s attention. The immediate response to the album’s debut single, “Drink to That All Night,” proves that Niemann’s distinctive style still hits the mark. “My biggest obstacle,” he says, “was to make sure this sounded different from everything else out there right now.”

Niemann exploded onto the scene with his chart-topping major-label debut, 2010’s “Judge Jerrod & The Hung Jury.” The album, on Sea Gayle/Arista Nashville records, included the No. 1 smash and RIAA-certified platinum digital single, “Lover, Lover,” and the follow-up Top 5 single,

“What Do You Want.” Niemann—who has also written songs for and with such artists as Garth Brooks, Blake Shelton and Lee Brice—returned in 2012 with the acclaimed, musically adventurous release, “Free the Music.” All the while, he’s continued playing 200 shows a year on the road, year in and year out.

He credits the advances on “High Noon” to a new collaborator, producer Jimmie Lee Sloas— honored by the Academy of Country Music as Bass Player of the Year—who has worked with everyone from Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood to bluegrass bands and Megadeth.

The resulting 13 songs on “High Noon” represent not just a musical blend of country, pop, and rock with splashes of electronic, forwardlooking beats, but also a wide emotional spectrum.

But most of “High Noon” returns to the themes of drinking, partying and having fun. “This is a record to get you in the mood before going out on Friday or Saturday night,” says Niemann. “I came up playing in bars, and that’s always going to peek through in my music. A lot of the people we play for have a beer in their hand, and my job is to get whatever’s on their mind off their mind. So always, at least half the songs are about partying—hey, it’s better than crying, right?”

“I came up playing in bars, and that’s always going to peek through in my music. A lot of the people we play for have a beer in their hand, and my job is to get whatever’s on their mind off their mind” 32 COUNTRY THUNDER 2015

Blake Shelton Main Stage Saturday, April 11 10 p.m.

Blake Shelton is many things. He is a coach on the TV music competition show “The Voice,” where singers he’s mentored have won three of six seasons.

He is the reigning CMA Male Vocalist of the Year.

He’s the charismatic live entertainer performing to packed houses in arenas, amphitheaters and stadiums across the country. And he’s husband to country superstar Miranda Lambert.

But the one overriding facet of who Blake Shelton is led him down a path that made all these other designations possible. Blake Shelton is a country...music...singer.

Shelton is in a league of his own among contemporary country artists as a top-shelf interpreter of true country music songs, and Shelton’s 11th studio album, “Bringing Back the Sunshine,” marks a return to showcasing that talent with an album that sonically represents the best contemporary country has to offer, yet feels like the classic cuts served up by the heroes that inspired Shelton as young boy in Ada, Oklahoma, 30 years ago. It’s a journey that includes a CMA Entertainer of the Year trophy, three RIAA certified platinum albums, five RIAA-certified gold albums, 17 total No. 1 country singles,7.6 million albums and 22.8 million singles sold, and a four-year run as reigning CMA Male Vocalist of the Year.

That unprecedented hot streak seems destined to continue on “Bringing Back the Sunshine,” a recording process that begins with Shelton’s

never-ending search for the perfect songs.

The public’s first taste of that focus was “Neon Light,” which Shelton describes as owning a “straight up George Strait-, George Jones- or Conway Twittysounding chorus, mixed with the more recent stuff that I have recorded.” Thematically, the alwaysconfident Shelton knew what he wanted. “One of the things I felt like I should do as a country singer was record music again that’s about breakin’ up, and heartache, and going and getting drunk,” he says.

“The last two albums I made, one was just before I got married and one was just after I got married. I was in a really good place, and still am. But, at some point, I feel a responsibility to get back to, honestly, some of the more stereotypical things about country music. Those were the things that drew me to country music, so I wanted to sing about going to a bar, or somebody breaking your heart, singin’ about girls and things. More classic country music topics, you know?”

While Shelton is about as stone country as a singer can get, he is deeply immersed in all sorts of music due to his other gig on “The Voice.”

