It’s a country music weekend in central Pa.
In recent months, country music fans have been spoiled with the amount of top-tier country concerts passing through the greater Harrisburg area. Just in the last few months, the area has played host to the likes of Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan and Kix Brooks.
This coming weekend is no different as bona fide country superstars and up-and-coming talents will take the stage from Mechanicsburg to Hershey to Lancaster.
Here’s your guide to this country music-filled weekend:
Love and Theft at Buck Wild’s Rode House
Friday, Oct. 5 at 9 p.m.
Love and Theft, the duo of Stephen Barker Liles and Eric Gunderson, are beginning to make a name for themselves in Nashville. Their 2012 self-titled release reached no. 4 on the charts and the first single off of the record, “Angel Eyes,” became an instant radio hit and just reached no. 1 on the charts in August. They also charted a Top 10 hit with “Runaway” in 2009.
Maybe more interesting than their own success, Liles is widely rumored to be the inspiration for Taylor Swift’s song, “Hey Stephen,” off of her Grammy award-winning 2008 album Fearless. On second thought, since Taylor Swift writes a song about every guy she’s ever had a conversation with, maybe it’s not that big of a deal.
Tickets are only $15 and are still available online or at the door. Also, today (Oct. 2) is the last day to register to win a four-pack of tickets and meet and greet passes from BOB 94.9.
More after the jump:
Martina McBride at the American Music Theatre
Friday, Oct. 5 at 8 p.m.
You know you’ve made it when you’re only ever referred to by your first name and in country music, there is only one Martina.
For the better part of two decades, Martina has been a measuring stick for all other women trying to make a name for themselves in Nashville. She’s had no. 1 singles, multi-platinum albums and won the Country Music Association’s prized-jewel — Female Vocalist of the Year — four times.
While Martina is definitely an act worth seeing, I was pretty shocked when I saw the price of these tickets (from $85 to $125!). Even though the ticket prices are high, there are a very, very limited number of tickets remaining, so if you are interested in seeing Martina, you’d better act fast.
Brad Paisley at the Giant Center
Saturday, Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m.
As I’ve written before, there are few live country acts that I enjoy more than Brad Paisley. From the hits that turn into singalongs to the always-entertaining stage show and the second-to-none guitar playing, it’s almost impossible to not leave a Brad Paisley concert feeling like you got your money’s worth.
As usual with Brad Paisley tours, the opening acts are strong. The top support this time around is The Band Perry. Sure they’ve only released one album so far, but the album has sold more than 1.3 million copies and spawned five hit singles — including no. 1s, “If I Die Young” and “All Your Life.” Their latest single, “Postcard from Paris,” may be my favorite of the bunch. The bill also includes former American Idol winner Scotty McCreery.
Tickets for the show are still available online. However, if you wait until the day of and call the box office, closer seats may be released. Last time Brad Paisley played at the Giant Center, I was able to buy two seats at the front of the catwalk the day of the show for less than $50 each.
WIOV Fall Fest with Josh Turner at Overlook Community Campus in Lancaster
Sunday, Oct. 7 at 12 p.m.
Josh Turner has one of the most pure and instantly recognizable voices in country music today. He’s been a mainstay of country radio in recent years and hearing him perform his number one hits like, “Your Man” and “Why Don’t We Just Dance” are worth the price of admission alone.
Other acts on the bill include Gloriana, The Lost Trailers, Kristen Kelly and Stephanie Grace.
While WIOV Fall Fest is a free event, you will need a ticket to attend. Tickets can be picked up at participating Lancaster-area Turkey Hill locations.
Jeff Cavanaugh writes sanctimonious stories about the genius of rock stars for SaraBozich.com.Follow him on Twitter.
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CATEGORIES: Hershey, Lancaster, Music, West Shore
I’m going to fallfest on sunday! I can’t wait! (: