Categories
Music

Severe Storm Forces Willie Nelson to Cancel 2025 Outlaw Festival Date in Oklahoma

Willie Nelson has been forced to cancel a stop on the 2025 Outlaw Music Festival after an intense storm damaged touring equipment and instruments. 

The country icon, 92, was set to headline the festival alongside Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, and more during a special 10th anniversary show. The star-studded lineup was originally scheduled to take the stage at the Lucky Star Amphitheater in El Reno, Oklahoma on July 1.

Willie Nelson; Photo by Pamela Springsteen
Willie Nelson; Photo by Pamela Springsteen

KFOR, Oklahoma’s local news channel, reported that the heavy thunderstorms swept through the southern region late Monday afternoon, causing flooding, heavy rain and low visibility and damages to homes in the surrounding area.

According to a statement released by festival organizers, “An extreme weather event on the evening of June 29th in Ridgedale, MO at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena produced heavy rains and high winds forcing the crowd to evacuate.”

As a result of the bad weather, “equipment and artists’ instruments were damaged and waterlogged, making their condition difficult to assess in time to accurately and safely use for tomorrow’s show.” The decision was made to cancel tonight’s show in order to allow time to recover and replace what was needed for the remainder of the tour.

“Blackbird Presents, Lucky Star Amphitheater, and DCF Concerts are disappointed to have to cancel the engagement and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this cancellation may cause,” the statement added.

Full refunds will be issued to ticketholders at their point of purchase. Fans should allow 7-10 business days for the refund to appear on their statement.

Photo Courtesy Willie Nelson
Photo Courtesy Willie Nelson

Nelson’s Legendary Guitar “Trigger” Has Been Marked Safe

Willie Nelson reposted the message to his own social media accounts. While many fans expressed their disappointment over the cancelation, their man concerned were about Trigger, Nelson’s legendary guitar.

One user asked, “Is trigger ok???”

Another wrote, “The real question: is Trigger okay?” followed by a request saying, “Trigger, if you read this, please let us know you’re OK.”

Thankfully, the “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain” singer’s team confirmed Trigger was marked safe and was not among the instruments damaged in the storm.

The Outlaw Music Festival is known for being the largest touring music festival in North America. It aims to unite music legends and passionate fans for a one-of-a-kind experience filled with live performances, great food and drinks, and unique shopping.

Upcoming Tour Dates

Willie Nelson along with Bob Dylan, The Avett Brothers, The Mavericks, Asleep at The Wheel, Tami Neilson are expected to resume the show for Willie’s 4th of July Picnic taking place at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater in Austin, Texas, on July 4.

Nelson has a slew of 2025 tour dates scheduled through September. The Outlaw Fest will also hit towns across Wisconsin, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Connecticut, New York and more.

The post Severe Storm Forces Willie Nelson to Cancel 2025 Outlaw Festival Date in Oklahoma appeared first on Country Now.

​Country Now

Categories
Music

Everything You Need to Know About Nashville’s Let Freedom Sing! July 4th Event Featuring Dierks Bentley

Dierks Bentley will headline Nashville’s Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th celebration on Friday, July 4. The FREE event will also feature several other performers and an unforgettable fireworks display. 

If you’re planning to celebrate Independence Day 2025 in Nashville, here’s what you need to know about the Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th event.  

All events are free and open to the public. 

Nashville - July 4 Fireworks; Photo Provided
Nashville – July 4 Fireworks; Photo Provided

Throughout the day, attendees can visit the Amazon Family Fun Zone at Music City Walk of Fame Park, which will feature family-friendly activities and a diverse music lineup. Performers include Walker Montgomery, The Nashville Soul Experience, Alicia Blue, KIRWAN the Band, and Les Kerr & The Bayou Band, with DJ Rod Youree spinning tunes between sets.

