Every artist, band and venue listed in this article – in my eyes – deserves an award for their hard work and commitment for keeping Chicagoland country music fans entertained. Although selecting the following concerts was a challenge because of the amazing competition, I’ve decided to share what I consider the Chicago area’s most notable summer concerts of 2009. Don’t forget to check out Country Music Chicago’s 2009 Concert, Fair and Festival Guide for additional information for each event.
Top 10 Chicagoland Country Music Concerts of 2009
(Listed in chronological order)
1. Kenny Chesney, Soldier’s Field – 6/13
Country music mega star Kenny Chesney returns for his second appearance at Chicago’s Soldier’s Field but this year he’s bringing half of Nashville with him. Tickets might be a bit pricey but when artists like Chesney, Sugarland, Montgomery Gentry, Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum, are all on the same ticket, it’s priceless. Ticketmaster.com
2. Summerfest, Marcus Amphitheater, Milwaukee 6/25-7/5
We know that Milwaukee isn’t exactly Chicagoland but with its stellar lineup and only a short train ride away, this festival deserves to be on our radar. Boasting a mega-star line up of Keith Urban (6/26), George Strait & Blake Shelton (6/29), Willie Nelson (7/1) and Kenny Chesney (7/3), to name a few, Summerfest has it all. Ticketmaster.com
Sara Evans (6/27) and Jason Aldean with The Lost Trailers (7/1) are on tap for the Miller Lite Oasis during Summerfest. Summerfest.com
3. Little Big Town with Zac Brown Band, Concerts for a Cause, LaSalle – 6/27
For those who are looking for a mid-summer get-away that’s not too far and for a good cause, the famous Lou’s La Grotto of Peru, Ill, hosts several country concerts each summer to benefit area schools in need. Sugarland took the stage last year and this year we’re looking forward to Little Big Town and the Zac Brown Band. The concerts are held on a sportsman club property in nearby LaSalle, Ill. P.S. You can also catch Alan Jackson on 7/18. louslagrotto.com
4. Country Thunder USA, Twin Lakes, Wisc. – 7/15 – 7/18
The great outdoors, good times and amazing music. Need I say more.
countrythunder.com
5. Rascal Flatts, Wrigley Field – 7/18
Even with the neighborhood protest surrounding the addition of a third concert at Wrigley Field, the country music power trio, Rascal Flatts, is poised to make history as the first country music group to play the friendly confines. Vince Gill and Darius Rucker will join Rascal Flatts on this historic day. Tickets.com
6. Big & Rich, Pheasant Run Mega Center – 7/26
They’re comin’ to our city! Big & Rich, along with Cowboy Troy and local group Cross Country Junction, are set for the West Suburban Pheasant Run Mega Center. This is the only Chicagoland stop during their limited engagement tour. As always, we expect this to be one of the hottest parties in town as Pheasant Run/AStar knows how to PARTY. Don’t forget to check out the Two-Foot Fred pre-concert BBQ, You never know what to expect with these guys. Ticketmaster.com
7. Lake County Fair, Grayslake – Bud Light Stage – 7/30 – 8/1
Although most of the late-summer fair schedules are still being organized, the Lake County Fair has a 1st Prize lineup. Blake Shelton, Jamey Johnson, James Otto and Randy Houser to name a few are schedule for this year’s fair.
lakecountyfairassoc.com
8. Zoo Tunes, Brookfield Zoo – 8/23
Country music stars Josh Gracin and Daryl Worley along with local group Cross Country Junction are set for a very special performance at Brookfield Zoo. The concert is free with a paid admission to the Zoo. Astarconcerts.com
9. Carrie Underwood, Ravinia – 8/30 & 31
As the only mainstream country music act set for Ravina’s 2009 summer season, Carrie Underwood managed to sellout her performance before the tickets were even available to the general public. A second night has been added but again, by the time you read this they will most likely be sold out. Ravinia.org
10. Chicago Country Music Festival – 10/3 & 4
Although at the time of publication the lineup and location for the annual Chicago Country Music Festival hasn’t been released, if all goes well, we’re sure this will again be a (late) summer highlight. The Mayor’s Office of Special Events does an outstanding job of booking first-class talent as well as highlighting some of Chicagoland’s amazing local talent. Best of all, this is one of the few free concerts. Thank you Mayor Daley and the citizens of Chicago.
chicagocountrymusicfestival.us
View the 2009 Concert, Fair and Festival Guide here.
