Country Thunder

Country Thunder is a music festival brand that hosts several concerts in North America each year. They have operated festivals in Wisconsin and Arizona since 1996, and shows in Saskatchewan since 2005 and in Alberta since 2016.[1]

Each festival offers entertainment on multiple stages. The main stage hosts the biggest acts, with new upcoming talent playing throughout the day. The side stage gives local artists the opportunity to perform.

Florence, Arizona

Country Thunder Arizona is held on the Canyon Moon Ranch in Florence, Arizona.[2] The Arizona Republic writes "Country Thunder is the biggest music festival in Arizona, with approximately 29,000 people there each day".[3] In 2018, Country Thunder Arizona was named Festival of the Year by the Academy of Country Music.[4]

The festival runs Thursday through Sunday, typically during the first week of April. Fans can purchase a single day pass or a weekend pass that allows them access to the festival for the entire weekend. The festival also offers reserved seating.[5]

The 2017 lineup included headliners Chris Young, Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton, and Thomas Rhett.

The 2018 lineup included Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Toby Keith, and Cole Swindell.

Twin Lakes, Wisconsin

Country Thunder Wisconsin is held in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. The event was awarded the "Festival of the Year" Academy of Country Music Award in 2015.[6]

The festival is typically run from Thursday through Sunday during the third weekend of July. In the past, performers like Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, Toby Keith, and Dierks Bentley have appeared.

Craven, Saskatchewan

On October 27, 2016, Craven Country Jamboree was relaunched as Country Thunder Saskatchewan.[7] The festival has been operating since 1983. The festival runs Thursday through Sunday, typically during the second weekend of July.

The 2017 lineup included Toby Keith, Blake Shelton, and Keith Urban.

Calgary, Alberta

In August 2016, Country Thunder launched Country Thunder Alberta in Calgary, Alberta, located in Prairie Winds Park. Headliners included Big & Rich, Tim McGraw and Luke Bryan. [8]

2017 headliners included Brad Paisley, Thomas Rhett, and Blake Shelton.

2018 headliners included Eric Church, Toby Keith, and Dierks Bentley.

Festival of the Year

Country Thunder Wisconsin 2015 and Country Thunder Arizona 2018 were named Festival of the Year by the Academy of Country Music.[9][10]

Benefit for the Humboldt Broncos

On Friday, April 27th, 2018 Country Thunder held a benefit concert at the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to raise money for the families affected by the Humboldt Broncos bus crash.[11] Performers included Dallas Smith, Gord Bamford, Chad Brownlee, Jess Moskaluke, Brett Kissel, and the Hunter Brothers. The event raised over $450,000.[12] Country Thunder and the Country Thunder Foundation were awarded the 2018 Slaight Music Humanitarian Award by the Canadian Country Music Association.[13]

References

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