Author name: Jaclyn Duske

Windy City Smokeout United Center | Chicago, IL | July 8th-12th, 2026 Windy City Smokeout 2026 Click here to scroll to image gallery Scotty McCreery with Hootie & The Blowfish at Windy City Smokeout, 2026 Chicago’s summer festival season reached its peak as Windy City Smokeout 2026 returned to the heart of the city for four unforgettable days of chart-topping country music, championship barbecue, and an atmosphere unlike any other. With thousands of fans filling the grounds from the moment the gates opened each day, the festival once again proved why it has become one of the nation’s premier country music events. From mouthwatering barbecue crafted by acclaimed pitmasters to electrifying performances from some of country music’s biggest stars and rising talents, Windy City Smokeout offered the perfect blend of incredible food, unforgettable live music, and the vibrant energy that keeps fans coming back to Chicago year after year. Jordan Davis at Windy City Smokeout, 2026 Fans poured into the festival once the gates opened eager to claim their spots for the day and explore the variety of venders and BBQ options. The weekend was packed with a wide variety of artists ranging from classic stars to up-and-coming artists that are paving their way in the country music scene. Many fans came not only for the 4-day festival, but also the new addition of a pre-festival day on Wednesday with even more artists. As the afternoon progressed, the crowd started filling in creating a memorable crowd for not just the emerging artists, but the established performers as well. Blake Shelton at Windy City Smokeout, 2026 One of Windy City Smokeout’s greatest strengths is the variety of artists they bring to the lineup. Rather than focusing on a single style of country music, the festival brought together a lineup that showcased the genre’s full spectrum. With established mainstream artists like Lainey Wilson, Jordan Davis, Tyler Hubbard, George Birge, and Russell Dickerson in the lineup, fans poured in to see their sets. Treaty Oak Revival, Sterling Elsa, Hudson Westbrook, and Braxton Keith highlighted the sounds of red dirt and Texas country music. The traditional country sound was highlighted by Blake Shelton, Scotty McCrery, and Carter Faith, while the Southern Rock sound was brought by Hootie & The Blowfish, Ghost Hounds, and Karley Scott Collins. Americana folk country also drew in a big crowd with Vincent Mason, Mackenzie Carpenter, and Noeline Hofmann as well as alternative country with Blake Whiten, Chandler Walters, and Alexis Wilkens. This mix of genres is one of the reasons Windy City Smokeout continues to stand out among country music festivals—it appeals to longtime country fans while also welcoming listeners who enjoy rock, Americana, and crossover country sounds. Hudson Westbrook at Windy City Smokeout, 2026 While the lineup is the main draw, the festival also highlights some of the best BBQ pitmasters from around the country. Pitmasters from the Chicagoland area, as well as from various states such as Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, Colorado, and Arkansas come together and share their wide variety of BBQ staples. Pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and chicken were just some of the meats that were provided throughout the 4-day festival with each pitmaster putting their own style to the meats. With the wide variety of products on each menu, Windy City Smokeout provided the crowd with anything they could want to try. They also provided venders that filled the booths along Rodeo Drive with experiences and last-minute festival items. With booths filled with merchandise, local boutiques, and Chicago native stores, fans were able to commemorate the weekend. Tyler Hubbard at Windy City Smokeout, 2026 What truly sets Windy City Smokeout apart, however, was the connections between the performers and the audience. Artists shared stories, thanked the crowd, signed autographs, took pictures, performed unreleased music, and even surprised the crowd with special guests. With Scotty McCreery bringing out Hootie & The Blowfish to perform their song together for the first time live, and Chandler Walters, Alexis Wilkens, and Vincent Mason hopping off the stage at the end of their performances to meet fans, sign autographs, and take pictures. The crowd responded with unwavering enthusiasm, singing along to every lyric, capturing every moment, and creating an authentic moment with other fans and the performers. Those interactions are what gave the festival its heart and created everlasting memories. Russell Dickerson at Windy City Smokeout, 2026 By the time the final notes struck across the grounds, Windy City Smokeout had done more than deliver a star-studded lineup—they created a destination. With a widescale crowded festival, authenticity can be difficult to find and create, but Smokeout succeeded by delivering a diverse lineup of performers, great pitmasters, and community spirit. Windy City Smokeout has established a must-attend live music experience for fans of all ages. Warren Zeiders at Windy City Smokeout, 2026 For additional information on Windy City Smokeout and events coming to the United Center, please visit: Windy City Smokeout: https://www.windycitysmokeout.com United Center: https://www.unitedcenter.com Image Gallery: Photographs and writing by Jaclyn Duske