As the day continues, live music will light up The Jack Daniel’s Broadway Stage at First and Broadway. Headlined by Dierks Bentley, the event will also feature performances from Russell Dickerson, Niko Moon, and Grace Bowers. Nashville’s own Keesha Rainey will sing the National Anthem, while Kelly Sutton will serve as emcee and DJ Dave Aude keeps the energy high between sets.

Dierks Bentley; Photo by Zach Belcher
Dierks Bentley; Photo by Zach Belcher

Following the concert, the celebration will continue at Ascend Amphitheater with a live performance by the GRAMMY-winning Nashville Symphony, set to a spectacular 30-minute fireworks and drone show. Presented by Dr Pepper, this downtown event will feature one of the nation’s largest synchronized displays of its kind.

“Music City knows how to throw a celebration, and this free July 4th event will again be one of the best in the country,” Ken Levitan, board chairman of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and co-president of Vector Management, shared. “With an incredible lineup that includes Dierks Bentley, Russell Dickerson, Niko Moon and Grace Bowers, we’re excited to welcome both visitors and locals for a day filled with unforgettable music, family-friendly activities and pride in the red, white and blue. Events like this not only showcase Nashville’s world-class talent but also drive meaningful economic activity for Nashville and its hospitality industry.”

Let Freedom Sing! is teaming up with Dierks Bentley’s Riser Foundation, which supports charitable organizations focused on children and families, as well as issues like homelessness, literacy, education, and hunger. 

In addition, StageWater canned water will be available for purchase at beverage stands and throughout the event footprint. A portion of proceeds from StageWater supports nonprofits that assist those in need within the entertainment industry, including healthcare and hardship grants, and aid for independent venues and promoters. The company is led by CEO Chris Thacker, Bentley’s tour manager, and CMO Zach Belcher, his touring photographer and videographer.

Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th consistently attracts massive crowds, with more than 200,000 attendees each year and a record-breaking 355,000 in 2024. That record turnout generated an estimated $17.5 million in direct visitor spending. 

This marks the 22nd annual celebration produced by Music City Inc. through the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and the 41st overall in the city’s history.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Nashville’s Let Freedom Sing! July 4th Event Featuring Dierks Bentley appeared first on Country Now.

​Country Now

Categories
Music

‘Yellowstone’: Who’s Joining Luke Grimes on ‘Y: Marshals’?

Could Rip and Beth join Kayce on the new Yellowstone spinoff? Continue reading…

​Country Music News – Taste of Country

Categories
Music

Gavin Adcock on Beyoncé: ‘That S–t Ain’t Country Music’

Adcock didn’t mince words as he shared how he feels about Beyoncé’s foray into the country genre. Continue reading…

​Country Music News – Taste of Country

Categories
Music

25 Most Important Country Men of the Last 25 Years, Ranked

Five Hall of Famers and just as many newcomers make this list. Continue reading…

​Country Music News – Taste of Country

Categories
Music

Post Malone Leaves Gigantic Tip at Dive Bar

Just when you thought you knew Post Malone, he shows up at a local bar, tipping in a way that left everyone speechless and smiling. Continue reading…

​Country Music News – Taste of Country

Categories
Music

Is Country Music Really LGBTQ+ Inclusive? Chely Wright Weighs In

Chely Wright reflects on her coming out journey and says country music has made progress for LGBTQ+ artists, but still has a long way to go behind the scenes. Continue reading…

​Country Music News – Taste of Country

Categories
Music

Massive Bologna Recall Issued Over Undeclared Meat Ingredients

The mislabeled products have prompted USDA warnings for consumers to discard or return affected packages. Continue reading…

​Country Music News – Taste of Country

Categories
Music

Post Malone Leaves Gigantic Tip at Dive Bar

Just when you thought you knew Post Malone, he shows up at a local bar, tipping in a way that left everyone speechless and smiling. Continue reading…

​The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs

Categories
Music

Jeff Bezos’ Wedding Ceremony Included an Elvis Presley Classic

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s glamorous Venice wedding included a heartfelt surprise: a live performance of an Elvis Presley classic that added timeless romance to their big day. Continue reading…

​The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs