Country music fans enjoyed sun, cold beer and steel guitars Sunday at WCOL’s tenth annual Country Jam concert.
WCOL radio personality Joe Boxer said he estimated 20,000 fans filled Germain Amphitheater for the concert. The performances started around 4 p.m. with Keith Anderson and ended around 10 p.m. with Diamond Rio. In between, Gary Allan and “American Idol’s” Josh Gracin entertained, as well.
“I’ve never been to a concert that long, but it flew by,” said country music fan Adam Summers.
The sunny weather was bearable, despite some minor sunburn, Summers said.
Fans wearing cowboy hats, halter tops and muddy boots cheered for Anderson when he appeared on stage. Anderson wrote the original “Beer Run (B Double E Double Are You In?),” which was later recorded by Garth Brooks and George Jones.
Anderson played his version of “Beer Run,” three songs into the show.
Josh Gracin, who appeared on the second season of “American Idol,” took the stage and played his hit “Nothin’ to Loose,” in addition to his new song, “I Wanna Live.” Afterward, some fans waited for Gracin’s autograph.
Mike Frey, lead guitarist for the former “Idol” star, said he is having a great time on tour.
“I like traveling, partying and just plugging in and playing,” he said.
Gary Allan, a traditional west coast “Rockabilly” country singer, who featured songs called “Drinkin’ Dark Whiskey” and “Can’t Do It Today,” played after Gracin. In addition, he also played his hit “Nothing On But The Radio.” Allan also played short covers from Aerosmith and ZZ Top.
Diamond Rio, whose 15-year career includes four Country Music Awards Vocal Group of the Year awards, ended the show. Diamond Rio’s set included “Beautiful Mess” and “Wrinkles.”
“They had a variety of sounds; I was surprised by the night,” said country music fan Nick Yocca. “When I think of Diamond Rio, I think here’s a couple older guys I can still listen to.”
The concert was a homecoming for Diamond Rio lead singer Marty Roe and bass player Dana Williams, both Ohio natives.
“Are there any Buckeyes in the crowd?” Roe asked the crowd. The audience answered the singer’s question with a loud roar.