Scotty McCreery | Josh Turner Sangamon County Fair | New Berlin, IL | Friday June 12th, 2026 at 7:30pm Josh Turner at the Sangamon County Fair, 2026 Click here to scroll to image gallery The Sangamon County Fair welcomed country music fans for an evening that blended classic country tradition with modern chart-topping hits as Josh Turner and Scotty McCreery took the stage for a special dual-headlining performance. With Turner’s unmistakable deep baritone voice and McCreery’s contemporary country sound, the two artists delivered a show that appealed to multiple generations of country fans, creating a memorable night filled with singalongs, heartfelt storytelling, and plenty of country charm. Grayson Lilly, Shawn Bailey, Steve Nelson, and Paul Harrigill at the Sangamon County Fair, 2026 The moment the band took the stage, the energy shifted awaiting the arrival of Josh Turner. He was born and raised in South Carolina before later moving to Nashville in 2001 to pursue his music. His career got a boost after making his debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage where he performed his song “Long Black Train.” Since then, Turner has released 10 studio albums dating to his most recent release in 2024 with This Country Music Thing. His defines his sound as a blend of new traditional country, bluegrass, and gospel. He believes that God doesn’t want him to be a gospel singer, but a Christian singer because that is who he is. Josh Turner at the Sangamon County Fair, 2026 He launched into a set that contained some of his well-known classics as well as more current songs from his recent albums. Turner showcased his new traditional country sound throughout his set with hits from “Unsung Hero,” “Your Man,” and “Why Don’t We Just Dance.” While fans may have had to fight through the mushy ground, that didn’t stop them from dancing around and having fun. The band made sure to have fun as well, with fun dances and joking with each other throughout the performance. Vocally, Turner impressed the audience with his deep, rich baritone voice that captivated the crowd from the start. As Turner’s set came to a close, he returned to the stage for an encore of his signature hit “Long Black Train.” Scotty McCreery at the Sangamon County Fair, 2026 With the crowd elated from Josh Turner’s performance, the audience now eagerly awaited the arrival of McCreery. He was born in North Carolina and rose to fame after winning the tenth season of American Idol. After winning the show in 2011, McCreery released his debut album later that year and has released 5 albums since then. With a blend of traditional country sounds, down-home storytelling, and honky-tonk elements, McCreery captivates his audience with his humble style. His songwriting covers many themes, such as faith, family, and nostalgia, which resonates with fans of all age groups all over the world. Scotty McCreery at the Sangamon County Fair, 2026 From the moment the lights dimmed and McCreery stepped on stage, the energy skyrocketed as fans cheered. In his trademark black tee and boots, McCreery launched into a set that showcased his rich baritone vocals and his storytelling songs. He performed a wide variety of his own music including “Can’t Pass the Bar,” “Fall of Summer,” “Five More Minutes,” “Cab in a Solo,” and “Damn Strait.” McCreery is known to share stories about his songs throughout his set, which connects the crowd to him and his music. “This Is It” and “It Matters to Her” are two songs that resonate deeply for McCreery since they are about his wife, who he met when they were just five years old. McCreery’s band members were equally noticeable throughout the night with their tight harmonies and outstanding solos. While their musical talents shone bright, their personalities were evident as well, having fun with each other on stage and enjoying each other’s presence. As the show drew to a close, McCreery voided the idea of an encore performance and sang his last song of the night before leaving the stage. The fairgrounds energy sparked higher as the notes of “Bottle Rockets” began playing. Josh Turner, Paul Harrigill, and Grayson Lilly at the Sangamon County Fair, 2026 The Sangamon County Fairgrounds provided an energetic backdrop for the performances with fans of all ages coming in from the carnival to enjoy a night of live country music. With the traditional country sound of both Turner and McCreery, families and groups of all ages came to enjoy a night with two generations of country music. The performance was a reminder of why both artists are shining bright in the music scene. With their raw storytelling and classic country musical elements, both McCreery and Turner are connecting with fans all over the world by staying true to themselves. Spence Peppard and Justin Ward at the Sangamon County Fair, 2026 For additional information on these artists and the Sangamon County Fair, please visit: Josh Turner- https://www.joshturner.com Scotty McCreery- https://www.scottymccreery.com/ Sangamon County Fair- https://www.sangcofair.com Image Gallery: Photographs and writing by Jaclyn Duske

Nate Smith | Josh Ross | Brandon Wisham Long Live Country Rock and Roll Tour | Old National Centre | Indianapolis, IN | Friday April 17th, 2026 at 8:30pm Nate Smith at the Old National Centre, 2026 Nate Smith didn’t ease into his Indianapolis headlining set—he stormed it. From the first note, the Long Live Country Rock and Roll Tour hit with a gritty, full-throttle energy that felt more like a statement than a show. Guitars roared, the crowd answered every lyric, and Smith’s raw, unmistakable vocals cut through it all, equal parts power and vulnerability. It wasn’t just another tour stop—it was a loud, unapologetic reminder that country rock is alive, restless, and louder than ever. Before Smith took the stage, Brandon Wisham and Josh Ross warmed up the crowd. Brandon Wisham at the Old National Centre, 2026 Nate Smith at the Old National Centre, 2026 Wisham is a 23-year-old singer/songwriter from Savannah, Georgia. He was the youngest of seven children and took up guitar as a child. As he grew up, Wisham began playing in local bars. At 19 he wrote his first song, “Pain Won’t Last,” which was recorded by Bailey Zimmerman and featured on his debut album. Zimmerman enlisted Wisham as support for his first headlining tour back in 2024. Since then, Wisham has been writing and recording his own music and touring with artists, such as Chase Matthew and Tyler Hubbard.  