CHESTER COUNTY COUNTRY
Big name superstars, thousands of country music fans converge on Ludwig’s Corner
It was another beautiful day (and night) at Citadel Country Spirit USA on Saturday, the second day of the spectacular three-day country music festival taking place at Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds in Chester County’s Brandywine Valley.
More than two years in the making, the festival brought country music fans from across the nation together for the celebration. The horse show grounds was transformed into a country music mecca with top superstars, such as Toby Keith and Trace Adkins performing on Saturday on the Jeff D’Ambrosio Main Stage.
Tyler Farr put on an incredibly high-energy show. Fans delighted in High Valley’s antics and stage presence that had the whole crowd on its feet. Jimmie Allen, who opened on the main stage after performing at the Grand Ole Opry the previous night, shared his experience, making new friends and fans.
Many of the early artists from the main stage met festival-goers face-to-face after their concerts.
Stephanie Grace, one of three Citadel Rising Star winners who performed on the Citadel Rising Star Stage on Friday said, “It’s so exciting to be here and to be performing at the same festival as the biggest names in country music. It’s a dream come true,” she said. On Saturday, Citadel Rising Star winner Derek Crider took the stage.
In addition to great music, fans were treated to sumptuous food options and libations at the Barefoot Wine Garden, featuring a surfboard backdrop and a second-story concert viewing area. There was Sierra Nevada for beer drinkers, which was just right on a warm, sunny day. The Cuervo Cantina by Jose Cuervo was a popular watering hole.
Fans ranged from young to not-so-young, true country music enthusiasts to contemporary country music newcomers. Everyone was ecstatic about the perfect weather.
“It’s been a weekend-long great American country music celebration,” Alan Jacoby, executive producer, said. “We’re very proud of the way everything has turned out, and most pleased with the feedback we’ve received from our partners, our sponsors and, most importantly the fans who have supported this inaugural festival. We’re looking forward to another great day tomorrow.
Sunday’s lineup on the main stage includes:
7:30 p.m. - Brad Paisley
5:30 p.m. - Jake Owen
3:45 p.m.- Michael Ray
2:00 p.m. - Danielle Bradbery
Warren Montgomery, Sam Schmidthuber and Citadel Rising Star winner Brian McConnell perform on the Citadel Country Spirit USA stage.
Tickets for Sunday are still available. Purchase online tickets at www.countryspiritusa.com. To charge by phone call 1-800-5143849. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Single-day tickets are priced from $89.
.In addition to Citadel and the Chester County CVB, sponsors include Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Jose Cuervo, Barefoot Wine, Jeff D’Ambrosio Auto Group, Belfor Property Restoration, The Marines, Stoltzfus RV’s and Marine, Main Line Animal Rescue, Etix and Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show.