On August 25^th, 2016 the Bud Light Convention Tour made their stop at Joe’s Live in Rosemont, IL.

Featuring Justin Moore and Lil Jon.

by Shelly Hernandez

“The Bud Light Party stands for uniting all people and nothing does that better than a summer full of fun, good music and Bud Light” said Alex Lambrecht, Vice President of Bud Light.

And that’s exactly what happened at Joe’s Live.

The show opened with the Chicago Bull’s Mascot, Benny and the official Chicago Bulls Drumline, The Stampede.

Followed by the amazing Alabama from Chicago’s Big 95.5, #1 for new Country Music – raising her can of Bud Light signaling the start of the show and bringing out Lil Jon.

I know, I know, who would have thought that Rap and Country Music would go together? 

But the Country Artist, Justin Moore, was excited about having Lil Jon open for him.  Justin had said that him and his wife had watched Lil Jon and the T.V. show The Apprentice, and really liked him, so they were honored to have Lil Jon open for him at Joe’s Live and couldn’t wait to meet him.

Lil Jon got the party started encouraging everyone in the house to grab the Bud Light and drink up.  Singing everyone’s favorite Lil Jon songs,  Turn Down for What and Get Low.

Then it was time for Justin Moore, he took the stage and brought the house down.

Just before Justin would start to play one of his biggest country hits, You Look Like I Need A Drink – this true country gentleman stopped the concert and had a guy close to the stage thrown out for mistreating a lady.

Justin went on to explain that he won’t tolerate that kind of behavior anywhere, especially at his concert.

He mentioned his wife and little girls being his #1 and that ALL ladies are to be treated with respect at ALL times – that’s just part of the Country Boy Way.

Joe’s Live erupted with applause and the show continued.

Thank you Lil Jon, Justin Moore, Chicago’s BIG 95.5 and The Bud Light Party Convention – Great Night, Great Show and an unexpected Great collaboration between two different types of music.

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Northernly Island, Chicago, IL, USA, June 22 – June 24

by Shelly Hernandez

Blake Shelton(credit:Shelly Hernandez)

DAY ONE of the 4th annual Country Lakeshake Festival started out a bit wet with early morning rain but that didn’t stop the Country Loving Music fans from coming out to party with some of the biggest names in the industry. Like every day of the festival, Dee Jay Silver got the crowd riled up with his mix and ready to see performances by Runaway June, Raelynn, Locash, Tracy Lawrence, Lee Brice and headliner Blake Shelton on the main stage.

Runaway June was first to the main stage, dressed to impress in their throwback style and infectious smiles. Jennifer Wayne, Hannah Mulholland, and Naomi Cooke, could they possibly be any cuter? Check out their concert photos to see what I mean.

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Former “The Voice” contestant on Team Blake, Raelynn also took to the main stage, following Runaway June, for a knockout performance. Raelynn’s debut single to country radio “God Made Girls” was first released on July 1, 2014, and though she was didn’t win that second season of “The Voice”, she was back and performed that hit single on Season 7. Apart from her voice, her jean jumper and the thigh-high boots got everyone’s attention. She mentioned that she was happy that the weather cleared up a bit because she was determined to wear that outfit and let’s all just go ahead and agree she looked great. What a journey from choosing Team Blake in 2012 to performing at 2018 Lakeshake with Blake Shelton as the headliner.

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At 5:05 things really got heated up when Locash took the stage. This American Country duo consists of vocalists Chris Lucas and Preston Brust. Best known for Top songs off their “The Fighter” album, “I love this Life”, “I Know Somebody” and “Ring on Every Finger”. Locash is currently working closely with Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line, even though they have their own thing going on they definitely have an FGL vibe and it’s fantastic. If you love country music lyrics with a mix of R&B, then Locash is a dream come true.

