Country music fans rejoice, for the annual Country Jam at the Legend Valley Music Festival Venue in Thornville will make its triumphant return Friday.
Presented by 92.03 WCOL, alongside a variety of other sponsors, the music festival event kicks-off at 5 p.m. Among those scheduled to perform are Hank Williams Jr., Randy Houser, Jerrod Niemann and Lindsay Ell on Friday, with performances from Dierks Bentley, Chris Young, Brothers Osborne, Frankie Ballard, Josh Thompson, Chris Stapleton and Austin Webb the following day. Doors will open at noon Saturday.
“Fans should expect a great venue,” said Hank Straty, the general manager of Bluestone Promotions, marking his second year working on Country Jam. “There is no other venue like this, especially in Ohio. We got things no one else has, but I think that the talent will speak for itself.”
This marks the 15th
year of the Country Jam, but this is the first time the event will be a two-day event. This is the 20th
year WCOL has been playing country music, so the station wanted to make everything bigger and better.
“We created this event as a way to pay tribute to WCOL listeners and country fans alike,” said Dan Zuko, program director for Country Jam and radio host on WCOL. “It's our way of saying thanks for listening to WCOL.”
In addition to these two days, there will also be a free show on Thursday, as well as a one-day event on Father’s Day Sunday for people to come out and enjoy together.
Among the acts Straty and the station are most excited about is Williams Jr., a performer they were told they would never be able to book, but, sure enough, they did.
“I have been booking shows for about three years, and I never thought I would be able to get someone as big as Hank Williams Jr. so soon,” Straty said. “I am a little guy with the big guys and the big fish. For me, the best feeling is seeing the headliner go on the stage and hearing and seeing the audience go crazy.”
While other concert venues try to spike up prices on tickets and beverages, among other items, Straty has made it his duty to make sure people are able to come to enjoy music and beers and other things for reasonable, manageable prices, believing that it will draw bigger crowds.
“With these events, I strive to find how little I can reasonably charge for everyone to enjoy,” Straty said. “I could be charging up to $500, but I am trying to keep this economical and still survive. I think people will see that when they come out.”
With camping included in the ticket price, audience members of all ages can enjoy a weekend of music, bonding and staying out in the stars, together.
“I'd be there even if I weren't required,” said Woody Johnson, a radio host for WCOL who will be introducing acts on-stage and representing the station in their “Ride to Country Jam” 60-mile motorcycle ride. “We hope (audiences) be wildly entertained.”
If You Go
What: Country Jam
When: June 13, 14
Where: Legend Valley/Buckeye Lake
Admission: $70 single-day admission, $110 two-day admission