He shared with the crowd that he had his mom and aunt on FaceTime to watch his set since they do not get to attend many of his shows and the audience all said hello. He performed his songs “She’s Good,” “Back Together,” and “Tears in Her Tequila,” along with some covers including “When It Rains It Pours” by Luke Combs. Josh Ross at the Old National Centre, 2026 Josh Ross at the Old National Centre, 2026 Next up for the night was Josh Ross, who is a Canadian country music singer/songwriter who grew up listening to country and rock. He was a multi-sport athlete from a young age and pursued football when he went to college. Ross had dreams of playing in the Canadian Football League but elected to pursue a career in music after a few injuries and surgeries. With growing up around both rock and country music, Ross says one of his biggest musical influences is Steve Earle. He signed with The Core Entertainment and Universal Music Canada in 2022 and has opened for many artists, such as Bailey Zimmerman, Jordan Davis, and Nickelback. His first single to air on country radio in the US was “Single Again” which hit number one on the Canadian charts. Ross kicked off his set with his new single to country radio “Hate How You Look” followed by “Red Flag.” He then performed a melody of old rock and country songs before talking about and performing one of his first released songs “On a Different Night.”  “Ain’t Doing Jack,” “Trouble,” and “Drunk Right Now” were a few of the other original songs Ross performed before closing out his set with “Single Again.” Nate Smith at the Old National Centre, 2026 Nate Smith at the Old National Centre, 2026 Before Smith took the stage, his crew began getting the stage ready and hung up a large banner across the whole stage. Smith is an American country singer from Paradise, California. After releasing his song “Wildfire’ in 2020 on TikTok, it went viral and he was able to sign a publishing deal with Sony. His social media presence helped him grow his career before landing his first major label record deal. Some of his musical influences are Tom Petty, Garth Brooks, and Fleetwood Mac. After moving to Nashville at age 23, Smith opened for artists such as Brett Eldredge and Eli Young Band. He later returned to his hometown in 2018, where is home burned down in the Butte County Camp Fire. He channeled his grief into his songwriting and wrote his breakout song “One of These Days” which gained traction and encouraged him to continue pursuing music. He has released two studio albums with his most recent being California Gold back in 2024. He released “Whiskey on You” as his first single to country radio, where it reached number one on the US Country Airplay Chart. Nate Smith at the Old National Centre, 2026 The crowd roared to life when the lights dimmed, and the hanging backdrop of Smith illuminated under the stage lights. As the music began, lights began moving and showing off the backdrop before it dropped, and Smith emerged. He kicked off his show with his new single “After Midnight” which was recorded with Tyler Hubbard. “Nobody Likes Your Girlfriend” and “LFG” were the next songs Smith performed for the crowd. Smith told the crowd that while he loves performing on stage for everyone, his favorite place to be is in the crowd. He then came off stage into the audience and performed “Whiskey on You” and a cover of “Beer Never Broke My Heart” by Luke Combs. Brandon Wisham at the Old National Centre, 2026 Nate Smith at the Old National Centre, 2026 After making his way back to the stage, Smith performed one of his new songs, “Break Up Like That,” which he wrote with HARDY and “Sleeve,” which he admits is one of his favorites that he has ever written. “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “Which I Never Felt,” and “Bulletproof” are a few other songs Smith performed throughout his show. He then shared more about his life growing up in the small town of Paradise, California. When he moved to Nashville, he was working as a certified nurse’s assistant. He loves helping and caring for people. Smith was behind on payments and working to survive before he got his record deal with Sony. One of the first songs he ever put out was “Wreckage,” which he performed next in his set. Smith shared that before the tour started, he was asking

Bailey Zimmerman | Hudson Westbrook | Blake Whiten Different Night Same Rodeo Tour | Vibrant Arena | Moline, IL | Friday March 13th, 2026 at 7pm Bailey Zimmerman at the Vibrant Arena, 2026 A sold-out crowd and a home state stage made for the perfect combination when Bailey Zimmerman returned to his roots for a night that felt more like a celebration than just another stop on his tour. From the moment he stepped onstage, the energy in the room was undeniable as fans sang every word back to the Illinois native who has quickly become one of country music’s fastest-rising stars. Zimmerman delivered a performance that proved coming home can sometimes be the loudest and most unforgettable stop of all. Before Zimmerman took the stage, Blake Whiten and Hudson Westbrook came out to warm up the crowd. Blake Whiten at the Vibrant Arena, 2026 First up for the night was Blake Whiten. As rising country-rock singer-songwriter from a small town in South Carolina, Whiten is known for his emotive storytelling and gravelly vocals. He rose to fame in early 2021 on TikTok and Instagram with his acoustic covers. Whiten has created his sound with a blend of traditional country storytelling with modern country-rock. He performed a variety of his songs such as “Bet on That,” “Made for Goodbyes,” and “Rollin’ Stone,” capturing the crowd with his raw vocals. Hudson Westbrook at the Vibrant Arena, 2026 Hudson Westbrook at the Vibrant Arena, 2026 Hudson Westbrook was next to take the stage. As a Texas native, Westbrook was born and raised on a cattle farm and attended college at Texas Tech University. While working toward becoming a landman, he worked at a feed store. He began singing in high school but never felt he was good enough to have it become his career. After a TikTok of his debut single “Take It Slow” went viral, Westbrook dropped out of college to pursue a career in music. He released his first studio album in July of 2025 after releasing his first self-titled EP in January of 2025. Westbrook kicked off his set with “LMWYL” while the crowd cheered and sang along. “Funny Seeing You Here,” “Dressed Down,” and “Painted You Pretty” are a few other songs that were included in his setlist. Westbrook brought an electric energy to the crowd, where fans sang along to all his songs. He later closed out his set with “5 to 9” and “House Again,” which was his first single to country radio. Bailey Zimmerman at the Vibrant Arena, 2026 A curtain on the stage dropped as the stage lights shined bright, signaling the start of Bailey Zimmerman’s set. From the small town of Louisville, IL, Zimmerman began