BANGOR, Maine — Country music fans have a lot to smile about with the announcement of three big-name acts set to headline the 2012 Waterfront Concert Series.
Friday, July 6, will bring Rascal Flatts, along with Little Big Town, Eli Young Band and Edens Edge.
Grammy Award-winner Keith Urban is set to take the stage Saturday, Sept. 1, with opening act David Nail, who has been nominated for the Academy of Country Music’s New Artist of the Year award.
The final concert in the lineup is set for the next day, Sunday, Sept. 2, and will feature Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and a yet-to-be-announced special guest.
“[Aldean] is as big as it gets right now as far as fan favorite, and then you’ve got two historical monsters,” said Waterfront Concerts promoter Alex Gray. “On the country front, we’ve already one-upped the two years combined.”
Gray is excited about what the 2012 series has to offer.
“We’ve got three of the biggest acts in all of country at this point,” he said. Organizers expect to announce a rock show on Monday and two more shows in the coming weeks. Gray said he’s planning to add other acts, as well.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 27. Prices vary for individual shows and individual tickets will go on sale at a later date, but avid country fans can purchase The 2012 Country Megaticket with prices starting at $139.50 for lawn seats and going up to $260. The megaticket allows you to see all three shows from the same seat.
The ability to offer a megaticket to concert goers, “just gives you the vibe of what Bangor has become,” said Gray, noting that other cities offering megaticket opportunities include San Diego and Atlanta.
To purchase tickets, visit waterfrontconcerts.com, megaticket.com, or call 800-745-3000.
—
Aimee Thibodeau
Country is where the money is at!!!!!
YEE HAW!
not even just that, it is the one way to bring money to bangor, still have a concert and not pee off the neighbor hood with “loud” music.
NEIGHBORHOOD is one word. I hope you understand the difference.
Actually, there were more people at Smackfest…but I don’t care for really heavy metal either. Country is ONE of the genres that sells. Top 40 and hip hop/dance music also sells, as does the Disney type of acts that you can take young kids to without a bunch of drunk people or pot heads.
There are definitely drunks and potheads at country shows and hip/hop, though probably less than other venues. Though unless times have changed the hip/hop crowd is probably pretty rowdy some days too.
whats wrong with headpots
Way to go Alex, Waterfront Concerts and the City of Bangor! The work you have done has made Bangor a destination for Great Music and Grade A Entertainment!! That sound you here is money filling the coffers of Bangor businesses! Keep up the GREAT work!!
Thanks for the support NYMainer
Not sure if Bangor is the market, but I wonder if Alex has looked into getting acts such as Tom Petty, Pearl Jam, Dave Mathews, etc? Either way great job!
of course, Thanks for the support
WE WANT FLOBOTS IN BANGOR!!!!!
Two more suggestions; Live and Collective Soul. Both put on great shows.
Don’t think either would draw enough, maybe they could as part of a festival type lineup.
I like where your mind is at and would gladly attend all three if they were to come here! Love what WFC is doing for the area!!
I know Tom Petty is touring this summer. That would be incredible for sure.
I saw Pearl Jam when they came to Augusta in 1996. One of the best concerts I’ve ever been to. It would be great to see them again.
Ahhhh, yes, the famous “Dennis Rodman” shows! I remember working at a little mom and pop store in Maine back then. Several of the workers and I took turns calling for tickets, needless to say, we didn’t get any, they sold out in I think they said 15 minutes or less.
I couldn’t get any tickets either, but i showed up to the concert a few hours early with a couple hundred bucks I earned mowing laws (I was in high school). I got out of my car, walked about 20 feet, and some guy offered to sell me a ticket at face value. Turns out they had released an extra couple hundred tickets that day for walk-up sales, and he bought some figuring someone would need one and he didn’t want them all to get bough by people looking to scalp them for an outrageous amount of money.
Eddy rocks:)
best.concert.band.ever. the whole audience sings every word, love in the air.
Not the best damage control by BDN for the early post…sidebar images of acts and video at the top of the page are still there, giving away a good chunk of the news…the only thing we really don’t know at this point is scheduling…
If you love what were doing
CHECK OUT OUR
INSIDERS CLUB PERKS
http://waterfrontconcerts.com/insider
uck
As I have said before, Country is not my thing, but if country acts are successful at the Waterfront, bring ’em in. That gives Alex and the crew more $$$ to build on and maybe bring in acts you might like. Either way, it is great for the economy. I can’t wait for more announcements.
agreed, the concerts are awesome and i wish them nothing but success
Thanks again
no, thank YOU for showing everybody what CAN be done.
