Owen, Janson and Others Bring the Thunder
by Tracy Nightingale
No shortage of eye candy for the ladies is how one might describe the list of only male headlining performers who played July 18-21 at Country Thunder in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin this concert season. Noted as one of the strongest festival line-ups this year, this 4 day long country music extravaganza had been sold out for months prior to anyone taking the stage. The first one to do that, and a definite highlight, was Chris Janson, who’s single “Better I Don’t” might have been good advice for at least a few of the 40,000 party goers who filled the grounds each day. Although it should be said that the security team who had to deal with those who were disruptive, did so in a swift and professional manner. Justin Moore and Dierks Bentley followed on opening night and both had strong, energetic sets that set the tone for the rest of the weekend.
Other than the women of Little Big Town, who never disappoint, newcomers Morgan Frazier, “Yellow Brick Road” and Sarah Darling, “Little Umbrellas” rounded out the only other female artists on the bill, though both had early sets. Keith Urban and Brad Paisley were tops on nights 2 and 3 respectively and both undoubtedly brought the best of their world tour, arena shows with them. The fourth and final headliner was Jake Owen, who may be less experienced as a headliner than the other three but you would never have known it. All eyes were on him and at one point, his wife and baby girl whom he proudly brought on stage. Hunter Hayes, Chris Young, Joe Nichols, Phil Vassar, Lee Brice, Dustin Lynch, Parmalee and Brett Eldredge are just more of the reasons that this years line-up was so strong. Heading into their 22nd year, Country Thunder, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin 2014 tickets are currently on sale and going fast.