playing guitar at the age of nine. He devoted much of his childhood to playing baseball and riding dirt bikes. Prior to making music, Zimmerman worked in the meat packing industry, on a union gas pipeline and later he pursued a truck lift venture with his stepbrother’s welding business. In 2020, Zimmerman recorded himself singing a cover of “Stay” by Black Stone Cherry for social media to impress girls. The video became widely shared and he later began writing his own music and sharing it on social media. He signed to Core Entertainment in 2021. After three of his singles in 2022 hit the charts, Zimmerman was signed to Warner Music Nashville and Elektra Records. His first major level project Leave the Light On released in 2022, followed by two studio albums Religiously. The Album. in 2023 and Different Night Same Rodeo in 2025. After the album released, he announced his first ever arena tour, the Different Night Same Rodeo Tour, which goes through June 2026. Bailey Zimmerman at the Vibrant Arena, 2026 Bailey Zimmerman at the Vibrant Arena, 2026 The screen illuminated as smoke and fire lit up the stage while the band took their places, signifying Zimmerman’s appearance. Zimmerman emerged from the raised back section of the stage, launching high into the air and landing, while hyping up the crowd. A large rope was then lowered down, which he grabbed ahold and swung down like Tarzan to the main part of the center stage. He continued to run down the thrust while the band played and grabbed his microphone that was waiting for him at the end of the stage. He jumped right into his first song of the night which was “Backup Plan,” which was recorded as a duet with Luke Combs. He followed with “Never Comin’ Home” and “Lost.” After performing five songs, Zimmerman left the stage for an outfit change. Bailey Zimmerman at the Vibrant Arena, 2026 When he returned the stage, he read some of the audience’s signs. There was young fan in the audience who was celebrating their 12th birthday, so Zimmerman had the whole audience sing “Happy Birthday” to her. He then spent some time talking to the crowd about his time growing up. He acknowledged how he understands how hard it is to earn a living and he was so touched that people spent their hard-earned money on a concert ticket to see him. Through the support of the fans purchasing tickets and buying merchandise, Zimmerman, his band, and crew are able to travel all over the country and world to share his music. Selling out a show in his home state meant the world to him, especially as someone who came from a small town. He shared his advice for anyone who has a dream: keep working and fighting for it. Zimmerman then moved into singing “Get to Getting’ Gone” and the title track for his newest album “Comin’ in Cold.” “I grew up a lot like everybody here. I grew up with morals and values. You help your neighbor. You take your shirt off your back when you have to. You work your ass off for the things that you want and I’ll tell you Illinois, the hard work was so worth it. We are sold out tonight in

Meghan Patrick | Kolten Taylor Golden Child Tour | The Canopy Club | Urbana, IL | Friday February 27th, 2026 at 8pm Meghan Patrick and Nick Ryan at the Canopy Club, 2026 From the moment Meghan Patrick stepped onto the stage at The Canopy Club, the energy in the room shifted. Kicking off her Golden Child Tour with confidence and power, Patrick immediately had the crowd on its feet, singing along and matching her intensity. It wasn’t a slow build kind of night — it was loud, lively, and full of the bold spirit that defines her sound. Before Patrick took the stage, Kolton Taylor came out to warm up the crowd. Kolten Taylor at the Canopy Club, 2026 Kolten Taylor at the Canopy Club, 2026 Taylor’s sound is rooted in outlaw country, with a country and rock flare to his writing. He draws from his experience as a blue-collar worker and the world around him. He picked up a guitar while attending college in Champaign-Urbana, and his career kickstarted from there. Taylor captures the attention of his audience with his heartfelt and authentic lyrics that resonate deeply with them. He sang a variety of his own original songs such as “Good Time Bad,” “Gun Club Road,” and “Unwind” along with covers of “Must Be the Whiskey” by Cody Jenks and “My Baby Loves Me When I’m Stoned” by Jason Boland. Meghan Patrick at the Canopy Club, 2026 The band, who calls themselves the Eagle Kats, took the stage as the crowd cheered waiting Patrick’s arrival. Patrick is a Canadian American country singer-songwriter from Ontario. She is a published songwriter and has shared the stage with Lady A, Jon Pardi, Dwight Yoakam, and Kip Moore. Her third studio album Heart on My Glass was released in 2021 and was her debut American release. Later in 2023, Patrick made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage. She released her single “Golden Child” in 2024, which became her first charting entry in the US. Patrick has released 4 albums, two of which were released with Warner Music Canada and two with Riser House. Her most recent album Golden Child was released in the end of 2024, with the deluxe version releasing earlier this year. Meghan Patrick at the Canopy Club, 2026 Meghan Patrick at the Canopy Club, 2026 Patrick kicked off her set with “What Shoulder” and followed with “Whether You Love Me or Not” and “Stoned Alone.” “Project” and “Both Can Be True” were two more of the songs Patrick performed before moving into an acoustic set. She informed the crowd how she likes to include an acoustic set into her shows because it showcases the artist’s voice. She joked with the crowd that performing acoustic can really show if an artist is good enough or not. Meghan Patrick at the Canopy Club, 2026 Before starting her acoustic set, Patrick acknowledged a fan in the crowd. He traveled from Puerto Rico to see her play at the Grand Ole Opry, but the show was unfortunately cancelled due to an ice storm that moved through Nashville. He came to her show the night prior at Carol’s Pub in Chicago and has been a fan for a while. In the meet and greet prior to the show, he requested for her to play an older song of hers and she was happy to perform for it him and the audience. She then began playing “Country Music Made Me Do It,” followed by “I Sure Hope So” and “Hold on Meg.” Meghan Patrick at the Canopy Club, 2026 Meghan Patrick at the Canopy Club, 2026 Following her acoustic set, Patrick introduced each of her band members and played a melody of different songs including “White Horse” by Chris Stapleton, “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi, “Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin, and “Rock and Roll” by Led Zeppelin. During the melody of covers, Patrick played a Flying V electric guitar, which is not commonly seen in country music. She then slowed things down with “Safe Place to Break” before playing her first single in the US “Golden Child.” The band then began giving kazoos out to the crowd as Patrick began performing “Jessica, Jezebel.” About halfway through the song, Patrick came out into the audience playing a Kazoo Master and had the crowd participating along. Meghan Patrick at the Canopy Club, 2026 As the song ended, Patrick left the stage before coming back for an encore. She told the crowd this song was for the women in attendance and began playing “Just a Girl,” which is a cover from the band No Doubt. After the encore, Patrick told the audience she would be by her merchandise table and looked forward to meeting the fans who came over. While the show may have come to a close, fans were riding the golden high from the night of country music. Meghan Patrick and The Eagle Kats at the Canopy Club, 2026 For additional information on these artists and events at The Canopy Club, please visit: Meghan Patrick- https://www.meghanpatrickmusic.com Kolten Taylor- https://www.koltentaylormusic.com The Canopy Club- https://canopyclub.com Additional Images: Meghan Patrick at the Canopy Club, 2026 Meghan Patrick at the Canopy Club, 2026 Meghan Patrick at the Canopy Club, 2026 Photographs and writing by Jaclyn Duske

Scotty McCreery | Harper Grace  Scotty McCreery On Tour | Blue Gate Performing Arts Center | Shipshewana, IN | Friday February 13th, 2026 at 7:30pm Scotty McCreery at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 2026 Fifteen years after his debut album first introduced country fans to his rich baritone and traditional sound, Scotty McCreery returned to the stage in Shipshewana, Indiana with plenty to celebrate. Playing to a sold-out crowd, McCreery marked the milestone with nostalgia, as well as confidence and polish that come from a decade and a half in the spotlight. From the first note, the night felt less like a routine tour stop and more like a full-circle moment — a heartfelt thank-you to the fans who have been there since the beginning and a reminder that the songs that started it all still resonate just as strongly today. Before McCreery took the stage, Harper Grace warmed up the crowd. Harper Grace at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 2026 Harper Grace at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 2026 Harper Grace is a rising star in the country music industry from Texas. She is most known for her audition on American Idol back in 2018, where she made it to the top 50 before being eliminated. She was later brought back for the season finale to sing her original song “Yard Sale.” The biggest take away from her time on the show was learning who she was as an artist and making sure to stay true to who she is. Grace opened her set with her song “Dear Heart,” which is the title track for her new album releasing later this year. She shared that she got her first guitar at age seven and performed the first song she learned, which was “Jolene” by Dolly Parton. “Mr. Mystery,” “Heart I Didn’t Break,” and “Jodi (Don’t Take My Money)” are a few other original songs Grace performed. She closed out her set with her new single “If Daddy Says No,” which will be released on February 27th. Scotty McCreery at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 2026 After Grace’s set, it was time for McCreery to take the stage. McCreery is a North Carolina native who rose to fame after winning season 10 of American Idol. His debut album, Clear as Day, was released in 2011 after winning the show and was certified platinum in the US. Since then, McCreery has released five more albums with the most recent being Rise & Fall in 2024. This year he is celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the release of his debut album. Spencer Peppard at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 2026 Scotty McCreery at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 2026 The stage music began as the lights dimmed, signaling the start of the show. The crowd erupted in cheers as the band took the stage, followed by McCreery. He kicked off his set with “You Time,” followed by “Can’t Pass the Bar” and “Little More Gone.” He followed by performing his wife’s favorite song of his “It Matters to Her.” McCreery shared with the audience how he went up to the mountains and wrote his album Rise & Fall, and felt his creative juices were flowing. He decided to keep writing and created his EP Scooter & Friends, which has collaborations with Charlie Wilson, Hootie & The Blowfish, and Lee Brice. He then performed “Whiskey Said,” which was recorded with Lee Brice. McCreery shared with the audience how he had many musical influences growing up and wanted to honor them in his show. He performed “Suspicious Minds” by Elvis Presley last year at the Low Dough Show at Joe’s Live benefiting St. Jude Children’s Hospital as a spur of the moment encore. He enjoyed it so much he decided to add it to the setlist. Along with that, he covered “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty. Scotty McCreery at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 2026 A stool was brought out on stage and McCreery sat and shared more about his career. He traveled to Milwaukee for the first round of auditions for American Idol which were held in front of the producers. He arrived at 4 a.m. and was finally able to perform around 7 p.m. He sang a Frank Sinatra song, followed by a Travis Tritt song. After four rounds of producer auditions, he was able to audition in front of the celebrity judges where he performed “Your Man” by Josh Turner. His first album was released after his win on the show. He decided that for