Heavy hitters Justin Moore, Cole Swindell headline Hobart’s Hometown Country Music Jam
A double dose of country superstars helps kick off the summer concert season when an expanded Hometown Country Jam Music Festival returns to Hobart.
“This year we’ve expanded to two days, which is super exciting,” said Tyrus Joseforsky, owner and director of Hometown Jams. “It’s been really cool to see how this thing has taken off and how the community has embraced us.”
The festival runs June 3-4 at the Brickie Bowl in Hobart. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. for VIP ticket holders and 4 p.m. for general admission.
“We kind of pride ourselves as the kick-off party to the summer,” Joseforsky said. “We’re …the first major event of Northwest Indiana of the summer.”
Headlining this year’s festival are Justin Moore and Cole Swindell, who won the Academy of Country Music’s New Artist of the Year awards in 2013 and 2014, respectively.
“We’ve expanded our artist budget substantially this year, so we’re bringing in some pretty heavy hitters,” Joseforsky said. “Multiple, multiple number ones on the radio. They’re superstars. They are fantastic artists. We are super excited to be bringing them in.”
Moore headlines the first day of the event on June 3. His No. 1 hits include “We Didn’t Have Much,” “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back,” “If Heaven Wasn’t So far Away,” “Small Town USA” and “Why We Drink.”
“Everyone knows Justin Moore. Everyone knows Justin Moore’s songs,” Joseforsky said. “He’s had hit after hit after hit. He’s an outlaw rocker. He puts on an amazing show for anyone who goes.”
Also performing the first day are Sean Stemaly, Alana Springsteen and Derek Jones.
Day 2 of the Hometown Country Jam brings Swindell to the stage. He’s known for songs including “Break Up in the End,” “You Should Be Here,” “Ain’t Worth the Whiskey” and his breakthrough hit, “Chillin’ It.” Swindell who performs June 4, is someone Joseforsky wanted to book for a while.
“He is a true entertainer. He puts on a fantastic show. He’s energetic, he gets the crowd involved. And he’s current. He just had a number one ….With his song ‘Never Say Never,’ ” he said. “He’s hot, people love him and we’re excited to have Cole here. That’s going to be a great night and a fantastic show.”
Also taking the stage June 4 are Mackenzie Porter, Walker Montgomery and Jonny James.
The festival is all ages, Joseforsky said, and often draws families. Children age 7 and younger are admitted free.
“When we’re walking through the venue and we see kids dancing and having a great time with their parents, it really means a lot to us,” he said. “Just to provide the experience and those memories for our attendees, it really hits home.”
Ticket options include a VIP pit standing room section in front of the stage and general admission. General admission seating is first come, first serve bleacher and lawn seating.
“A lot of our general admission attendees, they bring their lawn chairs, they bring their blankets, and they just spend all day out of the Bowl, hanging out listening to great music and having great food,” Joseforsky said.
Tickets are available in advance through the Hometown Jams website at home townjams.com. They are also available at the event, unless it sells out.
“VIP usually sells out. It sold out last year,” Joseforsky said. “But typically there is still tickets available on site.”
Food trucks and Indiana Beverage will be on site selling refreshments, he said.
The Hometown Country Music Jam, produced by Flight Levelz Entertainment, started in 2019. This year’s event is expected to draw 6,000-8,000 people over the course of the weekend, he said.
Joseforsky, who is an airline pilot, said the festival has a new streamlined layout. In addition, the production budget was also increased this year.
“This year we’re putting a lot of money into our production with top of line sound, lights. We’re bringing in the massive stage. We’re bringing in the video boards,” he said. “We really want to make it truly memorable and an experience for our customers and our attendees.”
The festival also partners with the Humane Society of Hobart, donating money to the organization raised at the event, said Joseforsky,
who grew up in Hobart.
“To be able to put on this event and be able to give back to this community, it really means a lot,” he said.
Hometown Country Jam Music Festival
When: June 3-4
Where: Brickie Bowl, 705 E. 4th St., Hobart
Tickets: General admission: $45 June 3; $60 June 4; $95 2-day pass. Children 7 and under free. VIP packages available
Information: 219-942-2489; hometownjams.com