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Born and raised with a love for more traditional Country Music is Tracy Lawrence. Tracy was 4th up on the main stage during Day 1 of Lakeshake. From his cowboy hat down to his cowboy boots, he is country through and through, with a musical career that took off in 1991 and his latest album released in 2017. It was a pleasure seeing him perform live.

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Lee Brice!! He’s hard NOT to love, am I right? With so many great songs, how did he even choose what to sing at 2018 Country Lakeshake? I’m pretty sure that every person in attendance knew every word to every song. Lee performed “Boy”, “I don’t dance”, “I Drive Your Truck”, “Hard To Love”, “Crazy Girl” and so many more favorites – it was like a giant Karaoke party on the shore of Lake Michigan. If you missed this “Parking Lot Party” make sure you catch him in concert this summer, you won’t be disappointed.

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Website | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Instagram |

Hollywood Casino Amphitheater – Tinley Park, IL: September 23, 2017

By Shelly Hernandez

It was the last country summer concert of the season in Tinley Park, IL and boy was it HOT!!

With temps reaching 90 degrees during the afternoon and not much cooler when the doors opened at 6:00 PM.

Lindsey Ell started off the evening at 7 PM.

Followed by Chase Bryant at 7:30 PM, who was not happy with the heat…………it was messing up his stylish hair.  He would later be teased about that on stage by Brad Paisley, but that didn’t stop Chase from putting on a fantastic set.  It didn’t stop the country girls from screaming, singing and dancing alongside of him either.  By the way, your hair still looked great Chase, no complaints!

Next up, at 8:10 PM the unstoppable Dustin Lynch.  Who doesn’t love a small town boy like Dustin?  (see what I did there) After his set-up date back stage with Alabama from Chicago’s BIG 95.5, Dustin was more than hyped to take the stage, forgot all about those still 80+ temps.  Dustin had everyone partying, found a guy in the crowd, dubbed him the concerts “spirit animal” and invited him on stage to rock out.  But he didn’t want it to end there, he wanted another guy to shot gun a beer, when the first guy didn’t fully participate, he found a big, sleeves torn off his flannel shirt, country boy that did – even refilled his beer glass after the classic chug and told him his glass would stay full ALL NIGHT LONG.  Great show Dustin, can’t wait to see you again soon.

Oh but wait, it gets better!  Just after 9:00 PM, it was time for Brad Paisley.  If you have never seen Brad Paisley

Brad Paisle (credit: Shelly Hernandez)

live, you are definitely missing out on a great country concert.  Brad came out singing one of my favorite Brad Paisley’s songs “Last Time for Everything” while his music video that features pictures of Brad growing up played the in background , I don’t  think there was a person there that didn’t know every word to this song.  Brad’s stage set included an on-stage bar, where some lucky guests got to sit, watch the concert and enjoy ice cold beer.  Brad also brought out members of our Military branch’s, knelt to honor them and had another bar on the stage set up for them to also enjoy the rest of the concert and have a much deserved drink!  Just when you thought this down to earth, family loving, country boy couldn’t get any better – he sees a young girl holding up a sign for him letting him know it was her first concert ever.  He stopped the show.  Took the sign which also included a picture of her baby sister at home, who’s name middle name happened to be Paisley.  Brad then signed the guitar he was playing just moments before and handed it to the little girl, told her to learn to play and to teach her baby sister one day too!!!  With tears in her eye’s she took the guitar and everyone went crazy………..can’t get over this guy, a heart of gold,  he is simply the best.

Brad went on to question the Chicago crowd on who has the best Chicago style pizza, his wife says Chicago Uno but Brad disagrees and has to go with Giordano’s – pretty much everyone shouted and agreed with Brad’s choice.

The night went on and on and just continued to get better.  Bringing back Chase Bryant on stage to tease him about his heat challenged hair and Dustin Lynch to sing “I’m still A Guy”.  Note to the ladies in the crowd, don’t let Brad and Dustin take your cell phone during the show, of course they will add to your snapchat story, which is pretty awesome,  but they are also going to tease you about all your phone apps.

