Thunder On The Mountain-Day 2

Thunder On The Mountain – Day 2 – Through The Eyes Of HaleighT. After some eggs and bacon bright and early, I showered and cleaned up and was ready for day two of Thunder On The Mountain! I was really excited to try EVERYTHING that Thunder had to offer, but unfortunately, because of the storms the previous week, there was no Ferris wheel. However the water-slide was set up and ready to go. I gave it some good thought and decided it just wasn’t hot enough for me to cross that off of my TOTM bucket list (there’s always next year). The Music. The music started early again and I made my way throughout the grounds to catch as many shows as I could. I started out with Woodshed at the George’s Majestic Backwoods Stage. I then split my time between Kelly Road, Kevin Fowler and Aaron Watson. I caught the first half of Kristen Kelly and the last half of Reckless Kelly. I really enjoyed RK’s set, especially because Cody Canada joined the guys. It’s always fun to see a long friendship like those guys have, play out on stage. Easton Corbin really impressed me. I loved his latest album and it was fun to see some of those songs live. After participating in a press conference earlier in the day for Sunny Ledford, I had to catch his show. It was a good time…he’s fun on stage and honestly does not care what anyone thinks of him. I must also add that the crowd for that show was interesting, but fun. After Sunny, I had a quick dinner and caught the second half of Montgomery Gentry. The night really got started when Luke Bryan hit the stage, I was with all my friends and we danced and danced while Luke shook his stuff on stage. Anyone who has ever been to one of his shows knows the crazy amount of energy he has and how contagious it can be! After Luke a small group of us decided to head to the Hideout, which was the dance club/karaoke part of TOTM. It was fun to watch people, but sadly for us we didn’t get to get on stage. The list of people wanting to sing was extremely long and if I would have known I would have signed up earlier in the day…because I’m all about some karaoke! For the second night in a row, I went to bed in the early hours of the morning. But again, I was up bright and early for the final day of TOTM!

Thunder On The Mountain-Day 1

Thunder On The Mountain – Day 1 – Through The Eyes Of HaleighT. It is hard to believe that after months of preparation and exited jitters, the first-ever Thunder On The Mountain is behind us. After the three days of non-stop music, I find myself still trying to recover from my sleep deprivation and the loss of my voice. My fun filled work-cation began Wednesday night, June 7. I drove through the beautiful Mulberry Mountains and arrived at the festival grounds to check in and get my media credentials. I then drove to Ozark and had supper at Rivertowne BBQ, the smoked bologna with baked beans was to die! While eating, my partner in crime for the weekend, Melissa and I made some new friends. They were a group, I believe from Iowa, who had floated the river all day and would also be attending TOTM. Campground Set Up. The next morning was a bit of a hectic one, not for me but for those campers who decided to be at the festival gates when they opened at 6am. My cousin, Amme, rolled into the area with her fiancé and a group of friends around 4am. They had eight trucks and 11 campsites between them, over 20 people in their own little village. To say this group came prepared and ready to party is an understatement! Their headquarters were fully equipped with tents, canopies, ice chests, generators, grills, yard games and more. Fortunately for those festival goers who decided to wait for the sun to rise before they showed up, their entrance to the campgrounds and set up went a little smoother. In my down time between morning responsibilities and the first show, I along with Melissa, Riley and Tia (two of my weekend neighbors) went to get the feel of the land. We saw some interesting campsites, passed out fans to cool off festival goers and crossed a treacherously muddy field. At one point we had to cross a newly formed river by using an air mattress that was left behind from Wakarusa as our bridge. We really should have followed the flags that marked off the rough areas…oops. The Music Although campers and festival goers were still rolling in, the music for the day and the entire weekend began at 12:45pm. The first band to take the Country Pavilion stage was Whiskey Myers and boy was this an excellent choice! They definitely set the mood for the weekend and got the crowd primed and ready to go. As soon as Whiskey Myers set was over, the hardest part of TOTM began, choosing which stage to go to and what act to see, because from this point on there were multiple stages occupied with live performances. My day seemed like a whirlwind, I saw Aaron Watson, Shooter Jennings, parts of Bucky Covington, Greg Bates and Reckless Kelly before a short dinner. I then, was BLOWN AWAY by Randy Houser’s performance. I had seen him before, but his type of Continue reading Thunder On The Mountain-Day 1

Randy Houser Runnin’ Outta Moonlight-Music Video

The Official Music Video For Randy Houser’s “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight.” Below is the official music video for Randy Houser’s current single, “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight.” The song comes from Houser’s latest album, How Country Feels. The song- I love! The video- not so much. Not to say the video is horrible or anything, it’s just a pretty predictable vision. But like I said, I’m obsessed with the song. It’s catchy, upbeat, sweet and perfect for any summer playlist! Houser will be performing at the first-ever Thunder On The Mountain this week! If you are in the area, you DON’T want to miss this party, TRUST ME! For those of you who haven’t picked up Houser’s new album, check out MissMolly’s review here and hopefully it will convince you to! Watch “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” below and tell us what you think!

