September 2026

Music Reviews

Scotty McCreery Brings Country Heart to Hometown Jams

Scotty McCreery | Trey Pendley | Ashlyn Ellis Hometown Jams | Valporasio, IN | Sunday August 30th, 2026 at 5:00pm Scotty McCreery at Hometown Jams, 2026 Click here to scroll to image gallery The warm summer evening provided the perfect backdrop for Hometown Jams, as fans of country music gathered at the Central Park Plaza for a night of live music. The atmosphere was relaxed, with lawn chairs scattered around while fans filled in the lawn. Groups of all ages were amongst the crowd, creating a welcoming atmosphere for the artists in the lineup. The early evening began with music from up-and-coming artists Ashlyn Ellis and Trey Pendley, who brought their unique sound and energy to their performances. The crowd slowly grew as they settled in to watch the opener’s performances, basking in the atmosphere. Ellis and Pendley brought an energy to the audience while they awaited the arrival of the headliner for the night. Scotty McCreery at Hometown Jams, 2026 Once the stage was set for McCreery, the crowd was ready. He kicked off his set with “You Time,” and had the crowd on their feet. His rich polished sound and easygoing charm brought a sense of comfort and warmth to the night. His deep country vocals carried across the lawn, filled with recognizable hits and songs that showcased not only his sound, but his storytelling and influences. By performing hits such as “Five More Minutes,” “Bottle Rockets,” “This Is It,” and “It Matters to Her,” McCreery kept the audience engaged and singing along all night. McCreery has proved time and time again that traditional country is still alive. There is an undeniable sense of connection between McCreery and the audience that can always be found at his shows. At every one of his performances, he highlights many decades of classic country hits from some of his idols, such as Elvis Presley, Randy Travis, George Jones, Garth Brooks, and Josh Turner. His performances draw in fans of all ages to enjoy his music and help keep the traditional country music sound alive. Scotty McCreery at Hometown Jams, 2026 The setting only added to the experience. As the night progressed and the sun set, the stage lights became more prominent against the night sky, while the crowd remained in full energy until the last note played. The evening was another opportunity for McCreery to showcase why he remains such a prominent name in the country music world. With hits including “Cab in a Solo,” “Damn Strait,” and “In Between” McCreery highlights classic country storytelling and narratives with a more contemporary sound, creating a unique and classic style. McCreery’s strong vocals, familiar hits, and genuine easygoing stage presence made him a fitting headliner for the night. As the night began to come to a close with the final notes playing, the audience held onto their energy until the end and created a lasting moment not just for themselves, but McCreery as well. With a sense of connection and community throughout the audience, it felt more like a large family hang out than a traditional concert. Scotty McCreery at Hometown Jams, 2026 For additional information on Scotty McCreery and Hometown Jams, please visit: Scotty McCreery- https://scottymccreery.com Hometown Jams- https://hometownjams.com Photographs and writing by Jaclyn Duske

Music Reviews

Josh Turner Commands the Arcada Theatre with His Signature Baritone

Josh Turner | Faith Groves Arcada Theatre | St. Charles, IL | Saturday August 29th at 8:00pm Josh Turner at the Arcada Theatre, 2026 Click here to scroll to image gallery The Arcada Theatre was filled with the sound of country music from Josh Turner when he brought his This Country Music Thing Tour to St. Charles, Illinois. With fans pouring in to hear Turner’s rich baritone voice, they were able to hear from up-and-coming artist Faith Groves. With heartfelt vocals and her contemporary sound, Groves set the tone of the night by warming up the crowd. Her bold, confident voice carried throughput the historic theatre and captured the attention of the audience. Groves performed many of her own songs, including “Get the Hell Outta My Way” and “Classic,” along with some covers including a tribute to Dolly Parton with “I Will Always Love You.” She left the fans eager for the night ahead. Faith Groves at the Arcada Theatre, 2026 The atmosphere shifted when the lights dimmed and Turner stepped onto the stage. His deep baritone filled the theatre with his opening song “Whirlwind” which drew in the audience for a night of traditional country. Turner has been in the music industry for two decades and has stayed true to his sound over the years, drawing in new fans while also keeping the longtime ones excited for his new music. He moved effortlessly through various seasons of music, including classics such as “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” “Would You Go with Me,” and “Your Man.” Turner also performed some of his newer music and shared stories that solidified the importance of the music.  “Unsung Hero” is a song that Turner wrote about his grandfather who was in World War II that he has been able to perform for military soldiers on their bases, as well at the White House. While Turner’s voice captures the audience’s attention, his truthful stories behind his sings keep the fans engaged and connected more with the music. Turner’s unique storytelling through his music allows his fans to relate to his music in their personal own ways. Josh Turner at the Arcada Theatre, 2026 Turner’s ability to let his voice and stories carry throughout the performance is what makes him stand out as an artist. His vocals and storytelling complemented well with his easy-going stage presence, making the evening feel intimate and personal for every member of the audience. With the backdrop of the historic theatre, the warm, nostalgic environment carried through the whole night. Turner and Groves gave the audience a well-rounded performance containing both contemporary and traditional country with rich voices that held the night together. By the final notes of Turner’s encore of “Long Black Train,” the audience was on their feet celebrating a night they will remember. It was clear by the end of the evening that Turner’s songs still have the power to bring a theatre full of fans together. Josh Turner at the Arcada Theatre, 2026 For additional information on these artists and events coming to the Arcada Theatre, please visit: Josh Turner- https://www.joshturner.com Faith Groves- https://www.faithgroves.com Arcada Theatre- https://www.arcadalive.com Image Gallery: Photographs and writing by Jaclyn Duske

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