Country Explosion - October 2011

By: M. Michelle Spencer
    The morning may have broken as a grey and rainy mess but by the time the bands took the stage, the audience at the Country Explosion 2011 Weekend Music Event were ready to rock –n– roll...country style, of course! Rebel Bail Bonds along with Steve Evans of KLCY 105.5 Eagle Country and Home Town Entertainment Productions were proud to present a phenomenal line up of country artists meant to provide the Uintah Basin and surrounding areas an event where they could kick back, relax and enjoy the company of family and friends while being entertained by some spectacular country artists.
    "I am so excited that they brought us here to Vernal," commented bass guitar player Duane Propes of the headlining band Little Texas. "It is small town audiences like this that make everything we do so worth it. We just like to show our fans how much we love them by coming out and giving them an amazing show."
    An amazing show is exactly what Little Texas provided to the crowd as they wrapped up the two day event on the evening of Saturday, September 17th, 2011.
    The weekend started out with just as big of a bang as it ended however when the Country Explosion audience welcomed hometown boy Charley Jenkins to the stage. Charley started off the event on Friday, September 16th with his own unique blend of country and a dash of rock –n– roll. Next up was Andy Griggs and the evening was rounded out with Billy Dean taking the stage. Saturday was also an exciting line up when the first act of the day was Opal Hill Drive an blues/alternative band out of Salt Lake City. Next in the line-up was an up and coming artist Amber Hayes.
    The organizers did a stellar job at providing a little something for all different country fans and their addition of another Utah boy, Marty Sutton, was just what the classic rock/country crowd ordered. Sutton's great stage show and original song tracks was able to keep the audience hopping as the talented and equally beautiful Jamie O'Neal took the stage. For many of the audience members, Jamie O'Neal's songs held fond memories as they sang along to hits such as "There is No Arizona" and "Trying to Find Atlantis."
    This party was far from over as a local favorite Jagertown took the stage. Lead singer Preston Creed got the audience up and out of their chairs as they warmed up the audience for the second to the last performer of the evening.
    Moe Bandy was the next up. Bandy's rapport with the crowd was able to get everyone excited and singing along to his #1 songs like, "I Cheated Me Right Out Of You" and "Just Good Ol' Boys".
    The event wrapped up when Little Texas took the stage and encouraged concert goers to come right up to the stage and dance and interact with the band. As one looked around you could see young and old alike enjoying themselves as they sang and danced.
    Some of the most memorable parts of the whole event was being able to watch as families came together and began to appreciate how many of today's country artists are bridging the gap between new and classic country. This music weekend also boosted an amazing meet and greet for fans where they were able to get up close and personal with some of their favorite artists.
    The event also had some great eats and treats to go along with the wonderful music. There were some fun vendors that included everything from the inflatable bouncy houses, to purses, to some great bling jewelry. Oh and did I mention the food? Well there was plenty of it. There was something for every member of your group.
    As organizers look to the future they have plans to make this music weekend an annual affair that will only get bigger and better for all those involved. This event is an amazing way for the surrounding area to also entertain the music goers because organizers want to draw out of towners who will be able to come to the Basin and bring an increase in the economic growth of the area. From out of towners to locals, organizers are working hard to create another fantastic event for the whole family to enjoy. All in all it was an incredible time and something that the Uintah Basin is looking forward to in the future.
 If you are interested in seeing more photos from Country Explosion 2011 go check out KLCY's FaceBook page.