“Anything that you take in is gonna come back out in some way, and it has been doing that, for sure,” he says. Reflecting on that thought, Shelton adds, “I’m a country singer, and there’s nothing I’ll ever be able to do about that, or want to do about it. When I open my mouth, it’s country, and always has been. I just wanted to embrace that, embrace exactly who I am, to make this record. If somebody wants to get the gist of who I am from start to finish, I think this album musically encompasses all the roads I’ve explored as an artist.”

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Logan Mize Main Stage Sunday, April 12 2:30 p.m.

He’s an honest new voice for every man. That would be country-rock singer, songwriter and guitarist Logan Mize. Just listen to his current single “Can’t Get Away from a Good Time,” which was just released to country radio by his label Arista Nashville.

The anticipation is building, particularly because Mize spent a good part of 2013 behind the camera in a couple of high profile turns on the small screen.

The Kansas native serendipitously found himself guest starring in two nationally watched TV appearances that undoubtedly introduced him to new audiences.

He ended up in a widely viewed “Fabric of Our Life” cotton commercial with Hayden Panettiere of ABC-TV’s “Nashville.” Mize and his band are shown performing on stage at Music City’s legendary Station Inn. But there’s more: Mize played himself and sang, also with his band, in an episode of The CW’s hit drama “Hart of Dixie” starring Rachel Bilson.

Mize, 28, saw both tube assignments as great ways to trumpet his debut national CD release, 2012’s “Nobody in Nashville,” an auspicious 10 song collection that highlights Mize’s rugged voice, his earthy songs and his ability to merge mainstream country with front porch rock ‘n’ roll.

Making “Nobody in Nashville,” was the followup to Mize’s very independent, regional 2009 selftitled first effort.

Mize’s real guy-next-door demeanor is exactly the reason why “Nobody in Nashville”

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garnered immediate attention from country music publications.

No stranger to touring, Mize delivers a blistering live show with his commanding onstage presence.

He has opened shows for headlining household names Lady Antebellum, The Band Perry, Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Little Big Town, Blake Shelton, Billy Currington, LeAnn Rimes and Hank Williams Jr. That’s pretty lofty company for the kid born in Wichita, Kansas, who grew up in nearby Clearwater immersed in the music of Tom Petty, Elton John, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, The Wallflowers, Nirvana, the Foo Fighters and Stone Temple Pilots.

“If it sounded good to me, I would listen to it,” Mize said about his eclectic musical tastes. “I am a song guy. There is no bias. I like it all.”

His arms-open-wide philosophy extends into family, naturally. Mize, who is married to country singer-songwriter Jill Martin and has a 2-year-old son Lincoln, slowly soaked himself in the history of his great uncle Billy Mize. The elder Mize, now 84, is considered a pioneer in the Bakersfield country sound that emerged in California and was popularized by Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. Mize didn’t learn of his revered kin until he was in his early 20s.

“When I found out about him I really researched the Bakersfield sound. Buck Owens was in Billy’s band. He also got Merle Haggard recognized. He was a behind-the-scenes guy.”

Logan Mize, however, is not only behind a microphone; he’s also in front of the cameras. In characteristically every man fashion he’s getting priceless VIP attention.

Love and Theft Main Stage Saturday, April 12 4 p.m.

“We wanted to show a different side and make a record that sounds like us,” Stephen Barker-Liles says of Love and Theft’s boundary-pushing new album “Whiskey on My Breath.” “Country music has always been about honest performances and songs that mean something, and that’s the kind of record that we wanted to make.”

“We’re at a different place, in our music and in our lives, than we were when we made our earlier records, and we wanted this album to reflect that,” agrees his longstanding musical partner Eric Gunderson. “We worked harder and more passionately on this record than anything we’ve ever done. The whole experience was refreshing and inspiring for us.”

“Whiskey on My Breath”—the duo’s third album—marks a significant creative statement for the two singer-songwriter-guitarists, whose resume already includes a long series of career highlights. The ACM/CMA/CMT-nominated twosome has scored such memorable hits as the No. 1 country smash “Angel Eyes” and the Top 10 hit “Runaway,” and its widely acclaimed albums “World Wide Open” and “Love and Theft.” Now

it’s on to “Whiskey on My Breath.”

