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Caption by Phil Bonyata The venerable Country Thunder music festival in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin just finished off on an exhausting and exciting four-day weekend. The fest sold out in mid-January and all signs point to a healthy old age if they can keep the party raging and the musical talent top-notch.When we asked Joe Nichols last year "What makes Country Thunder special?" he replied "Country Thunder promotes the party - not that the other fests don't, but they just don't know how to do it as well." The heavy-hitters of Country Music that graced the Thunder stage included Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Jerrod Niemann, Phil Vassar, John Michael Montgomery, Clay Walker and others. The only beef here is that Country Thunder was thin on female acts and old-school country artists this year. Ironically, the two standouts were both women - Twin Lakes, WI native and "The Voice" alum Megan Ruger and country newcomer Clare Dunn. They both owned the stage, Ruger with her amazing voice, and Dunn with her stunning command of the guitar. Unfortunately, far too few people witnessed their earlier sets. If Thunder can bring a more diverse line-up to the table in the years to come then it will surely remain as the one of the world's greatest country music festivals. For everything Country Thunder and to order 2015 tickets visit www.countrythunder.com. |
Blake Shelton |
Blake Shelton |
Dustin Lynch |
Dustin Lynch |
Dustin Lynch |
Dustin Lynch |
Dustin Lynch |
Dierks Bentley |
Dierks Bentley |
Dierks Bentley |
Dierks Bentley |
Clare Dunn |
Clare Dunn |
Clare Dunn |
Clare Dunn |
Clay Walker |
Clay Walker |
Clay Walker |
Clay Walker |
Megan Ruger |
Megan Ruger |
Megan Ruger |
Megan Ruger |
Luke Bryan |
Luke Bryan |
Luke Bryan |
Luke Bryan |
Jerrod Niemann |
Jerrod Niemann |
Jerrod Niemann |
Jerrod Niemann |
Tyler Farr |
Tyler Farr |
Tyler Farr |
John Michael Montgomery |
Tyler Farr |
John Michael Montgomery |
John Michael Montgomery |
John Michael Montgomery |