the 15-year anniversary of the album, he wanted to celebrate by performing some of those songs, including “Walk in the Country,” “The Trouble with Girls,” and “I Love You This Big.” Jeffery Harper and Justin Ward at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 2026 Scotty McCreery at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 2026 The first two albums McCreery recorded were songs that were written for him, and he dove into his own songwriting for his 3rd album. His label at the time rejected the songs, so McCreery decided to leave the label. After battling with legal action for years, he was able to get back ownership of his music and decided to release his first song independently, which is extremely difficult for country artists. He released “Five More Minutes,” which was the first song that charted number 1 by an independent artist. Following this story, McCreery performed the song for the crowd. Scotty McCreery at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 2026 McCreery shared a lot about himself and his journey on the show, while also keeping the crowd singing along to some of his biggest songs, such as “In Between,” “Cab in a Solo,” “See You Tonight,” and “This is It,” which was his wedding song. He closed out the night with two of his biggest songs “Damn Strait” and “Bottle Rockets, ending the performance without an encore. The audience left the venue buzzing from

Josh Turner | Will Jones This Country Music Thing Tour | Blue Gate Performing Arts Center | Shipshewana, IN | Friday January 16th, 2026 at 7:30pm Josh Turner with Paul Harrigill and Grayson Lilly at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 2026 With a voice as deep and familiar as the roots of the genre itself, Josh Turner brought his “This Country Music Thing Tour” to a sold-out crowd in Shipshewana. From the moment he stepped onstage, Turner made it clear this was a celebration of country music in its purest form — built on storytelling, faith, and tradition rather than flash. Backed by a tight band and greeted by an audience that knew every word, Turner turned the Shipshewana stop into a reminder of why his music continues to resonate decades into his career. Will Jones at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 2026 Josh Turner at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 2026 Warming up the crowd was Will Jones, who has bluegrass roots and a traditional country sound. He was raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is carving his path where Appalachian soul meets outlaw grit. Jones was born into the family band, The Cana Ramblers, and ventured out on his own. His music combines honest storytelling with his rich acoustic guitar tones. Ashley McBryde, Tracy Lawrence, and Josh Turner are just a few of the artists he has had the honor of singing alongside with. He married a preacher’s daughter, and they just welcomed their second child 6 weeks ago. “Lonesome Dove,” “Devil’s Den,” and “When It Rains” are a few of the original songs Jones performed along with a new song, “Sounds Like Home to Me.” He later closed out his set with a cover of Travis Tritt’s “Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde.” Josh Turner and Band at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 2026 After a brief intermission, it was time for Josh Turner to take the stage. Turner was born in South Carolina and is known for his unmistakable, buttery baritone voice and timeless songs. He originally started falling in love with music while he sang in his church. In 2003, he was signed to MCA Nashville Records where he released his debut album Long Black Train. Turner originally debuted his song “Long Black Train” on the Grand Ole Opry stage in 2001, where he was interrupted with a standing ovation halfway through the song. Since his debut, Turner has released 10 albums with “This Country Music Thing” as his most recent release from 2024. In 2023 he awarded the Order of the Palmetto in his home state of South Carolina, which is the highest civilian honor, as well as being inducted into the South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame in 2024. Josh Turner at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 2026 Turner has had much success in his career but loves to give back to the community. Turner and his wife, Jennifer, established the Josh Turner Scholarship Fund for Arts to support students from rural areas who are interested in pursuing the arts. He was invited to perform his song “Two Steppin’ On The Moon” for NASA astronauts on the International Space Station from Mission Control at Houston’s Johnson Space Center. Turner was also asked by NBC’s TODAY to perform “Unsung Hero” for Veteran’s Day, which was written about his grandfather who was a WWII veteran. When the music video for “Unsung Hero” released, it was debuted on CMT and the Paramount Times Square Billboard in NYC. Josh Turner at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 2026 Steve Nelson and Shawn Bailey at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 2026 The arena went dark as two red lights ran through the crowd while thunder cracked and sirens started. The band made their way to the stage, followed by Turner as they began playing “Whirlwind.” He followed with “Firecracker” and “Deep South” and later played a new song, “Unsung Hero.” Turner later introduced each of his band members with some jokes and banter which had the crowd laughing and cheering for each member. “Hometown Girl,” “Me and God,” and “Time is Love” are a few of the songs Turner sang during the first half of his set. He later performed a cover of Hank William’s song “I Saw the Light” followed by one of his new songs off his most recent album, “My Side.” Will Jones at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 2026 Before closing out the show with some of his hits, Turner sang “Two Steppin’ On The Moon” and “This Country Music Thing,” which are both from his newest album. During his performance of “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” Turner’s band had some fun and danced on stage. A two-person kick line was started and later two more band members did a simple heel and toe shuffle. He ended the night with some of his biggest hits, “Would You