How to go
What: Buckle Up Music Festival
Where: Sawyer Point, 705 E. Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati
When: Friday through Sunday; 2-11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2-10:15 p.m. Sunday
Cost: $65 (one day), $145 (three-days)
More info: www.buckleupfestival.com
The Buckle Up Music Festival, a celebration of country music, will showcase 80 bands on six stages over three days. The diverse lineup includes national talent, from new stars to longtime legends, as well as local stalwarts.
This is the first year for the festival, which is being held at the same location as last weekend’s Bunbury Music Festival.
The following is a breakdown of festival highlights for country fans of every shade.
Friday
Jamie Lynn Spears: Did you know that Britney Spears's little sister was a country singer? Six years after the Nickelodeon star's career was interrupted by a pregnancy at age 16, Spears reinvented herself as a country artist. She released an EP called "The Journey" last year and her first full-length album is forthcoming. Where and when: Bud Light Stage, 3:30 p.m.
Alexis Gomez: This Dayton native has won a number of local contests. She plays country music inspired by Martina McBride, Garth Brooks, and Miranda Lambert. When she isn't playing gigs locally or down in Nashville, she's attending Wright State University and worshipping at SouthBrook Christian Church in Miamisburg. Lawn Stage, 4:15 p.m.
Pistol Holler: These Kentucky natives, coming as they do from an Appalachian heritage that includes moonshine and feuds, play country music and gospel music with a hard-driving strain of rock and roll. They play shows in Nashville as well as gigs all over Kentucky and southwest Ohio. They recently released their self-titled debut album. Amphitheater, 8 p.m.
Alabama: This country/Southern rock band carved out its legendary status in the 1980s, with over 27 number one hits and seven multiplatinum albums. In total, they've sold over 75 million albums with over 30 number one albums on the Billboard charts. They disbanded in 2006 and reunited in 2011. Main Stage, 10 p.m.
Saturday
Emmylou Harris: This singer/songwriter, bandleader, duet partner and activist has won 13 Grammys and 3 CMT Awards. Her last album, her 26th, was 2011's "Hard Bargain." Her collaborators have included Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Bright Eyes, Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison, Linda Ronstadt, and John Denver. Main Stage, 5:45 p.m.
Drive-By Truckers: This critically acclaimed alt-country band built up their fan base with constant touring. They released their 10th album, "English Oceans," last March. River Stage, 6:45 p.m.
Alison Kraus and Union Station: Krauss is credited with helping boost general interest in bluegrass music, with contributions to the "O, Brother, Where Art Thou?" and "Cold Mountain" soundtracks. She has won 27 Grammy Awards. Main Stage, 7:45 p.m.
Kristian Bush of Sugerland: This male half of the superstar pop country duo sings and plays mandolin, guitar, and the harmonica. He has won six BMI awards for songwriting, and released a new single, "Trailer Hitch," earlier this year. Bud Light Stage, 8:15 p.m.
Willie Nelson: Poet, author, activist, and signature figure of outlaw country, Willie Nelson's reedy voice is one of the most recognized of all musical genres. Main Stage, 10 p.m.
Sunday
Straw Boss: This self-described honky-tonk hillbilly band, originally hailing from Peach Grove, Ky., have been fixtures on the regional country music scene since their formation in 2003. Amphitheater, 4:15 p.m.
The Band Perry: This baby-faced trio shot to stardom with their 2010 single "If I Die Young," helping their self-titled debut EP reach platinum status. Their follow-up, 2013's "Pioneer," has sold more than 500,000 copies to date. Main Stage, 9 p.m.
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