No one is complaining about offering country shows. Just pointing out that there are other genres of music that sells, too. No one is calling for an end to the concerts…we’re just saying we wants some variety. I’m sure you’d feel the same way if the only current shows ever booked were of a kind of music you really hate.
There were major announcements today, all of them country acts. I
responded to a post that simply said, “uck.” Now, you might say nobody
was complaining, but I simply posted to get people to see the big
picture. You are sure I feel the same way…well, I already stated that
I don’t like country music. I have been to several shows at the
waterfront, NONE of them country. Of course I would have been happier
to see 3 rock shows listed today, but again, if the country shows,
together, are more successful, get them in here, pad the bank account so
they can get more variety.
It is amazing what the comments on here devolve into. Is there anybody
here who would have thought 3 years ago that they would be saying, “Oh,
Toby Keith is playing the Bangor Waterfront, why can’t we get some
“good” acts?”….just using Toby Keith as an example. Bangor is making
progress, and the Waterfront Concert series has been tremendous.
Thanks tjones
I don’t know if this will post of not, but will give it a try. I was born and grew up in Maine and have always considered myself a ‘Mainer’; country music made me shudder. After leaving ME, I’ve lived all over the country and continued to consider ‘country’ in the same manner. However, was talked into seeing Keith Urban in concert, and was blown over. Whether you like his voice or not is irrelevant, he puts on a terrific show. He’s an entertainer first and foremost, and can play that guitar with the best. I don’t believe he’s had any concerts in New England outside of CT, so if I were you, I’d sure buy that ticket.
Stay Tuned : Thanks for the support
This is great news. Exciting to see more big name acts coming to Bangor. This is great for the whole community.
Alex , you rock , with the country acts ! Country are songs about me and alot of people i know . Keep up the great work by keeping Bangor Shining !
Thanks Ricky, hope to see you on the Waterfront
Yee haw! The honky tonks are happy as clams.
The sky is the limit now… WFC has certainly made a good city Great! Huge shows coming once again. Hop on for the ride. WFC 2012 and beyond.
Yes, WFC has done a remarkable job getting some big name acts to the area. How many of those can Bangor support? One concert a week? Two concerts a week, one rock the other country? There only so much money in the area.
Sure would like to see the City step-up with better facilities on the waterfront.
Thank You
Thanks for the generous support Terence
Hank Jr. is still touring.
no thanks on that creep
please book insane clown posse
LOL That would go over well with area residents!
what a horrible band!
Not my cup of tea either, but for every band out there, there are people that think the same thing you do about this one.
thats fine if you dont like them, i do and so do lots of other people, i may not care for your music either but thats what makes the world go around…..whoop whoop
It’s not so much that your into them as it is that you may be exposing young children to them as though they were someone to be idolized. Regardless of the music, these are not good people.
i simply came to this thread to request to mr.gray to book a band. didnt expect to be insulted by a know it all bigot. get a grip commonsense guy. great job to waterfront concert series. book whomever you think is best to bring in revenue to the city. you cant please everyone, but if other people can request their choices i will request mine. whoop whoop
Oh please! There are plenty of bands out there I like that aren’t exactly a good choice for my children. I listen to them while I’m in the car by myself or when they’re not around. That’s insulting to think that just because someone likes a certain type of music that they are automatically bad parents who share it with their kids. I don’t think your name could be any more appropriate…..
most hated band on the planet, so fresh they can’t stand it
oooh. thanks. just found em on youtube. love
Warren Haynes
Kind of bummed. Not a huge country music fan.
Wow! Great news! Unfortunately, though, my IQ is above 80, so I won’t be able to enjoy any of these country music acts. But have a great time concert patrons!
Statements like that make me question if your IQ really is above 80.
I understand and don’t blame you…country music now has got so boring with all the boring written songs that took five minutes to write and it shows. Why has country music gone down the tubes so much these past 10 years is my question. And how is it that these promoters think that we like to listen to stupid over and over the same line music instead of good live bands playing good stuff. Oh well…guess they think that us Mainers are old country hicks and we deserve these shows….Oh Hum…how boring…
…”And how is it that these promoters think that we like to listen to stupid over and over the same line music instead of good live bands playing good stuff. Oh well…guess they think that us Mainers are old country hicks and we deserve these shows….Oh Hum…how boring… ”
Umm, because lots of people pay to see these performers..the promoters wouldn’t bring them if they weren’t potentially gonna sell tickets.These are not no-name acts,they are Grammy winning country favorites.
