As the festival weekend was upon us, so was the blazing heat. Set to be a vibrant weekend filled with incredible music, tantalizing food, and memories that will last a lifetime. This isn’t just a festival; this is Faster Horses, The Premier Country Festival in the Midwest, July 19-21, 2024. Three days of cowboys and cowgirls, three days of leaving your life behind and just living for the love of country music. This was something special. For a guy who usually covers rock 'n' roll gigs and metal festivals, I was super curious to see what all this country hysteria was all about. What a perfect place for this amazing experience.
The landscape for this festival was Brooklyn, Michigan, at NASCAR’s Michigan International Speedway, the perfect place for camping, nighttime dance parties, and quiet hangover mornings as the sun slowly creeps over the rolling Irish hills. Every morning you can feel the waiting anticipation for what’s to come each night. With headliners like Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, and Hardy, this festival is top-notch all around. From the parking staff to the event coordinators, everyone was kind and happy to be working this amazing event.
Day 1 – With the first day of the festival being the busiest with entry, it took a few minutes to get into the park, find my parking, and get set for what would be an incredibly busy but fun weekend. We got inside to catch Zach Top do his thing, and I must say it was a pleasant surprise. His style of country reminded me of the kind that first got me into country music back in the early '90s. His music and style really had that traditional sound, and his most known song, ‘Sounds Like The Radio,’ is such a flashback to those days. Great set by Zach and the band, and I also really enjoyed the song ‘The Kinda Woman I Like.’ As with several of his songs, it had that traditional, old-school honky-tonk sound. Great start to the day and the festival in general.
The next artist we caught was Anne Wilson. I didn’t know much about her other than one or two of her songs, but as she went through her set, I was definitely seeing why she’s been gaining popularity lately. The crowd continued to grow as she went through her setlist, and they packed into the ‘Next From Nashville’ stage, which was the second stage under a tent for up-and-coming artists. It was nice being able to see her in a more intimate setting, and hearing her do ‘My Jesus’ and ‘Rain In The Rearview’ were definitely highlights for me. Keep your eyes on this one; I think she’ll be around for a while. Walking around after her set, I noticed a food and shopping area down below and went to check it out. It had everything from pit BBQ, Island Noodles, and some tasty sweets, to vintage custom hat designers like Revran Hats out of Texas, which fits stars like Lainey Wilson with some of her stunning hats.
After grabbing some Island Noodles and checking out the Whiskey Dick’s Saloon down at the Silo Marketplace, we made our way over to the main stage just in time to watch Jackson Dean do his thing. Now this guy is someone that I knew was going to make it to the next level the first time I heard ‘Don’t Come Lookin’.’ He’s got the voice, the look, and the obvious talent all around when it comes to writing songs and picking the right people to write with him. This was my second time seeing Jackson live, and his confidence on stage grew each time. He definitely looked comfortable up there, and the crowd was eating it up as the main stage area continued to fill up. I always get goosebumps when I hear the song ‘Fearless’ played, and especially when I get to hear him perform it live. This guy is going to do big things in the coming years. Don’t sleep on Jackson Dean.
A quick run back to the media tent to reload and get ready for the night festivities had me bumping into Cody Johnson after his interviews with 99.5 WYCD, what a well-mannered country gentleman. Current news suggests he may be starring in one of Taylor Sheridan’s hit TV shows, much like Lainey Wilson did. It certainly helped put a face to her beautiful voice, and I hope it elevates Cody’s exposure as well. And with that, it was time to hit the main stage for Cody Johnson. His live shows, I hear, are something all real country music fans need to see. The energy and chemistry that Cody and his band have is like no other. Playing not only the fan favorites and radio hits but also a surprise or two, I couldn’t help just looking around in amazement at how much people love this guy and how much we needed someone like Cody Johnson in country music. He did this super patriotic / ‘who I am’ speech during the show; it was super cool, it got me pumped up, and I’m Canadian. This guy is such a proud American, and it’s just another thing that I love about him. He is who he is, and he’s proud of it. He keeps climbing to new heights, and I can’t wait to see him hit the top of the charts over and over again.
She has the looks, the voice and the personality to be one of the biggest female country stars ever. I love what she is doing for woman in country as well as impowering these little girl all over. She is the right kind of role model for our children.