The new collection finds the pair stripping its sound down to its essence, with spare, largely acoustic arrangements that focus squarely on its impassioned performances and distinctive vocal chemistry. With Barker-Liles and Gunderson coproducing with longtime studio collaborator Josh Leo, “Whiskey on My Breath” showcases the emotional honesty of such self-penned new tunes as the introspective title track and the pointedly personal “Everybody Drives Drunk,” along with such lighter-hearted new originals as “Easy” and “Anytime, Anywhere,” which show Love and Theft’s playful sense of humor to be fully intact.

Other highlights include “Get Drunk and Make Friends,” which the artists describe as the most honkytonk song of their career, and “Wrong Baby Wrong,” a barbed Barker-Liles co-write originally recorded in 2009 by Martina McBride and reworked in fine style by its co-author.

Although it’s a departure in many respects, “Whiskey on My Breath” won’t come as that much of a surprise to Love and Theft’s longtime fans, who’ll recognize the commitment to high-energy performances and emotionally forthright songcraft that’s been the foundation of Love and Theft’s music from the start.

“Country music has always been about honest performances and songs that mean something, and that’s the kind of record that we wanted to make.”

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John Michael Montgomery Main Stage Sunday, April 12 5:30 p.m.

John Michael Montgomery has turned an uncanny ability to relate to fans into one of country music’s most storied careers. Behind the string of hit records, the roomful of awards and the critical and fan accolades that have defined his phenomenal success lies a connection that goes beyond his undeniable talent and his proven knack for picking hits. Since the days when “Life’s A Dance” turned him from an unknown artist into a national star, Montgomery’s rich baritone has carried that most important of assets—believability.

Few artists in any genre sing with more heart than this handsome Kentucky-born artist.

It is readily apparent in love songs that have helped set the standard for a generation. Songs like “I Swear,” “I Love the Way You Love Me” and “I Can Love You Like That” still resonate across the landscape. It is apparent in the 2004 hit “Letters from Home,” one of the most moving tributes to the connection between soldiers and their families ever recorded, and in “The Little Girl,” a tale of redemption that plumbs both the harrowing and the uplifting. It is apparent even in the pure fun that has always found its way into Montgomery’s repertoire—songs like “Be My Baby Tonight” and “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident),” where Montgomery’s vocal earnestness takes musical whimsy to another level.

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Montgomery’s origins lie in deceptively modest beginnings. He was born in Danville, Kentucky, to parents who imparted a lifelong love of music.

“Where most people have chairs and sofas in their living rooms,” Montgomery says with a laugh, “we had amplifiers and drum kits.”

The family band played on weekends throughout the area, and Montgomery and his brother, Eddie, eagerly soaked up everything about it.

“To a certain extent,” he says, “my dad always had a natural ability to draw fans and entertain people; I don’t care if it was on the front porch, the living room, or on a stage. I think that transitioned to me and my brother being able to do that on stage.”

Montgomery took over lead singing chores after his parents divorced, and he performed for a while in a band called Early Tymz with Eddie and their friend, Troy Gentry. Nashville talent scouts began hearing about and then seeing Montgomery perform and, by the early ‘90s, he had a record deal.

Asked what he thinks gave him the edge in a career that calls millions but gives stardom to just a few, he pauses, then thinks back to the legacy of his parents.

“I reckon it was good genes and good blood,” he says with a smile. Few who know the depth and breadth of his own growing legacy would disagree.

Dustin Lynch Main Stage Sunday, April 12 7 p.m.

Broken Bow Records artist Dustin Lynch occupies a unique place in country music. Thanks to his classic sensibilities, he’s been heralded as the heir to George Strait’s throne. Yet with one listen to his newest hit, “Where It’s At,” it’s obvious the young Tennessee native knows how to combine his traditional influences with an edgy intensity that places him at the vanguard of the contemporary country scene.