Go With Me” and “Your Man.” After the final notes, Turner and his band made their way off stage while the crowd gave a standing ovation. Shawn Bailey at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 2026 They waited with anticipation, while shining their phone lights, in hopes for Turner to come perform a specific encore song. With the sound of a train whistle, crowd erupted in cheers as Turner and his band made their way back to the stage to perform “Long Black Train.” As the song came to a close, Turner thanked the crowd for a great night while the band played. Once the stage was cleared out, fans made their way out of the venue carrying the warmth from the night of live music. Josh Turner at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 2026 For additional information on these artists and events happening at Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, please visit: Josh Turner- https://www.joshturner.com Will Jones- https://willjonescountry.com Blue Gate Performing Arts Center- https://www.thebluegate.com/shipshewana/blue-gate-theatre/schedule/ Additional Images: Grayson Lilly at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 2026 Will Jones

Pentatonix Christmas in the City Tour | Allstate Arena | Rosemont, IL | Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 7:30pm Pentatonix at the Allstate Arena, 2025 Pentatonix returned to Rosemont on Tuesday night, bringing their now-iconic Christmas tour to a packed Allstate Arena. Using a multi-level stage with large projection screens for their two vocal performances, the quintet showcased their vocal precision and theatrical flair that helped them dominate the modern a cappella landscape. Kirstin Maldonado and Scott Hoying at the Allstate Arena, 2025 Mitch Grassi and Matt Sallee at the Allstate Arena, 2025 The A Cappella group consists of vocalists, Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Mitch Grassi, Kevin Olusola, and Matt Sallee. They are characterized by their pop-style arrangements with vocal harmonies, riffing, beatboxing, vocal percussion, and scat singing. The group got their start on NBC’s The Sing-Off and won the third season. After winning the show, they received a record deal with Sony Music but was later dropped. The group then began posting their music on YouTube. Later in 2014, Pentatonix signed with RCA Records. The original group members consisted of Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Mitch Grassi, Kelin Olusola, and Avi Kaplan. In May of 2017, it was announced that Kaplan was leaving the group and was replaced with Sallee. Their debut EP PTX, Volume 1 was released in 2012, and the group has released 11 other albums since then. The most recent album release was on October 24, 2025, with Christmas in the City. Pentatonix also produces covers of modern pop work and Christmas music, along with writing original songs. Pentatonix at the Allstate Arena, 2025 As the stage visuals came to life, the audience began cheering awaiting the arrival of Pentatonix. The group began to individually emerge from different sections of the stage and came together to begin act one singing their original song “Christmas in the City,” followed by “Silver Bells” and “12 Days of Christmas.” After performing a few songs, the a cappella group brought out a single inflatable die. For each show on their tour, they roll a die to determine what song they will sing. The first 2 songs the Rosemont crowd enjoyed were “We Need a Little Christmas” and “Jingle Bells.” For the next two songs selected by the dice, the group would roll a second die to see what style of music they would sing that song in. “Feliz Navidad” in the style of pop rock and “Let it Snow” in the style of country had the crowd laughing and singing along. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Mary, Did You Know?” and “Please Santa Please” were a few other Christmas songs performed during the first act of the show. Pentatonix ended Act 1 with “Santa Be Good to My Baby,” which included a vocal percussion solo by Kevin Olusola and a tap solo from Kirstin Maldonado. Kirstin Maldonado at the Allstate Arena, 2025 Pentatonix at the Allstate Arena, 2025 After a brief 15-minute intermission, the lights dimmed as Pentatonix again took the stage for Act 2 with an outfit change, performing “Holly Jolly Christmas.” “Snowing in Paris,” “Meet Me Next Christmas,” and “Please Santa Please” and many more. Pentatonix discussed that there are many Christmas heroes, but there are also Christmas misfits that don’t get enough love. They had a section of the set honoring them, with songs including “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” “Elf,” “Blitzen,” and “Bah Humbug.” Later in the set, Hoying came out and shared his incredible experience with being on this year’s season of Dancing with the Stars and how he learned about the importance of social media. He asked the crowd if they would help him with a TikTok, where the whole audience got to participate in. Next up in the show was a performance that showcased Olusola on the cello and Sallee on the drums, performing “The Love Melody.” Kirstin Maldonado, Scott Hoying, and Mitch Grassi at the Allstate Arena, 2025 Pentatonix then moved from the main stage to their B Stage which was located by the soundboard. This allowed the whole audience to see the a cappella group up close. They performed “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “Humankind,” which touched everyone’s hearts. The group then made their way back to the main stage where they performed “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and then closed off with performances of “Hallelujah,” “Pure Imagination,” and “Christmas Time Is Here.” Scott Hoying at the Allstate Arena, 2025 Kirstin Maldonado and Kevin Olusola at the Allstate Arena, 2025 As the show came to a close, fans left the arena buzzing with the Christmas Spirit and ready to finish off their week on a high note. From the opening chord, it was clear Pentatonix weren’t just performing—they were inviting all the fans in Allstate Arena into their holiday world. Every harmony landed like a spark, and the thousands of fans singing along only amplified the magic. Pentatonix at the Allstate Arena, 2025 For additional information on Pentatonix and events coming to the Allstate Arena, please visit: Pentatonix- https://www.home.ptxofficial.com Allstate Arena- https://rosemont.com/allstate/ Rosemont- https://rosemont.com Additional Images: Matt Sallee at the Allstate Arena, 2025 Kevin Olusola at the Allstate Arena, 2025 Mitch Grassi at the Allstate Arena, 2025 Photographs and writing by Jaclyn Duske