It was just before 10 p.m., and it was time for night one’s headliner, Jelly Roll. By this time, the whole main stage area was packed, and all surrounding areas were full as well. I have to admit I was tired by this time and was hoping I wouldn’t tag out or even leave early, especially since I’ve seen him several times already, and it was such a long day. But him taking the stage actually had the opposite effect and gave me the energy and the excitement to make it the rest of the show. The crowd was so loud, and as usual, Jelly was so appreciative and so enamored by how much people are into him and actually ‘get’ what he’s trying to do and say, and what he now feels is his true purpose here on Earth. So many great songs, so many emotions from not only Jelly Roll but so many in the crowd. It was another show where you could just look around and see all the people that have been affected by his music, some who have actually been saved by his songs, some who were thinking about loved ones they’ve lost to addiction. I always love hearing ‘Save Me,’ ‘Son of a Sinner,’ and ‘She,’ but also really enjoyed hearing ‘Bottle of Mary Jane’ and his new song ‘I’m Not OK.’ Which was the first time most of us had heard it live. My evening was made when Jelly had Cody Johnson come out and join him on stage to perform ‘Whiskey Bent,’ a song they recorded together on Cody’s latest album. Such an incredible first day of Faster Horses, and I ended that night wondering how the next two days could even compare.
Day 2 – Day two started a little slower than day one. Most people were very excited night one and went full tilt on the partying, so it was quiet to start the day. I was up and ready to go; I was excited to see small-town Bath, Michigan, native Sadie Bass start off the Next From Nashville Stage with a 2 p.m. performance that set the mood for the day. She’s what you think of when you think Michigan country: she’s strong, talented, stunning, and super down-to-earth, but man, when she gets on that stage, it’s on. She’s a full-on freight train; she comes at you from all angles. She can give you that soft and sweet, that tough love, and that ‘let’s get a party started.’ With songs like ‘Holy Ground,’ ‘Oh Sun,’ and my new favorite, ‘Wake n’ Bake,’ I believe you’re going to be hearing a lot from this hardworking and super talented lady in the near future. As I stayed for her whole set, I caught Alexandra Kay just at the end of her set. Another act that I didn’t know much about but thoroughly enjoyed the songs we saw her perform and the way she interacted with the crowd. She was a natural up there, and watching the crowd sing along to ‘Everleave’ let me know that she definitely deserved to be up on that main stage playing this festival.
Next up for us for the day was Annie Bosko under the Next From Nashville Tent. I have to admit I hadn’t heard of her before but looked into her a little, read some of her past, and the fact that she had done a little time in jail made me very curious to see what she was all about. I’m glad I made that decision because I was really impressed with her look, her stage presence, and the way that she owned that stage for those 45 minutes. Annie is a ‘California Cowgirl,’ which is actually the title of one of her songs, and it was a breath of fresh air to see a female not trying to look or be like so many others in this industry who are trying to get noticed and make it. She was a powerhouse behind the mic, played a mean guitar, and has that “It” factor. I had the opportunity to take a few photos with her by the media tent and chat. She was super down-to-earth and a joy to talk to. She also performed a new song for me on a guitar that was just laying around called “Country on the Radio.” She has one song in the Top 50 on Country Radio, and I think the one I just heard is going to make it far as well. Annie Bosko is another one that you may want to keep your eyes on in the coming years. She sings from her heart, she has a story to tell, and she is one hardworking artist.
I was so excited to see Sawyer Brown again; it had been many years since the last time, but I’ve been a fan since their early years. There’s something about watching Sawyer Brown and watching Mark Miller get into it. Great frontman, and he is so entertaining when he takes the stage. I still enjoyed seeing them again as they went through playing some of my favorites from them like ‘The Walk,’ ‘Six Days On The Road,’ ‘Some Girls Do,’ and ‘Thank God For You.’ So glad to see that these guys are still going and still sounding amazing live.
Sitting in the media tent on day two, I remembered to bring my small industrial fan to help with the crazy heat that swept by each day. While relaxing by the fan and working on some photos, the guys from Old Dominion walked by to do a meet and greet with special fans and also did an interview with 99.5 WYCD, and when they were coming out of the camper from their interview, I asked their manager for a second of their time to snap a quick photo, and they all said yes. I brought them all over to the end of the trailer and got a few quick snaps of the band. I can’t even begin to tell you how nice each and every one of them were. What a treat. And now I get to see them perform for the first time. I have to admit, it was much better than I had anticipated. The crowd was going crazy for these guys, and I totally forgot just how many hit songs and familiar songs they actually have. Most of their set had the crowd singing along loudly with the band and, at times, even drowning them out a little. I was looking forward to hearing ‘Memory Lane,’ but also enjoyed hearing ‘Hotel Key,’ ‘No Hard Feelings,’ and a few others. The next time I see them announced for headlining a larger venue, I will no longer wonder why. These guys are true showmen, and they put on an incredible show. I guess you could say they now have at least one more new fan after their performance and meeting them all that night.
