Big Country Bash

Another in the summer music festival schedule this year is The Big Country Bash. It has been an annual event in Des Moines for several years running now, and showcases some of the up and coming acts in country music. I have never personally attended the Big Country Bash as I am not really much of a country fan.

I do like some Brad Paisley, and Keith Urban, but those guys are off headlining their own shows during the summer months and seldom play a festival show such as this. Much like the SummerJam, and Lazerfest, even though I likely won’t attend, I certainly appreciate the additional options offered by different entities in the area. I’m sure that The Big Country Bash will be a success this year as it has in past years, and there are plenty of fans that will pack Water Works Park. It is a day long event, as with the previously mentioned festivals, that has eight different acts performing. The lineup includes: Jason Brown, the Iowa native and budding country star, Love and Theft, Emerson Drive, Eli Young Band, Gloriana, Bucky Covington, John Michael Montgomery, and Tracy Lawrence.

I truly can’t pretend to have much of an opinion on any of these acts as I have never seen any of theJason Brownm and don’t recall hearing any of their songs. I’m sure I have heard some due to my wife’s enjoyment of country, but have no opinion personally. I don’t want to turn this into a why I don’t like country article, because that is not the point. And, fact is there is some I do like as I mentioned previously. I’m going to try to discuss a few of the acts just to give any fringe fans on what to expect. If you are a big country fan, I can probably assume that you know all about this, and are probably planning to attend already.

I’ll try to touch on the little bit I know, starting with Iowa’s own Jason Brown. Jason is originally from Pella, Iowa and has put out two recordings on the “Dream It Records” label, and has really started to make a name for himself, around Iowa, and the whole country music scene. He has performed in support of such acts as Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift, and current Dancing With the Stars participant Chuck Wicks. He produces a modern country style, and has a great voice to go along with his message. Good luck to Jason, and hopefully he’ll be headlining the Big Country Bash in a couple years.

Bucky Covington was first seen on American Idol back in 2006. He only finished eighth, but signed a record deal a few months later. He consistently performed with a country and southern rock flair, that while perfect for the right audience wasn’t going to carry him to the American Idol title. I actually do remember him performing Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd and was surprised at the amount of talent he had. Since then, he his debut album, Bucky Covington, reached number one on the U.S. Country charts and his follow up is set for release on September 8th, 2009. I’m sure that if you attend the Big Country Bash you will hear not only his past singles, but more than a couple of the new songs you’ll be hearing on the new record.

Tracy LawrenceThis year’s headliner is country music veteran Tracy Lawrence. His first record was released back in 1991 and he has released nine studio albums, with one more on the way soon. Tracy’s style is much more of a traditional country approach, he has much more twang, and steel guitar than most of the newer country acts. He has sensitive ballads, tongue in cheek redneck references, and songs of loving the country life. All the stuff country music is best known for. Don’t expect any groundbreaking material, but I’m sure that it will sound nice, and his fans will love it.

One of the smartest things about the Big Country Bash, as well as SummerJam, is that they are taking place at the same venue, on back to back days. The organizers are sister radio stations, and it makes so much sense to hold these events in such a manner. With the economic situation, and everyone making cutbacks, it is a great way to save on expenses. That, in turn helps keep the ticket prices manageable. This year’s Big Country Bash tickets are $27.50, for all the day’s acts. Of course if you wait until the day of the show they will jump to $45. Don’t forget to account for the food and beverages that you will need, especially if you are going to be there for the whole nine or ten hour event. They do also have the VIP tickets, as with SummerJam for those with a little more discretionary income. The same amenities apply, exclusive viewing area, some food and drink tickets, exclusive lounge area, and private restrooms.

The disadvantage to this format could be weather. If the area stays dry, there shouldn’t be any issues, but if there is moderate to heavy rainfall it could be a mess. If the rain hits on Saturday, during SummerJam, it could only make it worse. The large amount of people, grassy areas, and probable muddy conditions could make for a difficult experience. Let’s all hope for sun, low winds, and fair temperatures, that will ensure two days of music and fun for local fans of classic rock, and country music.