Scotty McCreery | Mac O’Brien Joe’s Low Dough Show with Scotty McCreery | Joe’s Live | Rosemont, IL | Sunday November 23rd, 2025 Scotty McCreery at Joe’s Live Rosemont, 2025 Country star Scotty McCreery returned to the Chicago area on Sunday, November 23rd drawing a sold-out crowd to Joe’s Live in Rosemont for a Low Dough Show brought together by US99. With tickets starting at a low cost of $15, concertgoers gathered for a great live performance to help raise money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Before McCreery took the stage, Mac O’Brien took the stage to get the crowd ready for the night of music ahead. Mac O’Brien at Joe’s Live Rosemont, 2025 Mac O’Brien is an Illinois native from McHenry with a country-rock sound. She was recognized early on for her gift of songwriting and was a part of Nashville’s “up and comer” program. Rodney Adkins, Lonestar, Parker McCollum, and Jordan Davis are just a few of the many artists she has opened for. She will be releasing her debut album soon, including some of the songs she performed throughout her set. O’Brien grabbed the audience’s attention by starting out her set with a cover of Mily Cyrus’s “Flowers.” “Addicted to Pain,” “Heavy Chains,” and “Cold Blooded” are a few of her own personal songs she performed throughout her set. She later closed out her set with another original sone, “The War Within” and announced she would be meeting fans off to the side of the stage after her set. Scotty McCreery and Spencer Peppard at Joe’s Live Rosemont, 2025 Before McCreery took the stage, Melissa, Austin, and Scotty K from US99 came out to warm up the crowd. They informed the audience about the booth where members of St. Jude Children’s Hospital were set up and taking donations throughout the night. The group then introduced McCreery to the stage. Scotty McCreery at Joe’s Live Rosemont, 2025 Jeffery Harper and Nathan Thomas at Joe’s Live Rosemont, 2025 McCreery is a country singer who was born and raised in North Carolina. At the age of five, McCreery received a book about Elvis Presley from his grandmother, and quickly fell in love with music. He began learning to play the guitar at age 10. At the age of 16, McCreery traveled to Milwaukee to audition for season 10 of American Idol and later won the show. After winning the show, McCreery released his first studio album Clear as Day and was certified platinum in the United States. Later in 2016, McCreery left his original management and eventually found his new home at Triple Tigers Records/Sony Music Entertainment. His single “Five More Minutes” was released as his first single with his new management, which became his first number one song on country radio. McCreery married his longtime girlfriend in 2018 and have welcomed two baby boys into their family. Scotty McCreery at Joe’s Live Rosemont, 2025 The band took the stage as the lights dimmed and McCreery emerged from the side of the stage. He kicked off his show with “Can’t Pass the Bar” which elevated the energy in the entire room. “Little More Gone,” “Can in a Solo,” and “In Between” are a few of the songs McCreery performed during the beginning of his set. Before performing “It Matters to Her,” which is his wife’s favorite song, McCreery performed two songs that were released off of his most recent EP Scooter and Friends that came out this past July. He performed “Whiskey Said” which was recorded with Lee Brice and “Swim Up Bar” that brings out more of his Puerto Rican heritage. Scotty McCreery at Joe’s Live Rosemont, 2025 Mac O’Brien at Joe’s Live Rosemont, 2025 While performing some of his well-known songs such as “See You Tonight” and “You Time,” McCreery realized a mistake in his setlist. He accidentally left out his wedding song “This Is It”, which he told the audience about how he wrote the song 2 weeks before proposing. Deciding to have some fun and honor 70’s and 80’s country, McCreery performed a variety of covers, including “Hello Darlin’” by Conway Twitty, “Forever and Ever, Amen” by Randy Travis, “Folsom River Blues” by Johnny Cash, “Chattahootchie” by Alan Jackson, “Ain’t Goin’ Down (‘til the Sun Comes Up) by Garth Brooks, and “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)” by John Michael Montgomery. Scotty McCreery at Joe’s Live Rosemont, 2025 McCreery then informed the audience that he didn’t feel right accepting payment for his performance so he announced that the money would be donated back to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital so they could continue their concerted efforts in finding a cure for all childhood cancers. After his tribute performance, McCreery sang a melody of “Your Man” by Josh Turner, which was requested by a fan all night long. This was the song McCreery performed at his audition for American Idol and kickstarted his journey. “Five More Minutes” and “Damn Straight” were the last songs to be performed during McCreery’s show before closing out the night with his current number 1 song “Bottle Rockets” which was recorded with Hootie and the Blowfish. Scotty McCreery at Joe’s Live Rosemont, 2025 As the band left the stage, fans lingered in hopes of an encore performance. Fans cheers erupted when the band again took the stage and McCreery followed. He told the audience this was not planned but they thought they would perform one last song for fun. They didn’t rehearse it before performing, so McCreery joked with the crowd to not record this performance. The room was buzzing with excitement as McCreery performed a cover of “Suspicious Minds” by Elvis Presley. After the song ended, McCreery stayed out to sign items for the fans who were close to the stage. The crowd slowly left the building, ready to start off the upcoming week on a high note. Scotty McCreery at Joe’s Live Rosemont, 2025 For additional information on these artists and events happening at Joe’s Live, please visit: Scotty McCreery-