Night two was ending, and it was time for what so many had been waiting for that day. Lainey Wilson was about to take the stage. I’ve been a huge fan of Lainey since I first heard about her story of moving to Nashville with basically nothing many years ago. If there was ever someone that I knew was going to make it, just based on drive, determination, and talent, it was Lainey Wilson. There’s just something about this girl, and the whole world has been seeing this over the last few years. She made me understand her when I just couldn’t turn her album *Bellbottom Country* off. I listened to that album until I felt I knew her soul. That’s her gift; she gives you a piece of her. There are only so many that can do what she can. She has the looks, the voice, and the personality to be one of the biggest female country stars ever. I love what she is doing for women in country as well as empowering these little girls all over. She is the right kind of role model for our children. We need more like her. The crowd noise and interaction were just insane through the majority of her set. So much singing from the crowd, so many cute moves, and just evidence of having a blast up there from Lainey. As most of you have heard by now, yes, she did split her pants during one of the songs, but what you may not know unless you were there is that while obviously embarrassed, she was also hilarious. She took the mic with her and gave commentary while one pair of pants was being taken off and another put back on backstage. She handled it like a total professional, and we were all cracking up listening to her go through this ordeal in front of like 40,000 people. Amazing show from her, and I especially loved hearing ‘Wildflowers and Wild Horses’ and ‘Watermelon Moonshine.’ The future is yours, Lainey. Own that shit. The best part of her whole performance was when she brought this beautiful little girl on stage and named her 'Cowgirl of the Night,' and with that, she had them make a little pact together by having her say, 'I am Beautiful, I Am Smart, I Am Talented, I Can Do Anything, I am Cowgirl of the Night.' That moment has since gone viral, an experience that little girl and the rest of us will never forget. She blasted through a stunning set and left us all speechless with our hearts warmed.
Day 3 – By the third day, we are all starting to really feel it, and to top things off, this was the hottest day of the weekend. Ashley Cooke started her set on the main stage. I knew a little bit about her and really loved the song ‘Never Til Now,’ but it was also great hearing her perform ‘Your Place’ live. She was a natural on stage and did an amazing job entertaining the crowd and showing everyone just exactly what she was all about. You’ve only been hearing about her the last year or so, but I think this girl is here to stay.
I was excited walking over to the ‘Next From Nashville’ stage because I’ve really been wanting to see Josh Ross, and he was up next. Words can’t describe how much I enjoyed his set. His performance drew the largest crowd I had seen in that tent all weekend. Not only was the entire tent overfilled, but the crowd was also spreading out into the surrounding area. Such a great performer, and his tribute to '90s rock with a medley consisting of Creed and 3 Doors Down songs had the crowd going wild. He sounded amazing doing his hits ‘Single Again’ and ‘Trouble,’ and after having several people yell it out, did his version of ‘Iris’ by the Goo Goo Dolls. Something you need to find online and listen to. He does such an incredible job with that song. I’m telling you all now: you’re going to be hearing a lot about this guy. Excellent job, Josh.
Next up for us was Riley Green. I will admit, I’d only heard a few songs from him, mostly collaborations with other artists, but damn, I enjoyed his set. I got to meet him right before he took the stage, and he was very personable and gave me a fist bump as I told him to have a great show. I guess I never knew how many great songs he had out there. ‘There Was This Girl,’ ‘Different ‘Round Here,’ and ‘Mississippi Or Me’ – all great songs that I guess I just never knew were Riley’s. I also need to tip my hat to the simply incredible tribute he performed for Toby Keith. Very well done, and the whole thing just screamed ‘American Pride.’ I really think Toby was looking down, smiling, during those minutes of that tribute. Well done, Riley. You also have another new fan, and thank you for being so cool before the show.
The last act of the last night of Faster Horses, and we were all so ready. It was time for Hardy. I’ve seen Hardy twice before but never a full headlining set, and damn, it was something to see. A total mix of country show and heavy metal show. The lights, the pyro, the vibe. All totally expected, yet not expected, if that makes any sense. I noticed a few people leaving during the set, probably because he did a few straight-up hard rock/heavy metal songs mixed in with the others, but as a lover of country, rock, metal, and pretty much everything else, I was in heaven. Incredibly talented band, great stage show, stage presence from Hardy and the band, and the crowd were just full-blown eating it up and going crazy. Hardy also had some patriotic words to say and showed us all just who he is. I of course loved hearing ‘Jack,’ ‘Wait In The Truck,’ ‘Rednecker,’ and ‘Truck Bed,’ but it was so intense when they played ‘Sold Out.’ Everyone still there was fist-pumping, screaming the words, and totally fired up. Let’s just say that everyone left the show that night thinking, wow! As expected, Hardy and the boys did not disappoint. I was also lucky enough to meet him a few seconds before he got ready to play and, like Riley, was very personable and friendly, and even paused his golf cart driver a few seconds so we could get a quick picture. Always amazing things happening at Faster Horses. Now that I know what Faster Horses is all about and the community that is built from it is amazing. I can’t wait to get my tickets for next year’s. Another crazy but successful weekend at Faster Horses. Thanks to those who were part of the weekend and thanks to the folks at Live Nation Nashville for once again approving The 519 Magazine for covering the event. It’s always an honor, and it’s always appreciated. Looking forward to Faster Horses 2025.
