Presented by:
Friday- September 15th
Presents
Neal McCoy
Neal McCoy, a powerhouse in the realm of country music, has captivated audiences with his electrifying performances and unmistakable charm. With his distinctive voice, infectious energy, and an unwavering dedication to his craft, McCoy has established himself as a true icon of the genre. Throughout his illustrious career, he has delighted fans with an impressive repertoire of chart-topping hits like "The Shake", "Billy's Got His Beer Goggles On" and "Wink", and has garnered numerous accolades, solidifying his status as one of country music's most beloved entertainers. From his humble beginnings to his ongoing success, Neal McCoy's musical journey continues to inspire and uplift listeners around the world.
Ashland Craft
Ashland Craft introduced her brand of country music with debut album, TRAVELIN’ KIND, available everywhere now. Among CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2021 and Pandora’s Country Artists to Watch 2021, American Songwriter claims, “there’s a new country badass in town, and her name is Ashland Craft,” also praising, “this girl has star quality flying out of her boots.” Featured on HIXTAPE: Vol. 2 with Brothers Osborne on “I Smoke Weed,” CMT’s “‘can’t miss’ country star on the rise” supported Ashley McBryde’s THIS TOWN TALKS TOUR 2022 adding to her touring resume alongside recent direct support slots opening for Cody Johnson, Brother Osborne, Zac Brown Band, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen and Marcus King. Ashland also just kicked off the 2023 Long Live Cowgirls Tour as direct support for Ian Munsick. Discovering her honky-tonk spirit while cutting her teeth at bars in her South Carolina hometown, Craft buzzes under the influence of musical heroes Def Leppard, Chris Stapleton, Bonnie Raitt, The Chicks, and Sheryl Crow.
Aaron Crawford
Molded by his love for Classic Country, but influenced by the Seattle Grunge scene, Aaron Crawford’s is an emerging artist that is beginning to bubble to the surface. Approaching his career with a blue collar mentality, Crawford writes and records his way (with a little help from his friends) choosing to start his career in the oft overlooked country scene of the Great Northwest. Ready to branch out, he’s paid the dues. Logging over 1,000 gigs, he’s at home on the stage, and you can tell. His live show is just that: a show. Unsatisfied with an spectator approach to the audience, his desire to connect with each fan draws them in. With the release of his 5th studio album, he has planted his flag as an articulate and powerful songwriter, singer, and performer.
Saturday - September 16th
Chris Janson's Shoutout!
Chris Janson
Chris Janson, proud member of the Grand Ole Opry and multi-platinum songwriter and artist, is part of country’s new breed. In touch with the lighter side of life with self-penned No. 1s “Fix A Drink,” “Good Vibes,” and the triple platinum “Buy Me A Boat,” as well as the more thoughtful truths of “Done,” “Things You Can’t Live Without,” and the CMA Song of the Year nominee and ACM Video of the Year “Drunk Girl.” Both “Boat” and “Girl” were named to the Nashville Songwriters Association International’s prestigious “Songs I Wish I Wish I’d Written” list, which is why artists like Tim McGraw (“Truck Yeah,” “How I’ll Always Be”), Justin Moore (“Off The Beaten Path”), Cody Johnson (“Let’s Build A Fire”), and the iconic Hank Williams Jr. (“God Fearin’ Man,” “Those Days Are Gone”) reach for Janson’s songs for their own projects. Beyond his artistry are his live shows, where all that heart-on-the-four-wheeler songwriting meets the fans where they come to rock. Rolling Stone proclaimed him “a live legacy in the making,” and Janson is a frequent presence at the nation’s biggest country festivals, tours, and unexpected sit-ins. For a man known for his outdoors lifestyle and collaborations with Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, making music from his own life has established the harmonica-forward multi-instrumentalist the go-to guy for young country for the last decade.
Craig Campbell
Craig Campbell has never taken a backseat to anything. He’s certainly never taken a backseat in his career as one of Country’s brightest stars who launched onto the Country music scene with the smash hit “Family Man” and continues to exist in a perfect sweet spot between tradition and modernity. The release of new music in 2022, including “By God”, serves as the blueprint for his road ahead – songs that tug at heartstrings, push boundaries and seep in with infectious melodies. “All the songs we are writing are all very committed and current,” he says. “It’s still my heart and my voice, and the main thing I want people to take away is I’m an artist who truly loves Country music.”
Drake White
Drake White, a talented and spirited innovator in Country music, began his musical journey singing in his church's youth choir in Alabama. He achieved success with four Top 40 hits and embarked on multiple nationwide tours, captivating audiences across the country. However, in 2019, he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke on stage, and doctors doubted his ability to perform again. Through extensive operations and months of rehabilitation, White defied the odds and returned to the stage, spreading his incredible positivity to his fans. Currently touring with Whiskey Myers, he will embark on his headline tour, THE OPTIMYSTIC TOUR, in Spring 2022. White's recently released album, THE OPTIMYSTIC, provides an inspiring glimpse into his remarkable journey. He has received recognition from Rolling Stone, The Grammy Awards, and the British CMA Awards, and has shared stages with Country music superstars such as Luke Bryan, Eric Church, and Zac Brown Band.
Cody Beebe & The Crooks
Cody Beebe & The Crooks are a Northwest Country staple and have been around the block a time or two, touring through 30 US states and 7 European countries over the span of ten years. Known for their progressive rock take on country music, they have found themselves playing Watershed at the Gorge three times, opening for notable acts all over the country, backing Nashville recording artist Austin Jenckes, and even starting their own festival as a result of their die-hard fanbase, Chinook Fest. With a new-found energy and fresh songs, the band assures “you really ain't seen nothin' yet.”
Afton Prater
Afton Prater stands out as a hardworking 25-year-old, whose passion for music started at the tender age of 11 when she began performing and songwriting. Hailing from Seabeck, WA, she swiftly made her mark in Washington state and has now established herself as a noteworthy performer in the highly competitive Nashville music scene, where she has resided for the past two years. With icons such as Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen, and Elvis Presley shaping her musical journey, Afton's breathtaking songwriting skills have earned her numerous accolades, captivating the hearts of her audience. Notably, she has shared the stage with renowned country stars, including Kelsea Ballerini, Josh Thompson, and Drake White. Afton remains in a constant state of creative motion, ceaselessly crafting new music, connecting with talented artists, expanding her fan base, and striving to reach new heights in her career.
James Beam
Emmanuel “James” Beam was born in Liberia, West Africa and adopted into the Great PNW to an amazing family. James boasts, “my Momma and Dad raised me right!” Instilling in him a deep appreciation for both “God & Country.”
His love for country music came from his dad, when James picked up and started playing his guitar at 12 years old. At age 15, James found his voice to go with it and since then has explored the work of traditional country artists while discovering where his place is in it. He is steadfast in staying true to the real sound of country music and aspires to one day make his way to the Grand Ole Opry stage.
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