Country Thunder Wisconsin 2024: A Weekend to Remember
Every summer, the small town of Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, transforms into a bustling hub of country music enthusiasts eager to experience one of the most anticipated festivals of the year—Country Thunder Wisconsin. This annual gathering has become a rite of passage for country music fans, bringing together some of the biggest names in the genre alongside promising newcomers. The 2024 edition of Country Thunder, held in July, once again delivered an unforgettable weekend of music, camaraderie, and the unique culture that surrounds country music.
Country Thunder is not just a festival; it's a celebration of music and community. Since its inception in 1993 in Arizona, the festival has expanded its presence across North America, including Wisconsin in 1996, Saskatchewan in 2005, Alberta in 2016, and Florida in 2019. Each location offers a unique experience with multiple stages showcasing a diverse lineup of artists. Hosted by the charismatic Storme Warren, Country Thunder has carved out a niche in the music festival scene, attracting attendees from all over the continent.
All Photos By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyDay 1: A Stellar Kickoff
The festival kicked off with a bang as Charlie Argo, a rising star, took the main stage. Originally scheduled to play the lake stage, Charlie was bumped up to the main stage after Koe Wetzel's unfortunate cancellation. Despite the change in plans, Charlie delivered a flawless set, captivating the audience and setting the tone for the weekend.
Grace Tyler followed, donning an all-black suit under the hot July sun. Her presence on stage was magnetic, and she effortlessly worked the crowd like a seasoned veteran. Grace, a talented Nashville singer-songwriter, later performed in the new songwriter's tent, offering fans an intimate glimpse into her creative process.
Click The Image For The Full Grace Tyler Gallery
Dillon Carmichael, a Kentucky native, brought a taste of his home state to Wisconsin. With a Spotted Cow beer in hand, he charmed the crowd with stories of his love for beer, cheese, and the Packers. His hits like Hot Beer, Son Of A, and Sawin' Logs had everyone singing along.
Stephen Wilson Jr. was the unexpected highlight of the day. While fans anticipated a beer-drinking party, Stephen delivered an hour of some of the best-written country music of the festival, showcasing tracks from his Son of Dad album. His hit Year To Be Young won over even more fans.
Randy Houser stepped in to close out the night, filling the gap left by Koe Wetzel. With commanding stage presence, Randy delivered a set packed with hits like Boots On, How Country Feels, and Runnin' Outta Moonlight, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement for what lay ahead.
Click The Image For The Full Randy Houser GalleryDay 2: Country Magic Continues
Day 2 began as the sun rose over Twin Lakes, with Lauren Watkins taking the stage. Her performance, fresh off the release of The Heartbroken Record, resonated with the crowd, winning over even the most hungover attendees.
John Morgan, a talented North Carolina singer-songwriter, followed with a set that showcased his songwriting prowess. Known for his work on Jason Aldean's Macon, GA album, Morgan captivated the audience with his rich storytelling.
Phil Vassar, a master of the keys and no stranger to the Thunder stage, wowed the audience with his energetic performance. His ability to command both the stage and his piano was a testament to his enduring talent.
Click The Image For The Full Phil Vassar GalleryThe highlight of Day 2 was Kip Moore, whose connection with the Wisconsin crowd was palpable. Known for delivering some of his best shows in the state, Kip didn't disappoint, warming up the crowd for headliner Lainey Wilson. Many fans felt he could have easily headlined the night himself.
Click The Image For The Full Kip Moore GalleryAs the sun set, Lainey Wilson took the stage for her second consecutive year at Thunder, this time as a headliner. With hits like 4X4XU, Watermelon Moonshine, Heart Like A Truck, and Things A Man Oughta Know, Lainey proved why she is one of the leading women in country music today. Her influence was evident, with many young fans looking up to her as a role model.
Click The Image For The Full Lainey Wilson GalleryDay 3: Rock and Nostalgia
Emily Ann Roberts kicked off Day 3, as festival-goers slowly made their way to secure spots for the weekend's rock-infused lineup.
Singer-songwriter Josh Ross followed, delivering a performance that was as captivating in a mid-day festival setting as it would be at a sold-out show.
The Bellamy Brothers brought a touch of nostalgia to the festival. Having started their music career in 1968, they continue to charm audiences with their timeless sound.
Jake Worthington infused some classic honky-tonk into the weekend, providing the perfect calm before the storm of the evening's performances.
Click The Image For The Full Jake Worthington GalleryBailey Zimmerman, a familiar face at Country Thunder, took the stage, showcasing why his stage presence continues to earn him better time slots each year. His growing fan base eagerly awaits the day he headlines the festival.
Click Here For The Full Bailey Zimmerman Gallery While some fans were initially surprised by the inclusion of Nickelback in a country music festival, their fiery set proved they belonged. Their performance electrified the Saturday night crowd, and they even brought Bailey Zimmerman back on stage for a memorable duet of Rockstar.
Click The Image For The Full Nickelback GalleryDay 4: A Grand Finale
As Sunday arrived, anticipation hung in the air for the festival's final day. Fans gathered early to catch Meghan Patrick's set. Armed with a bottle of Jameson, Meghan owned the stage, proving to be the perfect start to the day.
Click The Image For The Full Meghan Patrick GalleryRandall King delivered authentic Texas country music, a breath of fresh air against the Wisconsin backdrop. With the sun shining, his set felt like a beautiful moment of unity between the artist and the audience.
Jackson Dean followed, ready to put on a show. His unique and powerful sound stood out, with Heaven's To Betsy being a standout track.
Click The Image For The Full Jackson Dean GalleryElle King's set encountered a minor hiccup when she choked on her gum during the first song, but she quickly recovered, delivering a flawless performance for the remainder of her set.
Click The Image For The Full Elle King Gallery
The festival reached its peak with Eric Church, a Country Thunder veteran since 2006. His ability to draw massive crowds is unmatched, and his setlist was a perfect mix of fan favorites. The encore was a standout moment, featuring a cover of Man Made A Bar, a popular track by Morgan Wallen.
Country Thunder Wisconsin 2024 delivered everything fans hoped for—a lineup filled with star power and emerging talent, unforgettable performances, and a sense of community that defines the festival experience. As the final notes echoed across the festival grounds, it was clear that Country Thunder remains a beloved staple in the world of country music festivals, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what next year will bring.
