MAKING FRIENDS IN THE COUNTRY. Each summer, Country Jam draws thousands of fans to Eau Claire to enjoy their favorite musicians – and each other’s company.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Eau Claire’s own Country Jam music festival. On an annual basis, the festival brings together friends and family to camp and enjoy live performances from some of the biggest names in country music for three days in the middle of July. Country Jam runs July 18-20 this year, and promises to be bigger and better than ever: Some new features will debut for the anniversary, and great musical performances from national acts will include Chris Kroeze, Maren Morris, Toby Keith, Jake Owen, and Keith Urban. 

“We’ve been a part of the community for three decades now, and we wanted to throw a party to give everyone a taste of what Country Jam is, especially if they’ve never attended before,” said Meredith Kervin, marketing consultant for Country Jam. Performances will include Country Music of America’s 2019 entertainer of the year Keith Urban, as well as many other big names in the genre. A party open to the public the day before the festival will feature local favorites Chris Kroeze and Dawn Marie.

This year’s jam will include a lot of fun changes, Kervin said. Cowboy Jack’s will cater food and beverages for the first time at the event, and they will host a sand volleyball tournament and other outdoor games.

On Thuesday, July 18, Country Jam will hold a tribute to those who risk their lives to keep us safe, including those in the military, firefighters, and emergency personnel. The tribute will include a color guard, a military flyover, and more.

Barron native and The Voice runner-up Chris Kroeze is one of this year’s most-anticipated featured acts. Fresh from performing overseas for U.S. troops, Kroeze will perform more than once at Country Jam, including for the 30th anniversary party on Wednesday, July 17, and on the mainstage on Friday, July 19.

Kroeze said he is “super excited to head to Country Jam. I’ve been watching this festival for as long as I can remember. To get to be on the stage is going to be surreal.”

“(Country Jam) has a tradition of bringing in great talent and awesome entertainment,” he continued. “It’s an honor to share that stage on its 30th anniversary.”

After his debut performance on the Country Jam main stage, Kroeze plans to continue to tour and perform across the country, meeting new fans along the way.

Kervin noted this year’s County Jam will be the quintessential summer party all attendees have come to know and love, where friends and family gather, enjoy cold beverages, and listen to artists they normally only hear on the radio perform live right in the heart of the Chippewa Valley. 

While this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever, Country Jam is already working on 2020, and has big plans in store for fans of country music!

More information about Country Jam, including ticket purchasing and campsite reservations, is available at countryjamwi.com.