It’s that ability to fuse his country roots with a progressive musical vision that makes Lynch one of most successful young artists. His selftitled debut hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart—making him the only new male artist to achieve such a feat that year. The album’s lead single, “Cowboys and Angels,” exceeded platinum sales status while earning Lynch a legion of devoted fans. “Cowboys and Angels” became a country classic, ending the year as one Billboard’s Top 5 Country Songs of 2012.

Lynch further cemented his next-big-thing status with the sexy, up-tempo barnstormer “She Cranks My Tractor” which reached No. 1 on GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown. The accolades continued to pour in, among them Rolling Stone heralding Lynch as “The New Hat in Town” in the magazine’s 2013 “Best of Rock” issue. Lynch’s career momentum continued as he opened for Keith Urban on his Light the Fuse Tour.

Lynch’s Facebook fan page has grown by nearly 1 million in the last year and his Twitter by 184 percent. He’s soared to No. 1 on the MTV Music Meter, earned a No. 1 ringtone on CMT, a Top 5 on the Billboard Heatseekers Songs Chart, two American Country Award and one CMT Music Award nomination.

Lynch returned with his highly anticipated sophomore album, “Where It’s At,” produced by Brett Beavers (Dierks Bentley), Luke Wooten (Brad Paisley) and Mickey Jack Cones (Jason Aldean), flag-shipped by the up-tempo title track, which became a summertime anthem and an iTunes Top 5 Hot Country Song.

...it’s obvious the young Tennessee native knows how to combine his traditional influences with an edgy intensity that places him at the vanguard of the contemporary country scene.

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Luke Bryan Main Stage Sunday, April 12 9 p.m.

Like millions of little kids, Luke Bryan listened to his musical heroes and wanted to be a country music star when he grew up. Unlike most of those other kids, Bryan has achieved his dreams and recently released his seventh and final installment of his Spring Break series, “Spring Break...Checkin’ Out.” He’s sold more than 7 million albums, 27 million tracks and has 12 No. 1 hits and back-toback double-platinum albums. He celebrated his best touring year ever in 2014, performing for 1.7 million fans. He’s a two-time Entertainer of the Year. A television host.

What was the difference between Bryan and all those other dreamers? Bryan realized a little bit of singing and songwriting talent, a dimply smile and a pleasant voice will only take you so far, so he decided to work at it.

Sure, he listens to his musical heroes as a fan, but he analyzes them, too. Even as he reaches more eyes and ears than ever before, he continues to work on his voice with the goal of making it as supple and emotionally thrilling as Conway Twitty’s.

He might be singing about late-night parties and lazy long weekends up there on stage, but in reality he’s up and working out in the morning so he can work it out at night for fans. He’s even managed to find a way to turn personal tragedy

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into inspiration allowing the untimely deaths of his brother and sister to illuminate his own journey and those of his fans who’ve struggled with loss of their own.

“When you work hard, take life moment by moment, stay positive and trust in the bigger picture, moving forward is the only path to take,” Bryan says. “I know that this is my moment for my career, for my friends and family, for making my time matter. I don’t take a second for granted. It’s cliché. But it is true. Live life to the fullest every day. Every moment counts.”

Bryan released “Spring Break...Checkin’ Out” on March 10. The previous six installments of the series have sold more than 1.1 million copies.

The album will include five new songs and all six cuts from the “Spring Break 6” EP. Fans also will be able to buy the deluxe, limited-edition commemorative “Luke Bryan Spring Break...The Set List: The Complete Spring Break Collection” ZinePak with all 25 songs and a 48-page magazine with exclusive interviews and photos from each of the previous spring break releases exclusively at Walmart and Walmart.com.

It’s not exaggerated to say the Spring Break shows were an important proving ground for the 38-year-old Leesburg, Georgia, native that helped him reach his all-around entertainer status.

“It’s been amazing going to Florida for the Spring Break shows each year,” Bryan says. “We’ve drawn a lot of inspiration from the fans for new songs and new tour ideas through those shows.”