Oh and BTW, I am not a fan of country music,but they WILL sell lots of tickets!
I’d enjoy some older country acts, maybe. As far a contemporary country goes, I’ve never heard of a genre of music that celebrates being a simpleton to such an extent. It’s like a contest to see who can be the craziest backwoods redneck. I’m waiting for Kenny Chesney’s follow-up hit, “I Think My Sister’s Sexy”.
hey, i’m fine with that as long as your not suggesting HIP HOP is any deeper.
Heavens no, LOL.
come on. hip hop is poetry.
It’s not the poets demeaning women. Filled with a nauseating sense of entitlement and FALSE BRAVADO. that sure as heck isn’t doing our society any good.
some hip hop is like that. but not all of it.
listen to the insane clown posse. they rap about miracles.
Tell ya what, ;I’m not a big fan of country but it’s certainly doesn’t take any higher IQ to listen to the Black Eyed peas, or Beyonce or Jennifer Lopez. let’s be honest, anyone who says, “Pit bull is my favorite” is fortunate if they have two brain cells to rub together.
There are a few good acts out there but unfortunately very little of it makes it to the Dumbed down mainstream.
Give me Sinatra, The Dead, Arlo Guthrie and The Smothers Brothers any day over the tripe we idolize now.
Not suggesting they were all of the highest moral fiber. Just that they had talent that couldn’t be duplicated the next week as it is now.
What Amazes me is that so many of these women with incredible voices have decided that it’s easier to sing backup for rappers. God forbid anything not have a DANCE TRACK
I know that there are certain costs that go along with bringing these artists up to the frozen wasteland of Maine, but these ticket prices are way too high. My family and I love all of these bands, but it’s hard to justify spending $697.50 to stand around the park and listen to them or $1300.00 for a seat.
I was beside myself with excitement when I heard that these bands were coming, but not so much now. Too bad too.
Reading comprehension…. One ticket at $140 includes all 3 shows works out to $47 per concert or for one ticket at $260 includes all 3 shows works out to $87. Pretty cool deal and a great idea.
My reading comprehension is fine unlike your math skills. Keeping in mind that I said “family and I” in my first post let’s say that, myself included, there are 5 of us going to all the shows.
5 people x $139.50 per ticket to stand all day = 697.50 for all three days.
or
5 people x $260.00 per ticket for a seat = $1300.00
If you are having trouble affording these shows, why would you go to all three? Go to one show, leave the kids at home, depending on how old your kids are, tell them to get a summer job….One day of summer work will pay for their tickets. I am guessing the single ticket will probably be around 55 bucks or so and in this day and age is a good deal for overpriced concerts.
Mainly because one kids will want to see a certain act that plays on one day, and another kids will want to see a band on another day, and so on. It wouldn’t be fair to bring one kids on one day and another on the second day and another on the third day. Besides, my family likes all of the bands playing. It’d be hard to pick one band over another without wishing we’d gone to a different show. Rather than disappoint my kids, it’d be easier to just hope they dont find out about these shows.
BTW, my kids are 5, 8, and 15. I doubt if the 5 and 8 year old are going to pick up jobs. There a alot of adults out there looking for work that can’t find it.
How wonderful for the fans, but, how unbelievably boring. Why not hire one band and have them play three times as long. Lets face it, most of todays CW songs took all of five minutes to write. The music all sounds the same and the lyrics are mostly stupid. It’s money making, boring, junk music. Why not hire some bands that play “REAL” music.
Lol, I have a theory, the PC police killed country music. The Hank Jr, Waylon, Johnny Cash, etc dinkin, fightin, going to jail songs are all gone, while these weren’t musical masterpieces they were still fun. I will admit bias as I am of the Dukes of Hazzard (original) generation.
This one is for the Family Guy fans… Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Conway Twitty…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og1QRtcWdEY
No!!!! BADDDD !!!!
No Conway twitty.
First time they aired that it seemed like it went on forever. I never understood why matadors got into country music.
Actually, these guys were always “outlaws” to the Nashville establishment. If anything, the PC libs that you hate actually like these guys compared to current country music, which is, you guessed it, the Nashville establishment once again.
Wow really? People will argue about anything… Lucky Charms vs. Frosted Flakes… go!
