Jason Aldean may sing about doubting the effectiveness of the town’s most famous concoction, but come July 8 through 10 that’s not slowing Lynchburg’s plans to party down.
To be fair, a lot of places can likely boast being “where music meets whiskey” (the three-day festival’s official slogan) but for Lynchburg Music Festival, meeting in the middle is their specialty.
As smooth as Tennessee whiskey, the live music tradition’s cup is half full and the Lynchburg Music Festival plays on for its third consecutive year of making a mission out of going down easy and making you feel good. (Yes, it even managed to pull through during the question mark that was most of live music in 2020).
Holding steady across a 100-plus-acre site, headliners for this year’s fest are: Cody Johnson, Parmalee, Hardy and Jameson Rodgers (with a name like Jameson that’s almost a given). Walker Hayes, Lee Gibson, Lucas Hoge, Cody Purvis, Ernest, Zach Davis, Resurrection–A Journey Tribute, Joe and Martina (who’ve gained a lot of attention thanks to their “Give Me Back the ’90s” collab with the accomplished John Berry) and returning favorites Vending Machine Bandits also help to dispense the tuneful treats.
“We are beyond excited about the amazing talent involved in this year’s Lynchburg Music Fest,” said Lynchburg Music Fest founder Jonny Hill. “We’re proud to showcase these artists and everything southern Middle Tennessee has to offer. Going into year three of the event we couldn’t be more excited and thankful.”
Featuring music from roughly 30 artists, camping, VIP options (including drinks, an exclusive bar, private access, a buffet meal and other perks), lawn games, an after-party and (new for 2021) a one-day invitational Ranch Rodeo where teams will compete for $10,000.
“We are excited for the LMF fans to experience this high energy, adrenaline-filled event that truly showcases the western way of life,” event organizers say about the rodeo.
A rodeo feels especially fitting this year with the addition of “Red Dirt country” artist Cody Johnson to the roster. Johnson, himself a former bull rider, recently recorded the video for his song “Dear Rodeo” (a duet with Reba McEntire) at Murfreesboro’s own Tennessee Miller Coliseum. Many MTSU students were involved with the shoot.
Fun fact: In June he even sold out two nights of headlining shows at the Ryman Auditorium. Now, you can legitimately answer the question of “Whatcha Gonna Do With a Cowboy”: send him to the stage.
Think you’d be better off to try and rope the wind? Maybe the soothing sounds of songwriters are more your taste. If you get your hands on some Jack Daniel’s Club Select VIP tickets you’ll be granted access to a private acoustic stage with live music between the main stage acts on Friday and Saturday. Grammy-nominated writers Tony Lane (who’s had cuts by Lee Ann Womack, George Strait, Tim McGraw, John Michael Montgomery and other stars) and James T. Slater (with songs recorded by Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts and Jamey Johnson) are confirmed for acoustic appearances. Meanwhile, there will also be a live feed from the main stage in the fully air-conditioned VIP Club Select tent.
Price levels range from $15 for rodeo-only or Thursday night GA to nearly $1,000, depending on just how much of a thirst for a good time you’re looking to quench. There is also a 15 percent discount on all ticket levels for first responders, law enforcement and military (email info@lynchburgmusicfest.com).
For more information on camping, price levels, what you should and shouldn’t bring and to purchase merch from years past, visit lynchburgmusicfest.com. The FAQs there answer many important questions like “what are guests not allowed to bring?” (bad attitudes) and “what should guests do in the event of a medical emergency?” (pray). There is a designated medical center area, by the way.
Lynchburg Music Festival takes place July 8–10, rain or shine, at 615 Louse Creek Rd. in Lynchburg (technically the unincorporated town of Mulberry), Tennessee.