PLEASE DRI NK RESPONSI BLY. JACK DANIEL’S, Tennessee Honey, Tennessee Fire and OLD NO. 7 are trademarks. ©2015 Jack Daniel’s. JACK DANIEL DISTILLERY, Lynchburg, Tennessee.

Jack Daniel’s Courtyard Lineup THURSDAY, APRIL 9

SATURDAY, APRIL 11

2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. .......Lauren Riley

1 p.m. to 2 p.m. .................Firefly

4 p.m. to 5 p.m. .................Matt Farris

2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. .......Matt Farris

5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. .......American Longspurs

4 p.m. to 5 p.m. .................Laura Walsh

7 p.m. to 8 p.m. .................Heartlyn Rae

5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. .......Heartlyn Rae

8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. .......Old Dominion

7 p.m. to 8 p.m. .................Firefly

11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. ...Drew Cooper

8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. .......Florence Road to Country Thunder Band (TBA)

1 a.m. to 2 a.m. ..................American Longspurs

11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. ...Laura Walsh FRIDAY, APRIL 10 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. .................Mr. Mudd and Mr. Gold

1 a.m. to 2 a.m. ..................Lauren Riley SUNDAY, APRIL 12

2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. .......Eli V 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. .................Shari Rowe 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. .......Ryan Bexley 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. .................Mr. Mudd and Mr. Gold 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. .......Eli V 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. ...Shari Rowe 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. ..................Ryan Bexley

1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. .......J Michael Harter 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. .................Benson Band 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. .......Matt Farris 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. .................J Michael Harter 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. .................Drew Cooper 10:45 p.m. to 12 a.m. ........Arizona Moonshine Band 12:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. ......Benson Band

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Denim & 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 12, Denim and Diamonds offers Cowboy Church from 11 a.m. to 12 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.

THURSDAY, APRIL 9

SATURDAY, APRIL 11

4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. ............Horse Training Clinic with BLM Wild Horses 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. .......Horse Training Clinic with BLM Wild Horses 11:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. .....Zona Road

2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ............Horse Training Clinic with BLM Wild Horses 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ............Horse Training Clinic with BLM Wild Horses 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. ............Horse Training Clinic with BLM Wild Horses 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. ............Horse Training Clinic with BLM Wild Horses 11:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. .....Drew Cooper

FRIDAY, APRIL 10 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ............Horse Training Clinic with BLM Wild Horses 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. ............Horse Training Clinic with BLM Wild Horses 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. ............Horse Training Clinic with BLM Wild Horses 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. ...The LACS 12:45 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. ......Drew Cooper

SUNDAY, APRIL 12 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. .............Country Thunder Cowboy Church 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. ............Horse Training Clinic with BLM Wild Horses 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. ............Horse Training Clinic with BLM Wild Horses 11:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. .....Zona Road

WE WOULD LIKE TO WE WOULD LIKE TO WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR PARTNERS! THANK OUR OUR PARTNERS! PARTNERS! THANK

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DJ DU/Electric Thunder 11:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday, April 9 with DJ DU 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, April 10, Throwback Beach Bash with DJ DU 11:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Saturday, April 11, Foam Disco with DJ DU 10:45 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Sunday, April 12, Neon Rage with DJ DU Born Duhamel Wayne Cassell in New York City, DJ DU is an American DJ and remix producer. At the early age of 13, he started his career by spinning records for his friends and family in the Infamous Basement in East Windsor, New Jersey.

Being from a multicultural household, DU was exposed to a wide array of musical influences from a young age. Growing up in the shadow of New York City, Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore, DU started appearing at clubs and parties in his teens. After high school, he was compelled to serve his country so he joined the U.S. Air Force. His time in the military allowed him to extend his musical taste as he traveled around the world.

During college, DU was recruited as a full time DJ by a legendary Top 40 country nightclub in Phoenix. He was later recruited to Cactus Moon in Tucson where he infused country into

dance music attracting large audiences for the popular southwest nightclub. After many years, DU departed Cactus Moon to pursue other endeavors in music and style.