Moral of the story………..this was a great way to end the summer.  Super hot night with some amazing country artists!  Definitely one of the all-time best concerts at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater and a perfect end to summertime fun.

Thank you Brad Paisley, Dustin Lynch, Chase Bryant, Lindsay Ell and Live Nation for letting us cover and review this event.  Until next year………..

Brad Paisley | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | MySpace

Brad Paisley Comes to UWV

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Lady Antebellum, Kelsea Ballerini and Brett Young

Hollywood Casino Amphitheater – Tinley Park, IL, USA- August 19, 2017

By Shelly Hernandez

It was another packed summer night at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater, where country music lovin’ fans were blown away by the performance of Lady Antebellum, Kelsea Ballerini and Brett Young.

Brett Young started the night, singing only 4 songs and had the crowd begging for more. Nominated for New Male Vocalist of Year, capturing the hearts of fans with his honest lyrics, those bight eyes, and country charm, Brett will also be headlining his own tour this year – definitely not going to want to miss out on that!

Kelsea Ballerini

Next up, skyrocketing into the spotlight, was Kelsea Ballerini. Having opened for country greats, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, and now Lady Antebellum, Kelsea took time to explain how her life has come full circle, living out her childhood dreams. This country beauty sang her top songs “Peter Pan”, “Dibs”, “Stilettos” and “Yeah Boy”, but she absolutely nailed an acoustic version The Chainsmokers “Closer”. If you missed this one, make sure you catch Kelsea with Thomas Rhett as a special guest on his Home Team Tour 2017.

Since 2006, Lady Antebellum (Hilary Scott – Charles Kelley – David Haywood) has sold over 18 million units and had nine #1 singles on the country charts. This trio put on a fantastic show, complete with the funky horn arrangement for “You Look Good”. Pregnant with twins, Hilary Scott looked stunning and welcomed the moment where she got to take a seat and sing us her Christina song that she wrote with her family, “Thy Will be Done” – absolute perfection. Hilary isn’t the only expecting parent for the Lady A team, Dave Haywood and wife are also looking forward to a new little one. Exciting times ahead for all of them. If you didn’t make it out for this show, make sure you add it to your bucket list of Country Artists you want to see perform live, you won’t be disappointed.

Thank you Lady Antebellum, Kelsea Ballerini, Brett Young and LiveNation for allowing us to photograph and review this concert.

Lady Antebellum | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube |

Kelsea Ballerini | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube |

Brett Young | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |

Lady Antebellum

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Kelsea Ballerini

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Brett Young

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Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL, USA  July 28, 2017
By Shelly Hernandez

Getting to The Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre on a Friday (July 28, 2017) night is not an easy task, especially with all the fun, country music loving people of Illinois. The place was packed to see this awesome trio.

Jon Pardi started the night out getting the fans revved up for Cole Swindell and Dierks Bentley, singing some of this top of the chart songs including, “Dirt On My Boots” and” Heartache on the Dance Floor.”

Heartthrob, Singer / Songwriter Cole Swindell kept the night going taking the stage is his tight jeans, ball cap and red solo cup.  While everyone danced and sang along to “Chillin’ it,”” Ain’t Worth the Whiskey” and” Hope You Get Lonely Tonight.” Cole brought it down a notch for just a moment when singing “You Should Be Here.”  A song written for his father who passed away, unexpectedly while Cole was out on tour in 2013. For anyone who has ever lost someone, this song reminds us that even in those perfect moments there is still a vacant spot. After his performance, even Cole couldn’t wait for his buddy, Dierks to take the stage, and the crowd agreed.

The Amphitheatre was SOLD OUT for Dierks Bentley and no one was disappointed with the show this country boy put on. Dierks took time to stop and sign posters, told everyone how much he loved Chicago, invited a guy on stage to shotgun a beer with him, and took a lap out to the sound board to sing to all the people with lawn seats, even shared a beer with another lucky ticket holder.  It was non-stop fun from beginning to end, if you missed this one, you missed one of the best summer 2017  country concerts – #WTH!

