Kathy Wright brings the excitement of this legendary music festival to the podcast platform. Check back every other Tuesday for new episodes featuring conversations and interviews with a wide variety of people involved in making this annual event take place.
Episodes Drop Every Other Monday!
2023 Event, July 21-23. For tickets and details click here
The First Act to Play at the NEW Country Jam Site... Click Here to Listen
Tim Sigler and his band will have the honor of being the first act to perform at the new Country Jam location this July. He joins Kathy to talk about his career on the country music scene and his rise to becoming one of the most popular acts in the Upper Midwest.
His love for George Strait’s catalog, his passion for Eric Church’s music and his fanhood for Bruce Springsteen.
He also discusses his path to becoming a full-time musician and the struggle that is relatable to many.
Moments he has been “starstruck” and the artists he has had the fortune of meeting.
Life on the road as a traveling performer.
Lexy Burke and Cowboylesque Show Click Here to Listen
A brand new show is coming to Country Jam this July. Ranch Hand Cowboylesque, a show based out of Nashville is making its first ever visit to Wisconsin. This is a unique, high-energy show that has taken Nashville by storm in less than two years and is now going on the road.
It’s a full variety show with dancing, singing and story-telling.
Plus, we learn the story of female entrepreneur Lexy Burke and how she developed this whole concept from scratch. It’s a tale of newlyweds, tic-tok, serial tipping and more.
Beer Here! Click Here to Listen
Ryan from Park Ridge Distributing visits Kathy for an intoxicating conversation! Country Jam throws the party and Ryan and his gang bring the beer. We find out all the goes into providing a variety of tasty beverages for thousands at the jam site each July.
They talk about a unique partnership Jam has with the Boston Beer Company.
What are the most popular beers nationwide, locally and at Jam annually.
Feeding the Folks Click Here to Listen
Matt and Jessie from KP Catering come on the podcast to discuss how they go about feeding thousands each year at Country Jam. This is a second generation business that has been a long time staple at the site. They feed VIPs, many of the artists and help serve the food court area.
The planning process and where do the menu ideas come from? What are the most popular options? How have options evolved over the years?
Glamping is coming to Country Jam! Click Here to Listen
Patrick Bushman, the owner of Canvas Town Events, joins Kathy to discuss the “glamping” experience available for attendees at Country Jam at the new site debuting in July.
Glamping takes all the positives of camping while removing some of the things you might not like.
What are the overall accommodations at the “glamping village” part of the camp site on the grounds?
Canvas Town Events is truly creating a VIP experience for those who stay with them, including your own A/C within your tent, food and drink, and a hospitality area. Each reservation includes access to power, parking and some special Jam perks.
Later on in the episode Patrick tells a story of meeting Dierks Bentley at the Hodag Festival many years ago.
What happens backstage stays backstage (except it comes out on this episode!) Click Here to Listen
Carla Lueck , a backstage runner at Country Jam for many year, joins Kathy to share some memorable and fun stories of taking care of the performers who entertain annually. The names have been withheld to protect the guilty, but you’ll hear some great stories
So what exactly does happen backstage each summer and what is this infatuation Carla has with the way people smell? What are some weird asks artists have had?
Carla tells a story of going shopping with one of the headliner and Kathy shares taking one superstar to the local Target. What local golf course did Willie Nelson play?
All of these and many more, including the time they “lost” an artist who went for a jog at Carson Park
The Medical Tent Click Here to Listen
Kirk Gunderson, operations supervisor with Mayo Ambulance Services, helps to oversee the paramedic team and the overall medical safety of attendees at County Jam annually. He has been actively involved with Country Jam nearly every year of its existence, going all the way back to the Shake Rattle & Roll days.
Among the many people that work behind the scenes, the individuals that focus on the medical operations for what is a small city for a weekend, is uber important!
We learn what all goes into creating a temporary entire emergency response system for the Country Jam site. And why their efforts on site, help the overall medical ecosystem in the area for permanent residents.
What are the most common issues? Hint…it involved cowboy boots.
Oh, and we find out what type of donut is so desired by Kirk, he doesn’t hesitate to throw his body into people to make sure he gets it!
Kathy also tells the story of how Kirk saves her from a bee sting on the butt.
Discussing the New Jam Site Click Here to Listen
Christian Peterson with Cedar Falls Building Systems is the guest. He is the project manager for Country Jam’s new site and has been involved in everything from design to the current fulfillment of the project.
With the new site coming this July, Christian and Kathy talk about the excitement around it. Including what this new location will have in terms of amenities and spectator-friendly additions.
Benny Anderson w/ Visit Eau Claire Click Here to Listen
Benny Anderson, the Executive Director of Visit Eau Claire, sits with Kathy Wright discussing Jam and its natural tie-in to tourism in general in the area.
- Benny clues us in on who he is the most excited to see at the July 2023 event.
- They both discuss some of their favorite artists, especially some of their “first loves” in music.
- Benny details the “Curd Crawl” and the two discuss the culinary delicacy that has its devoted local base.
- The overall music scene in Eau Claire that includes both big and smaller events
- The impact of the Pablo Center bringing in new events while still giving local groups a spotlight
- They both talk about their experiences with the Silvermine Ski Jumping event and discuss all there is to do in the region in the coming winter months.
- And the Osseo area gets love
2023 Jam Line-Up Announcement Click Here to Listen
On the debut of this new podcast series presented by Country Jam USA in Eau Claire, WI, General Manager Kathy Wright takes us through the announcement of the acts that will be performing in 2023.
Remember, Country Jam 2023 is July 21-22 and for tickets and other information visit Country Jam USA | Country Music Festival | Wisconsin | Minnesota (countryjamwi.com)