Just 25 minutes south of Owensboro, sits the city of Beaver Dam, the largest city in Ohio County, but a town that definitely still carries that small town feel. With over 130 businesses located within the city limits the downtown area still consists of mainly family owned restaurants, shops, and boutique
The crown jewel of Beaver Dam is undoubtedly the amphitheater, which can accommodate shows for up to 1,600 people on the main level with lawn-chair seating and the ability to expand to 5,000 with second-tier hillside. This amphitheater was a natural fit for Beaver Dam, as music is a major component of the community’s heritage. Bluegrass legend Bill Monroe and Grammy-winning Christian performer Jason Crabb and the Crabb Family were all born in Ohio County. Not to mention, Beaver Dam’s location is centrally located to several larger populated areas like Owensboro and Bowling Green, which has proven to draw large crowds.
This summer, the Beaver Dam Tourism Commission has set out to hold an event every weekend. With a variety to offer, they encourage Owensboro to check out their 2018 summer line up:
May 11: John Prine with Tyler Childers
Two time Grammy-winner, singer-songwriter, John Prine, is among the English language’s premier phrase-turners. Forty-five years into a remarkable career that has drawn effusive praise from Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt, Roger Waters, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and others who would know, Prine is a smiling, shuffling force for good. He is a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member whose classic debut album, simply titled John Prine, is recognized as part of the Recording Academy’s Grammy Hall of Fame.
June 1: The Oak Ridge Boys with Scott Lindsey
Theirs is one of the most distinctive and recognizable sounds in the music industry. The four-part harmonies and upbeat songs of The Oak Ridge Boys have spawned dozens of Country hits and a number one pop smash, earned them Grammy, Dove, CMA, and ACM awards and garnered a host of other industry and fan accolades. Every time they step before an audience, the Oaks bring four decades of charted singles, and 50 years of tradition, to a stage show widely acknowledged as among the most exciting anywhere. And each remains as enthusiastic about the process as they have ever been.
“When I go on stage, I get the same feeling I had the first time I sang with The Oak Ridge Boys,” says lead singer Duane Allen. “This is the only job I’ve ever wanted to have.”
June 23: Jason Crabb and The Isaacs
Born and raised in Beaver Dam, KY, a rural southern town known more for its catfish than culture, Jason’s voice and values were steeped in the tradition of faith and family. At the age of 14, Jason took to the road with his family, endearing himself to audiences around the country and the globe with his searing vocals and transparent faith. Dove Awards were but the icing on top of the family’s illustrious career. But, as with all things, the family grew, changed and the members obediently took steps in faith to follow their own God-directed paths. For Jason, this meant going solo. 2009 saw his self-titled solo album race to the top of the charts, while Jason’s rise and notoriety as a soloist earned him nomination after nomination. In 2012, Jason walked away with not only Male Artist of the Year at the GMA Dove Awards; he took home Artist of the Year as well, marking 20 Dove Awards throughout his career, not to mention the GRAMMY Award he took home in 2010. And he did it all not with fanfare; but with humility.
July 7: Sparks in the Park with: Andy Brasher, Jericho Woods, and Nite Shift
Stay for fireworks after the show!
July 28: Inaugural ’80s ROCKS the DAM Fest! featuring: SKID ROW, Great White, and Vixen
Crowds are sure to love the inaugural ’80s ROCKS the DAM Fest!
August 11: Back to School Bash featuring: Heath & Molly and more bands to be announced!
This is the perfect end of summer event with inflatables and lots of great music.
August 18: Tyler Childers with Aubrie Sellers
Like many great Southern storytellers, singer-songwriter Tyler Childers has fallen in love with a place. The people, landmarks and legendary moments from his childhood home of Lawrence County, Kentucky, populate the 10 songs in his formidable debut, Purgatory, an album that’s simultaneously modern and as ancient as the Appalachian Mountains in which events unfold.
August 25: Lee Brice with Dylan Schneider & Morgan Evans
Blame Aunt Henrietta. When you dig into Lee Brice, with its thick grooves, the squalling guitars, the tumbling drums, sheets of steamy B-3 organ and wide open vocals, the two time CMA/ACM/Grammy Song of the Year nominee takes listeners to church, school, home and out on a Saturday night. For a man known for raucous live shows and contemplative songs, there’s a whole lot of gospel driving his fourth album.
“My Aunt Henrietta had the groove,” he says. “She could play one note, and pierce your heart. She played the piano, and when she played she was black and I didn’t know it, or think about it. I was so sheltered, I didn’t understand; it was just church music – and it felt good! It coulda been Ray Charles, too, but it was all over her playing.”
September 2: Turnpike Troubadours with Shooter Jennings and Chris Knight
Turnpike Troubadours are the definition of road warriors. For the past dozen years, the Red Dirt six-piece have built their reputation on the back of tireless touring, selling out honky-tonks and dance halls throughout the country. They’ll play over 100 shows this year, mostly to crowds of 4,000. At the heart of it all, though, is the band’s songwriting.
What a year it will be in Beaver Dam! Tickets for all shows are on sale now and can be purchased at BeaverDamTourism.com
