A new concert season is upon us. Time to pick your shows. One of New England’s most popular live music venue is ready to open it’s gates and usher in some of the biggest names in the business. The lineup on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in Guilford, New Hampshire this year is exceptional. Country music fans cannot be disappointed with this schedule of artists. There are 11 must-see country shows coming to Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, and you can see the lineup and dates, below.
Named by USA Today, as one of the “10 Best Concert Venues Across the USA, The Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion is more than just a venue, it’s a destination. For 26 years the outdoor amphitheater has earned legions of fans, rave reviews and accolades from the Academy of Country Music, The Country Music Association and others. Artists often mention this special place by name. On stage, you will also hear the stars declare the venue at “the best.”
As their BNHP website states, the 9,000 concert destination “started as a vision on a grass field on a tree farm, has since evolved into northern New England’s premier summer concert venue.” Check out these 11 must-see country shows coming to Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion. You can find more info and the ticket links here.
Lee Brice and Cole Swindell
Friday, May 26
Lee Brice and Cole Swindell- in a special co-headling show
Special guest, Lewis Brice
Lee Brice has a long history of hits, and is famous for his passionate performances. From 2009’s “Love Like Crazy” to last year’s “Memory I Don’t Mess With,” Brice has a healthy collection of hits, including 8 #1 hits. He is also a noted songwriter. Brice wrote the 2012 CMA Song of the Year, “Crazy Girl,” recorded by the Eli Young Band.
Cole Swindell is on a hot streak. He’s had some of the bigges hits of the past 3 years. “Single Saturday Night,” “Never Say Never” (with Lainey Wilson), and “She Had Me at Heads Carolina” are all #1 multi-platinum hits. And his new, “Drinkaby” is on it’s way. Not bad for a guy who was selling t-shirts for Luke Bryan from 2007-2010.
Photos by Rick Diamond/ and Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
2. Walker Hayes
Friday, June 2
Walker Hayes brings his Duck Buck Tour to Guilford
With: Ingrid Andress and Ray Fulcher
He’s come a long way from his 2017 breakout hit, “You Broke Up With Me.” Along the way, something fancy happened and Walker Hayes’ career blew up. It was a song, a dance, and a video that had everyone wanted more “Fancy Like.” Since then, Walker has been an in-demand performer. Often bringing his 6 kids and wife on stage with him, America has fallen in love with the Walkers.
(Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CMT)
3. Dierks Bentley
Thursday June 22
Dierks Bentley – Gravel and Gold Tour
With: Jordan Davis and Hailey Whitters
(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
Dierks Bentley has a mutual love affair with New England. He loves the history here, this venue, and says the fans are the loudest and the best in New England. Bentley is back! You know he will be running around the stage, into the crowd, and leaving it all out there-Always giving 100% for his fans. With 22 #1 hits, there’s plenty to sing along with, including his latest chart topper, Gold. And to think it all started with a question… “What Was I Thinkin,” Dierks’ 2003 debut single and first #1.
4. Sam Hunt
Friday, July 7
Sam Hunt– Summer on the Outskirts Tour
With Brett Young and Lily Rose
Fourth of July weekend on the lake is kicking off with a bang. Sam’s Outskirts Tour brings multiplatinum artist Brett Young to the stage, and the hot new singer/songwriter Lily Rose.
Sam started his career in Nashville as a songwriter, writing hits for Billy Currington (“We Are Tonight”) and Keith Urban (“Cop Car”), among others. But his debut release as an artist had everyone taking notice of his unique sound. Hunt’s blend of country rap, sultry soul and more traditional country has kept every album interesting and every fan interested in what’s next. From his first, “Leave the Night On,” to his recent “Water Under the Bridge, Sam contintues to showcase differents sides of his art.
(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
5. Outlaw Music Festival with Willie Nelson & Family
Wednesday, August 2
Outlaw Music Festival with Willie Nelson and Family
Plus: The Avett Brothers, Kathleen Edward, and Flatland Cavalry
A stellar lineup for this year’s Outlaw Music Fest. Joining country music royalty, is Americana royalty in the Avett Brothers. Canadian singer/songwriter and folk rock star Kathleen Edwards recently returned to music and Flatland Cavalry is a hot new Texas country rock band. But to have the chance to see a music icon and industry giant like Willie is going to be remarkable. Nelson just celebrated his 90th birthday.
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
6. The Chicks
Saturday, August 5
The Chicks– The World Tour
With Special guest: Wild Rivers
Natalie Maines and sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer bring their incredible talent and sass to the stage for one night. The hitmaking trio have given us classics like the dark comedy story song of “Goodbye Earl” to their beautiful cover of “Landslide,” to the alluring “Cowboy Take Me Away.” They continue to write and create their unique brand of country rock. And you can always count on the Chicks for a great show.
(Photo by Kevin Kane/Getty Images)
7. Jelly Roll
August 8
Jelly Roll- Backroad Baptism Tour
With: Elle King, Struggle Jennings, and Josh Adams Meyers
It should be called the genre neutral tour. From a hip/hop rap background to country music Jelly has you covered. His debut single, “Son of a Sinner” reached the top of the country radio chart last year. Like Jelly, Elle King defies musical classifications to just bring you what she’s feeling music.
(Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for BMG/BBR Music Group)
Chris Stapleton - 3 nights
August 10, 11 and 12 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday)
Chris Stapleton– All American Road Show
With: Marty Stuart, and the War & Treaty
The voice, the songs, the connection… Chris Stapleton ignites a stage with three chords and the truth. Ok, there are many chords, and riffs and many stories, but 3 nights of Stapleton at the Pavilion tells you that we fans can’t get enough. The Grammy Award winning artist returns with a few more hits in his hat, including his last #1 “You Should Probably Leave.”
(Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for CMT)
9. Hank Williams Jr.
Saturday, August 26
Hank Williams Jr.
With: Old Crowe Medicine Show, and Kasey Tyndall
Bocephus is back on tour. Or as the artist himself sang in the Monday Night Football theme song for years, “Yes, sir, this is Hank and my mission is to get this whole thing started.” Hank Jr’s blend of southern rock, country and blues earned the singer 11 #1 hits and influenced a generation of artists. “A Country Boy Can Survive,” “All My Rowdy Friends,” and “Family Tradition” are sure to be big crowd sing-a-longs.
(Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Essential Broadcast Media)
10. Zac Brown Band - 2 nights
Saturday September 2, and Sunday, September 3
Zac Brown Band- From the Fire Tour
With: King Calaway
New England fan favorites for years, Zac Brown takes the stage in Guilford for 2 nights. And to think, they had us from “Chicken Fried.” That was 2008, and the band is still hugely popular on the road and the radio. Zac added a band member last year. For the first time a female is part of the group, and like the other artists in the band she is an extremely talented musician, writer and singer. Caroline Jones is a permanent fixture in the band now. Zac’s most recent hits include, “Same Boat” and “Out In The Middle.”
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MAY 17: (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
11. Cody Johnson and Friends
Saturday, September 23
Cody Johnson
In the words of the man himself, “We ride into town, strike a match, and ride out.” So get ready for some fire on stage in NH. Cojo Nation will be showing up, they always do. Cody Johnson has earned millions of fans from his outward honesty, his integrity and grit. The former bull rider, doesn’t shoot the bull when it comes to his music. And that’s why fans connect. His empassioned and inspirational “Til You Can’t” has won numerous awards and put Cody on the worldwide map.
(Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