Since then, DU’s career has taken off with a vengeance. He was the first country DJ to introduce his unique blend to country music fans across America. He began performing at events for Nashville’s young professionals that led to appearances at the American Country Awards, the National Finals Rodeo at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the Houston Rodeo BBQ Cook-off, and more.

Other performances include Grammy Block Party, the BMI stage at CMA Fest, Country Thunder festivals, and the 40th anniversary Alabama & Friends cruise. DU is also the official remix DJ of “The Breakfast Blend” with Storme Warren on Sirius/XM’s The Highway.

DU hit another milestone joining Jason Aldean on his “Night Train” and “Burn It Down” tours, the largest country tour of 2014 with more than 2 million fans in attendance. He has also been a part of “The Night You’ll Never Forget” tour with Love & Theft and Music City’s New Year’s Eve Bash on Broadway with Lady Antebellum and Gavin DeGraw (featured on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve).

DJ DU brings a new channel of entertainment and revenue to events with highenergy audio, vibrant visuals and the newest remixes of country music.

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Amusement Slingshot: Passengers are propelled up to 240 feet at speeds of close to 100 miles per hour. $30 per person Mechanical Bull: Ride ‘em cowboy (or girl). Rides are available 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. the other days.

Hot Air Balloon Rides: Get a taste of hot air ballooning with a tethered hot air balloon ride!

Soaring up to 50 feet, take in views of Country Thunder from up above, while reveling in the

lightness and calmness of these gentle giants.

Ride length: Approximately 5 minutes Cost: $25 per adult/$15 per child (ages 5-12) Capacity: Up to 12 passengers per ride Comfort Stations: Uncomfortable using a portable toilet? Check out the two ultra-luxe Comfort Stations in the festival bowl.

Festaxi: When your boots can’t carry you home to your campsite, hitch a ride with Festaxi for $3.

Only available outside of Festival Bowl.

Amenities Campground Info Station: Come ask your questions without walking into the festival bowl. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can renew your campsite or RSVD/VIP tickets here!

Fresh Water: Jim’s Water Truck Service Call/Text (602) 722-9755 for service • Class C Motor Homes $35 • 5th Wheels $45 • Toy Haulers and Class A Motor Homes $55 • City Pressure or Filter Systems (Non-Gravity Flow) 45 min limit $80 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 spot on Market Street, and by the showers between Sidewinder and Canyon. Ice trucks will continue to travel throughout the campgrounds each day bringing ice right to the campsites.

20-pound bag for $9 3 bags for $25 4 bags for $32.

Sewage Services: Jackpot Sanitation will offer onsite pump services for RVs for $35 to $50. Call (480) 284-2987.

on Market Street.

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.

General Store: Replenish your snack stash or buy a lock for your portable toilet. The General Store has all the stuff you forgot at Walmart or that you didn’t know you’d need.

ATMs: Don’t forget: Food and beverage tickets can be purchased with cash only. We have provided ATMs in various locations throughout the festival bowl for your convenience. ATM fee $4.25.

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 2016, this is the place to stop. Please see the festival map for location.

Shower Facilities: Shower trailers can be found in three locations: Market Street, outside Crown Camping, and in between Sidewinder and Canyon campgrounds. Shower cost $6 for 5 minutes.

Elite Towing: For lockouts and other unfortunate vehicle dilemmas, Elite Towing is onsite to service you. Call (520) 426-1846; Towing/Storage is $150 flat rate on site.

• Moving trailer- $100 • Lock out- $40 • Jump Start- $40 • Fuel- $5 per gallon

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

Lockers: Event Locker Rentals is the leading provider for storage solutions at major events and festivals. Guarantee a safe spot to store your belongings.

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legend fest information retail vendors

partner activities bars official merch first aid restrooms ADA VIEWING AREA WWW.COUNTRYTHUNDER.COM 866.802.6418

2015 FESTIVAL MAP

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COUNTRY THUNDER 2015