Thank you to Jon Pardi, Cole Swindell, Dierks Bentley and Live Nation Illinois for letting us cover this event.

Dierks Bentley | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Cole Swindell | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

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Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Chicago, IL, USA – July 8, 2017

By Shelly Hernandez

Who doesn’t love a little country mixed with R & B?

Apparently everyone does because Sam Hunt sold out the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre!

With opening performances by Ryan Follese, Chris Janson and Maren Morris – this was an epic night of country fun.

Sam Hunt started with evening with “Leave the Night On”, complete with jumping off stage and taking a lap around the main floor.

Before taking a break to “get to know Chicago”, Hunt sang hit songs like, “Take your Time”, “House Party”, “Cop Car” – I’m pretty sure that EVERYone knew EVERY word to EVERY single song.

Sam then took 10 minutes to tell everyone his “story to the stage”, his humble beginnings in Cedartown, GA, Sunday

Sam Hunt

visits to Grandma’s house after church, growing up with Country and R & B music, his days of sleeping in a van with no money, the love of his life and now wife, Hannah Fowler, and thanking Billy Currington for believing in him.

Of course, what is a 15 in A 30 Tour without singing his hit song “Body Like a Back Road”? He even let the audience sing it to him.

Outstanding Performances by all artist – Chicago can’t wait to see you back soon.

Also got engaged on July 3rd? That’s right Chicago, Maren Morris said yes to Ryan Hurd. Congrats Maren!!!

Thank you Live Nation for letting us Photograph and Review this concert.

 Sam Hunt | Wikipedia | YouTube | Facebook | ITunes | Twitter | Google Plus | Instagram

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By Shelly Hernandez

Windy City LakeShake is a world class country festival right in the heart of Chicago. The Festival brings in the best talent from across the country, with past acts including Dierks Bentley, and Brad Paisley. There will also be a giant inflatable slide, and various carnival rides like a drop zone.

Windy City LakeShake– Day 3 was full of amazing artists on the Main Stage and the Next from Nashville Stage.
William Michael Morgan started off a sunny day 3 on the Main Stage followed by The Cadillac Three.

All the ladies went a little crazy when Chase Rice took the Main Stage at 6:10 PM. Chase knew how to keep them entertained by jumping off the stage and heading straight for the crowd, letting them snap pictures and get in a few hugs while he was down there.

Brother’s Osborne put on a fantastic set as the sun began to set and the warm sunny day became a bit chilly.
Not to worry, everyone could purchase an official LakeShake sweatshirt to keep warm, not to mention the numerous food and drink options, cowboy hats and western wear. If you wanted to spend a quick $20, you could order a specialty drink with a plastic rodeo hat on top!

Just after 9:00 PM, Rascal Flatts took the Main Stage to close out the night, with all the singing and dancing,

Shelly and Dylan Scott

no one even seemed to notice the drop in temperature. Rascal Flatts is always entertaining.

Let’s not forget the Next from Nashville Stage. Up and coming artists took over this stage, Carly Pearce, Morgan Wallen (currently touring with FGL), Whiskey Myers and Bailey Bryan. Most impressive, Dylan Scott. Dylan came on stage at 4:50 pm and again, the ladies went wild.  Those bright blue eyes and boyish smile had the Next from

Nashville tent packed with people listening from outside.  Everyone sang along with him,  to his hit song “My Girl” that also gives a shout out to Michigan rapper, Eminem.  I actually has a chance to meet and speak to Dylan Scott back stage, such a down to earth, all around great guy.  This one will be taking on the Main Stages everywhere really soon.

Until next year, thanks for the fun filled country weekend LakeShake Chicago!

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LakeShake | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Spotify | YouTube | Snapchat