24th Annual Country Jam Draws Big Crowds

More than 80,000 fans came together in Grand Junction, Colo. from June 18-21 for the 24th-annual Country Jam Colorado music festival.

Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Toby Keith and the Band Perry were the headliners responsible for keeping the crowds entertained. And with fans returning despite the heat on all four days, they must have done a stellar job. Billy Currington, Kacey Musgraves, Eli Young Band, Thompson Square, Frankie Ballard, and Parmalee all provided support for the cause throughout the weekend, as well.

"It’s so much more than just a country music festival," explains Taste of Country's Billy Dukes. "Everyone I talked to said the first reason they come back year after year is to have a good time with the ones they love."

He adds, "It’s like having Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Toby Keith and more play a giant family reunion."

Artists were more than just entertainment this year, they were fans as well. Urban was spotted hanging out on the side of the stage during Ballard’s set, admiring his guitar work.

“It says a lot about the country music community when you see artists display a genuine appreciation for each other," Storme Warren, host Sirius XM’s the Highway who also introduced acts during the festival, says. "Festivals like Country Jam provide the relaxed backstage environment where many artists connect, often for the first time. It’s obvious Frankie earned a new fan in Urban. The feeling is mutual."

With Country Jam's 24-year tradition, it makes sense that artists who have graced the Grand Junction stage have some deep rooted history with the festival. Take McGraw for example, who proposed to his wife, Faith Hill, during Country Jam almost 20 years ago. During this year's set he lead the crowd in leaving the Mrs. a voicemail wishing her a happy anniversary.

The success of this year's event has us all eagerly anticipating next year's festivities — and with good reason. Brad Paisley will headline Country Jam's 25th festival in 2016.

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See Pictures From Country Jam 2015