Swap out those snow boots for a pair of cowboy boots; the artists scheduled to perform at the 2014 Kicker Country Stampede Music Festival have been announced.
The festival, which runs June 26-29, has been held at Tuttle Creek State Park for the past 19 years and could draw as many as 160,000 fans to the Manhattan area. In addition to its main stage, Stampede also features original work in a songwriter’s tent, booths and vendors, as well as a charity tent auctioning artist-autographed merchandise.
The biggest names on the main stage are Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Chris Young, Easton Corbin, Randy Houser and Joe Nichols. The performance list is generating a buzz of excitement amongst some festival goers.
“I want to see Eric Church,” said Kyle Kegley, senior in criminology. “He’s a good performer and has good music. Luke Bryan is pretty legit, too.”
Eric Church’s platinum album “Chief,” released in 2011, was named one of NPR music’s 50 Favorite Albums of 2011 for his ability to, “fully embrace country cliches, but sharpens them with wit,” said Ann Powers, NPR Music’s critic and correspondent. His newest album, “The Outsiders,” drops Feb. 12 and will probably make an appearance in his set at Stampede.
Luke Bryan recently added an extra stop on his “That’s My Kind of Night” tour to participate in the Stampede. He currently holds the title of Academy of Country Music Awards Entertainer of the Year and has sold more than 4 million records. His most recent single, “Drink a Beer,” is making the rounds on country stations right now; the song is a heartbreaking tribute to his deceased brother, Chris, and sister, Kelly. Most of his songs are upbeat tributes to good nights out with friends and days with country girls.
Randy Houser has been hailed by Great American Country as “one of the best in Nashville.” He is the recipient of the “Most Played Radio Track: Male” at the 2013 American Country Awards for “How Country Feels,” the title track to his 2013 album. According to his official website, Randy Houser wants his newest album to convey the story of “a man who’s moved through darkness into light.” Festival goers can expect the joyful songs of a new father and family man, with some more introspective ballads mixed in.
“I saw Randy Houser last year, and I’m looking forward to seeing him again,” said Kady Lake, junior in biology. “I have ‘Runnin’ Outta Moonlight’ on my iPod.”
The only female act on the main stage, Sarah Darling, was made famous in 2003 with her soulful ballad “Home to Me.” Later releases of “Little Umbrellas” and “Jack of Hearts” helped her gain notoriety. If her 2011 “Angels & Devils” album name is to be believed, this sugar also comes with some spice.
Single and multi day passes, and camping passes are available on the Kicker Country Stampede website at www.kickcountrystampede.com.
The Main Stage
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Chris Young
Easton Corbin
Randy Houser
Lee Brice
Dustin Lynch
Joe Nichols
Thomas Rhett
Will Hoge
Charlie Worsham
Tyler Farr
Jon Pardi
Joe Diffie
The Railers
Sarah Darling
Logan Mize
6 Degrees West
Nashville Songwriters Association International Songwriter’s Tent
Thursday, June 26
Colin Lockey
Stewart Ray
Rusty Rierson
Lance Carpenter
Friday, June 27
Tony Ramey
County Road 5
Travis Marvin
Lucas Maddy
Robb Northcutt Band
Saturday, June 28
Craig Stensaas
Laura Wisdom
Amanda Williams
TBA
Sunday, June 29
TBA
Angie DeLuc
Stephen Amos
Kite’s Grill and Bar Tuttleville Stage
Thursday, June 26
TBA
TBA
Rusty Rierson (4, 6 p.m.)
Friday, June 27
Travis Martin (6:45, 8:45 p.m.)
Tim Zach and the Whiskey Bent (2, 3:30 and 5 p.m.)
Saturday, June 28
Livewire (6:45, 8:45 p.m.)
County Road 5 (2, 3:30, 5 p.m.)
Sunday, June 29
Jared Daniels Band (5:15, 7:15 p.m.)
TBA (2, 3:30 p.m.)
Main Stage Artist Extra Bios
Chris Young
This 2006 “Nashville Star” winner keeps turning out big hits. His low, silky voice is impossible to imitate on such crooning tracks as “Getting You Home (Black Dress Song)” and “Tomorrow.” The flirty single “Aw Naw” from his album “A.M.” has been making fans blush across the radio waves since September. He is currently touring with Dierks Bentley.
Easton Corbin
Comparatively new to the music scene, Corbin released his first EP in 2010. Since then, “Lovin’ You is Fun” and “Roll With It” recall long drives with that special someone and long afternoons in the sun. “All Over the Road,” the title track of his latest gold album, is a cheeky conversation with a cop about the pretty girl in the seat next to him. His newest album, “Clockwork,” was just released on Jan. 10. Corbin will have many floaty, feel-good songs to complement the outdoor venue of Stampede.
