WE Fest: Must-See Concerts

By Andrew Bratlien
Contributing Writer

Festival season is upon us. Although many music fans pack up and travel thousands of miles to Newport, Seattle, or Chicago to get their concert and camping fix, local country music fans can celebrate the fact that one of the premier country festivals in the nation is about to take place in our backyard.

With 22 concerts in four days, WE Fest can be overwhelming to even the seasoned festival veteran. With some basic planning, however, you can ensure that you get the most enjoyment out of your time at the Soo Pass Ranch this weekend.

With so many fantastic acts hitting the stage throughout WE Fest, it’s important to draw up a game plan. Which shows should you make your way to the Main Stage for and which might be better spent relaxing with a few friends in the campground? Be sure to print a lineup and make note of your favorite performers in advance; it helps to have an idea what your schedule will be.

Don’t be the one kicking yourself because you spent the afternoon playing games instead of catching the most talked-about performance of the day. To help get you started, here are a few acts that definitely will not disappoint.

• Regional favorites 32 Below will take the Main Stage Thursday at 2:45 PM. If you haven’t had a chance to take in a 32 Below performance in the past, now is the time. Their high-energy mix of covers and original songs make them fan favorites in the region.

• Keith Urban is the Thursday headliner and presents an absolute must-see show. Urban has been touring in support of his fifth solo album and many claim his current live show has him at the top of his game with a tight backing band and an unbeatable set-list. Make your way to the Main Stage and you won’t regret it.

• Friday’s buzz is trending toward Kid Rock. While some may debate whether the rocker should be headlining a country music festival, Rock brings a raucous live show that should win over more than a few doubters. His career has spanned genres – from southern rock to hip hop, country to heavy metal – but country music purists should be reassured by the fact that he has performed with Allison Moorer and Hank Williams, Jr.

• Festival-goers should be sure not to miss Hitchville, a much-talked-about duo from the Twin Cities. Hitchville’s Heidi and Matt are veterans of the Twin Cities music scene and their fusion of country and rock, with tight harmonies and upbeat tempos, will keep the energy level at maximum on Saturday, when many fans might need a pick-me-up. You’ll have two chances to see Hitchville – they play the Main Stage Saturday at 2:45 PM and they close out WE Fest Saturday night at 12:15 on the Ranch Stage.

In addition to deciding which shows to attend, here are a few key festival tips to keep in mind as you pack up and head to WE Fest.

• Be safe. Law enforcement will be doing their best to keep the area safe for all festival-goers, so obey the rules of the road and never drive if you’ve been drinking.

• Bring appropriate footwear. The number one cause of injuries at WE Fest is stepping on tent stakes. Flip flops won’t save your foot from a trip to the doctor.

• Stay hydrated. Four days of camping in hot weather will require lots of water. And while that beer might taste refreshing, it’s only serving to dehydrate you. Grab a bottle of water every once in a while.

• Bring sunscreen and bug spray. Don’t let your festival experience be ruined by a nasty sunburn and itching mosquito bites.

• Bring your tickets. It’s obvious, but you don’t want to arrive at the gate only to be turned away because you left your group’s tickets on your kitchen table.

As you probably know, earlier this year Nashville suffered catastrophic flooding. More important than the loss of country music history are the countless lives that were affected. WE Fest is working directly with the Gibson Guitar Foundation to help the people of Nashville and get the city back on its feet. Donations are appreciated and can be made at wefesttickets2011.com/wehelp.html.

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