Justin Moore Interview

Justin Moore Talks Heroes, Tours and New Music. I got the chance to have a quick chat with Justin Moore on the phone yesterday. We caught up on this nasty weather we are dealing with here in Arkansas before we got to business, Fayetteville and surrounding areas were getting some of that thundersleet. Luckily Moore didn’t have to deal with any of the mess cause he was sitting pretty in Panama City. He’s in the Sunshine State for the Daytona 500 this Sunday. Moore is going to give a special concert at 10 a.m. at the Crown Royal footprint before the race to launch the inaugural “Your Heroes Name Here” program. The Crown Royal program is a chance to have naming rights to the Brickyard 400 that is held in July. Anyone who is 21+ can go to CrownRoyalHeroes.com and nominate their personal hero. Moore will be officially nominating two local Florida heroes who are making a difference in their communities. When I asked Moore what heroes of his he might nominate if he could he said there were a lot of people. But one that stood out was his grandpa who passed away. “He retired out of the military and was the cornerstone of our family. He showed me how to raise a family and taught me how to be a husband and dad.” I asked Moore who he was routing for Sunday and he said he always wants his buddy Carl Edwards to do well, but his gut was telling him Tony Stewart. “He’s got a good car and feel like it’s his time, but its anybody’s game.“ Moore is a huge NASCAR fan and has a real respect for what the guys and girls do out on the track. He is excited to be a part of the Crown Royal campaign and to watch the race. “I’ve been to a lot of races, but never Daytona. I’m knocking tracks off my bucket list.” We also got to talk about Moore’s exciting tour news. After finishing up Eric Church’s Blood, Sweat and Beer Tour, Moore is hitting the road again, but this time as the headliner! “We’re really excited! I’ve learned a lot from being out on the road with other people and have got to play in front of tons of folks. It’s kind of scary and exciting at the same time, if it goes bad it’s all my fault. But it’s going to be a lot of fun.” The Outlaws Like Me Tour will begin March 14, with Dustin Lynch and Jon Pardi as opening acts. Moore will also be a part of the first-ever Thunder On The Mountain country music festival. The festival is taking place in his home-state and is sure to be three days full of great music. “Anytime I can play at home and sleep in my bed is good! I’m sure I’ll have a lot of family and friends there. The festivals are always a lot of fun.” Moore will be Continue reading Justin Moore Interview

Thunder On The Mountain 2013 Daily Schedule

Thunder On The Mountain Festival in The Ozarks Announces 2013 Daily Schedule. The Thunder On The Mountain Festival will kicking off June 6-8, 2013 on Mulberry Mountain in Northwest, AR, and in case we hadn’t mentioned it enough yet, we’re really excited! This brand new country music festival boasts a fantastic line-up, and now, we have the daily schedule breakdown for all those fans who are just excited as us!! Head on over to the official festival website for your ticket info! Read why this festival is helping transform the country scene in Northwest Arkansas! Thunder On The Mountain Daily Lineup Schedule: THURSDAY JUNE 6 Big & Rich Thompson Square Randy Houser Kevin Fowler Greg Bates Bucky Covington Roger Creager Reckless Kelly Aaron Watson The Cadillac Black Sturgill Simpson John D. Hale Band Matt Stell FRIDAY JUNE 7 Luke Bryan Montgomery Gentry Easton Corbin Pat Green Kevin Fowler Casey Donahew Band Todd Snider Reckless Kelly Cody Canada & The Departed Aaron Watson LoCash Cowboys Moonshine Bandits Sunny Ledfurd Bleu Edmondson John D. Hale Band SATURDAY JUNE 8 Toby Keith Justin Moore Gretchen Wilson Colt Ford Randy Rogers Band Josh Abbott Band Moonshine Bandits Lost Trailers Stoney LaRue The LACS JT Hodges Clayton Anderson Adam Craig Band Brandon Jenkins Matt Stell The Sarah Hughes Band Lance Carpenter

Country Music Blog Rodeo: 2013 North of Nashville – The Ozarks Go Country

2013 North of Nashville – The Ozarks Go Country with New Festivals, More Concerts and Local Talent On The Rise! To answer the question of what will be big for country music in 2013, I decided to look close to home, Fayetteville, AR that is, and the closely surrounding area, the Ozarks, River Valley, etc. With so much already happening this year from big album releases to even bigger tours to country stars new and seasoned shining brighter than ever, I think you’ll be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t think the next few months are going to be huge for country music. What has me excited though, is the potential for our area up here, north of Nashville, to become a go to spot for for all things country music! Local Festivals: Thunder On The Mountain. If there is one thing we’re excited about in Northwest Arkansas for 2013, it’s the upcoming and brand new country music festival, Thunder On The Mountain! Nestled into the beautiful Mulberry Mountain, this fest will encapsulate the best of the area: beautiful views, a wonderful landscape and live country music! The festival claims a really impressive line-up that includes Toby Keith, Luke Bryan, JT Hodges, Big & Rich, Montgomery Gentry, Justin Moore, Gretchen Wilson, Easton Corbin and so many, many more. Taking place June 6th – 8th, this festival is going to be one of the major events for the surrounding states of the summer! We’re proud to welcome them to our backyard, and can’t wait to experience the new country fest front and center. Local Venues: The Amp & Georges Majestic Lounge. Truth be told, there are a lot of amazing venues in “our area” (which we broadly claim to be anywhere between the Ozarks, Northwest Arkansas, OKC, Tulsa and everything in between!) from the newly opened Longhorn Saloon in Ft. Smith, AR to the historic Cain’s Ballroom in Tusa, OK, on any given weekend there is going to be a country concert to attend. Today, though, I want to highlight two specific venues, mere miles from our HQ in Fayetteville, The Amp (Arkansas Music Pavilion) and Georges Majestic Lounge. Last year, The Amp hopped locations moving from a concrete spot to greener pastures, and it’s clear they are on the verge of unleashing something big. This something “big” has a whole lot to do with a whole lot more country acts coming to this area. In 2012 they quietly unveiled the 1st ever Taste of Country Festival bringing such popular folks as Miranda Lambert along with the Pistol Annies, Randy Houser, noteworthy songwriter Chris Knight and on the rise Adam Hood. Outside of this one night shindig, they also brought other big names to the area like Hank Williams Jr. and Luke Bryan. Their new concert season will kick off in the spring, and they already have Little Big Town scheduled as the first country act to perform on the new grounds in 2013. If last year is any indication, Continue reading Country Music Blog Rodeo: 2013 North of Nashville – The Ozarks Go Country

Thunder On The Mountain 2013 Tickets On Sale TODAY

First Ever Thunder On The Mountain Tickets Officially On Sale Today!! The first ever Thunder On The Mountain country music festival is headed to Mulberry Mountain in Northwest Arkansas, and we here at CMNB could not be more excited! The amazing, and I mean really, really great, line-up for the 2013 fest, taking place June 6th – June 8th, was announced last week (see it here!), and it has country music fans ready for the weather to warm up so we can let loose in the Ozarks! Well, tickets go on sale TODAY, and you better start thinking and planning because I think these tix are going to sell fast! Find a helpful guide below to help you decide which tickets you need, and head on over to the official festival website for your ticket info! 2013 Thunder On The Mountain Ticket Guide!

Thunder On The Mountain 2013 Complete Line-Up

First Ever Thunder On The Mountain Announces Complete 2013 Line-Up! When I heard the first ever Thunder On The Mountain country music festival was coming to Ozark, AR (hello, that is basically CMNB’s back yard!) June 6th – 8th, 2013, I was understandably excited. Today, the event organizers announced the complete line-up, and I’m having a hard time coming up with an adjective strong enough and positive enough to describe just how amazing this festival is going to be. Headliners Toby Keith and Luke Bryan are enough of a draw, but then add that some of our absolute favorites like Randy Rogers, Greg Bates, JT Hodges, Aaron Watson, Cody Canada & The Departed and soooooo many more amazing artists. Well, this is clearly going to be one heck of shin dig!! Check out the complete details below, and stay tuned. Since this is basically our hometown festival, we’ll be keeping you up date on all the exciting news and developments! 2013 Thunder on the Mountain Artist Lineup Toby Keith Luke Bryan Big & Rich Montgomery Gentry Thompson Square Justin Moore Gretchen Wilson Easton Corbin Colt Ford Randy Houser Pat Green Randy Rogers Band Jana Kramer Kevin Fowler Josh Abbott Band Casey Donahew Band Bucky Covington Greg Bates Reckless Kelly LoCash Cowboys Stoney LaRue Todd Snider Roger Creager The Lost Trailers JT Hodges Cody Canada & The Departed Moonshine Bandits The LACS Aaron Watson The Cadillac Black Sturgill Simpson Adam Craig Band Clayton Anderson Sunny Ledfurd Bleu Edmondson Brandon Jenkins John D. Hale Band Matt Stell & The Crashers The Sarah Hughes Band Lance Carpenter For more info, check out their website or find them on Facebook and Twitter! Head on over to the official festival website for your ticket info

First Ever Thunder On The Mountain Festival 2013 Line-Up Announces Wednesday

New Country Music Festival In Northwest Arkansas, Thunder On The Mountain, To Announce 2013 Line-Up Wednesday, December 5th! How’s this for exciting? There’s a brand new Country Music festival debuting in 2013, and its going to be right our back yard! The first ever Thunder On The Mountain festival will be taking place June 6th – 8th on the Mulberry Mountain near Ozark, Arkansas! The fest will be jam packed with an awesome line-up of country artists, food & craft vendors plus the outdoor activities that Northwest Arkansas is known for like hiking, fishing, river floats, camping and more! It might be December, but thinking about this festival makes me wish it was warm already! Tomorrow, the event organizers will be unveiling the artist line-up via a special announcement on Facebook at 10am! So, be sure to head on over now, and “Like” their page so that you won’t miss any of the big news! You can also find more info via the official website.