Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
20 acts to take stage in country music festival next month
In just a few weeks, thousands of country music fans will converge on Chester County’s Brandywine Valley for Citadel Country Spirit USA, a country music festival being held Aug. 2325 at Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds.
The inaugural three-day event earned rave reviews and resounding accolades in 2018 from attendees, sponsors and the community. Event producers, founding sponsors, new sponsors and community leaders have set out to make the 2019 festival even better.
Capital improvements are currently underway at the scenic, 33acre Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds venue. In partnership with The Lewis Group, an environmental, property services and development company, upgrades include enhanced stage and backstage areas.
Citadel Country Spirit USA features 20 performers on two stages. The GMC Sierra Stage lineup includes headliner Billy Currington on Friday, Little Big Town on Saturday and Old Dominion on Sunday, plus big names such as Lee Brice, Lauren Alaina, Brothers Osborne, Eli Young Band and more.
New this year, compliments of the Air Force Reserve, the Dover Air Force Base will open each day’s main stage performance with a patriotic Honor Guard.
Winners of the Ultimate Tailgating Package will have an unprecedented opportunity to view each day’s whole show from the bed of a GMC Sierra truck parked adjacent to the GMC Sierra Stage. Watch Cit
adel Country Spirit USA social media for details.
Citadel credit cardholders are invited to the new Citadel Mastercard Lounge for an exclusive, VIP experience including a complimentary drink and appetizers, private restrooms, free swag, activities and give-aways. For information and to make a reservation, visit www.citadelbanking.com/Lounge.
Selection of tri-state area bands for the Citadel Rising Star Stage is also new this year. Video submission finalists will perform at Citadel Rising Star LIVE on August 7 and 8 in a battle of the bands style competition. These events are free to the public at Valley Forge Casino, 1160 1st Avenue, King of Prussia. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Battles begin at 6:00 p.m.
A panel of judges will select three winners based upon entertainment value, performance, audience appeal and marketability. Winners will be announced August 9.
While music is Citadel Country Spirit USA’s main attraction, attendees will be treated to a great American festival experience, a community-oriented country music celebration with like-minded country music enthusiasts from across the nation.
From quintessential Philly favorites to nachos, tacos and quesadillas, the festival’s food lineup has good eats for all. The Sierra Nevada Beer Camp is expected to be a popular watering hole again this year as is Barefoot Wine’s landmark beach party set and second-story viewing area.
Crown Royal is new to the mix this year. In the spirit of gratitude, Crown Royal invites festival attendees to participate in The Purple Bag Project, writing notes and stuffing care packages being sent to active service men and women all over the world.
While in the “purple area,” saddle up, get a grip and take a spin on the Crown Royal Mechanical Bull with proceeds benefitting the Chester County Hero Fund, providing financial assistance to the families of first responders who suffer injury or death in the line of duty.
In honor of heroes who come to the rescue in an emergency, Belfor Property Restoration, a multinational disaster recovery company, is giving back to 300 first responder guests who’ll be treated to special hospitality and the overall festival experience.
Again this year, a portion of all ticket sales will be donated to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. A total of $100,000 was raised for the nonprofit organization in 2018; $50,000 from tickets sold and a $50,000 match from Citadel.
Single-day tickets are priced from $89 plus fees. Three-Day Passes are priced from $249 plus fees. Purchase tickets and premium parking online at CountrySpiritUSA.com. To charge by phone, call 1-800-5143849.
Festival sponsors include Citadel, Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau, the Tri-State GMC Dealers, Belfor Property Restoration, The Lewis Group, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Crown Royal, Barefoot Wine, Valley Forge Casino Resort, Stoltzfus RV’s and Marine, Ability, Main Line Animal Rescue/Pennsylvania SPCA, Sterling Pig, Sunbelt Rentals, Etix and Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show. WXTU is the festival’s media partner.