To kick off Labor Day weekend, Scott, Maddox, Alex and I attended the first-ever indoor Red, White and Boom. I put on my boots and we made our way to Rupp Arena (the popular Country music festival changed venues this year from Whitaker Bank Ballpark, home of the Lexington Legends, to home of the Kentucky Wildcats) to hear five country artists, including two headliners, perform some of the best songs in country music.
The Friday night lineup included:
Our first time at Red, White and Boom was back in 2016 when we saw Florida Georgia Line, Cole Swindell, Jon Pardi and Canaan Smith. It was a special moment because it was the boys' first-ever concert. With the boys now having two country music festivals and a Taylor Swift concert in the books, I am definitely winning when it comes to musical taste — sorry Scott. Photos circa Labor Day 2016 below.
I can tell you in two words why I attend this festival: Cole Swindell. I'm a huge fan — as in he's in my top five favorite artists — and with him just releasing a brand-new album a couple weeks ago, All of It, there was no better time to sing along to all the latest songs. If you love country music check him out. Tracks 3, 5 and 8 (Somebody's Been Drinkin', Break Up in the End and 20 in a Chevy) are a few of my favorites.
Even if I knew you'd be the one that got away I'd still go back and get you Even if I knew you'd be my best and worst mistake Oh, I'd still make it with you Over and over, again and again Even though we break up in the end
I may be biased but I think Cole stole the show last night. His upbeat performance had the audience swayin' to 16 different songs, his connection with the crowd off the charts. And as if his smile wasn't already enough to make me fall in love with him, about midway through the setlist he told fans one of his favorite country artists is Tim McGraw (one of my favorites too, swoon). Then, he sang his own rendition of I Like It, I Love It, arguably the most memorable performance of the evening. He also asked Morgan Wallen back out on stage to help sing Florida Georgia Line's This Is How We Roll.
Did you know the country music festival began in 2004 as a free music event in the parking lot behind Rupp Arena? It was originally part of Lexington's Fourth of July festivities but moved to Labor Day weekend in 2016. The festival has continued to grow since, setting the attendance record of 17,500 last year with headliner Blake Shelton.
Red, White and Boom 2018 is presented by Hardee’s, 98.1 The Bull and the Lexington Legends. Over the course of the three days, country music fans can hear 15 artists with five headliners. Artists performing on Saturday and Sunday include Brad Paisley, Jake Owen, Kane Brown, Chase Rice, Ashley McBryde, Toby Keith, Luke Combs, David Lee Murphy, Tyler Farr and Craig Campbell. Tickets start at just $29.50 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.
Now we're off to St. Louis to enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend. Stay tuned for our Missouri adventures! What are your plans for Labor Day weekend?
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