I knew I loved country for a reason. 

Though Lollapalooza may be a bust this year due to another covid cancellation, Country Thunder in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin is in full swing. I personally prefer country and consider myself a year-round fanatic- which apparently is, like, really weird according to my friends. 

You can only imagine how stoked I was to hear that Country Thunder was returning after a year-long hiatus. Twin Lakes has outdone themselves this year with a stacked lineup consisting of some of country music’s favorites. 

This year the festival will be from Thursday, July 15th to Sunday, July 18th. It will be on a smaller scale than past years due to COVID restrictions, but I don’t think that will damper anyone’s mood. 

I am embarrassed to say that I myself have not been to Country Thunder yet. I was supposed to attend last year’s festival, but COVID made sure that it was no longer happening. Mr. “Sunshine” Fiodorosa claims that it supposedly rains every year for the festival, and, as a result, it gets really muddy. I’m eager to see  if his theory is correct.

Alright, back on track. This year, Country Thunder has scored Dustin Lynch, Eric Church, Kane Brown, and Blake Shelton to lead their lineup. 

Starting off with a bang is Dustin Lynch on Thursday July 15th. The “Small Town Boy,” “Ridin Road,” and “Thinking ‘Bout You” singer may not be what you envision as the epitome of country greatness, but you would be surprised with how many of his songs are considered classics. Lynch will be taking the main stage on Thursday night after some of the selected accompanying artists perform. 

The finalized and detailed schedule has not been released yet, as it is still up for discussion which other featured artists will perform. 

After Morgan Wallen supposedly pulled out of the festival, it seems that Eric Church was more than happy to step in. And for that, we are thankful – anything for four days in Twin Lakes. 

I will be the first to embarrassingly admit that I often forget just how great Eric Church is. I mean, come on: “Springsteen,” “Desperate Man,” and let’s not forget his feature in “Does to Me” with Luke Combs. Those are all songs that would make my country playlist a little lamer without them. I am confused as to why Church was not in the original headliners lineup, but thank God he is now.

Saturday, Kane Brown takes center stage. When I think of Kane Brown, I think of all the runs I struggled through during quarantine while blasting his songs. The “Heaven,” “Famous Friends,” and “Good As You” singer will certainly have a loud crowd cheering him on during day three of the festival. 

Last, but most certainly not least is one of country singers most iconic icons, Blake Shelton. The timeless “God’s Country” singer is a proud Country Thunder alum, and I am so glad he has agreed to come back for another round at Twin Lakes. I personally think you can’t be a true country fan without seeing one of country’s finest, ie. Blake Shelton. 

Tickets are selling fast. This year’s Country Thunder will be like no other so mark your calendars for the second week in July and dust off those cowboy boots.