I miss Chocolate Lucky Charms. I can’t find them anywhere.
I’m more of a Frosted Flakes fan myself… (:
Here I’ll make you feel better. George Bush’s brown shirted F.C.C. censorship goons ruined country music.
you know you have a problem when you can’t even talk about music without saying ‘pc lib’.
Too bad the organizers seem to think that country is all we listen to around here. I would love to attend concerts on the waterfront, but the bands they have had just don’t appeal to me. I know country sells, but a little variety would be nice. I’m sure many of the big rock or hip-hop groups out right now could sell tickets, too…
My sentiments exactly.
From the story: Organizers expect to announce a rock show on Monday and two more shows
in the coming weeks. Gray said he’s planning to add other acts, as well.
Impatient much? These three country acts are whats been announced so far.It says a rock show will be announced Monday and I’m sure there will be a variety like there has been in past years….JEEESH!
I think the Fiscal reality is the fiscal reality. There is more money out there for country music, so that’s the direction they go. “My morning Jacket” may sell out this week but beyond that who knows. By the way, lame band and REALLY LAME moniker. Older people are willing to pay more to see established acts. Younger people aren’t going to pay the same prices. very often.
Go see Keith Urban . . . and when you leave, ask yourself if you feel like you’ve just been to a Country concert! His show is far, far, from your perception of Country music. One of the greatest electric guitar players on the planet!
No thanks. I don’t like his voice.
“Ya better mind your businessa man, watch your mouth, before I have to knock that loud mouth out. I’m tired of talking, man, ya’ll ain’t listening. Them old dirt roads is what ya’ll missin’.”
I think that Maine has a wide variety of people with a wide variety of musical taste and that every concert that Waterfront Concerts brings to Bangor is an huge plus for everyone. If you don’t like country, just don’t go instead of bashing it in a forum. Same goes for the rock people. I am very excited that Alex was able to get these big headliners and will be there at 2 of these concerts! Now if only Dierks Bentley would come, my 6 year old son would be ecstatic!
That’s very easy for someone who actually likes country music to say. This is the third year and of course people who don’t like country music are going to be kind of annoyed. Some of us would like some concerts offered that we would be interested in attending, too.
There have been a number of decidedly un-country shows. I tend to agree with you in wishing there were more, but the promoters ultimately have to think about attendance. Country is probably the most popular genre in Maine (especially this part of Maine), and as such, features more heavily in the Waterfront Concert series than other types of act. It is really annoying though, I know.
Apparently you missed my post asking for CURRENT non-country music.
By all means, more “Contra dance”
ga-ross.
these events are taking place in BANGOR, not Portland. What region do you draw from???? THE NORTHERN PART. There are a lot of ATV lovin , country music blaring fans NORTH OF BANGOR…
When will you people grasp that you will never be anything more then an after thought. Bangor may be physically the center but certainly not the CULTURAL center.
Bangor caters to the people north of them NOT SOUTH. They like country in the north. It ain’t Brain surgery.
South, culture, variety
North, Ski-doo trails, High unemployment and an aging population.
me thinks you travel in a very small circle
I highly doubt the student body of UMO and Husson would list country as their top choice in music.
Can we please get something CURRENT that isn’t country?
Monday’s announcement is only three days away.
Is this Bangor Maine or Bakersfield, CA?
Why is everyone so quick to complain? The people in charge if the Waterfront Concerts are bringing BIG NAMES to Bangor. If you aren’t a country fan, fine….don’t go. Just a few years ago we had to travel to Portland and beyond to see anyone like they have brought to Bangor. I say…GOOD JOB Waterfront Concerts! I am anxious to see the entire list for the series!!!
Thanks for the support JNHC
jlegere1 wrote:
“I know that there are certain costs that go along with bringing these
artists up to the frozen wasteland of Maine, but these ticket prices are
way too high. My family and I love all of these bands, but it’s hard
to justify spending $697.50 to stand around the park and listen to them
or $1300.00 for a seat.
I was beside myself with excitement when I heard that these bands were coming, but not so much now. Too bad too”.
Notwithstanding all arguments on musical preferences (Although IMHO these are cookie cutter corporate Country acts manufactured by CMT) the person quoted above hits at the heart of the matter.
As if that wasn’t enough, we have the dubious “privilege” of being an “insider” (I thought Country Music was about the “common man” or “we’re all in it together”) for an extra 150 dollars you can (hold your breath!) CUT THE LINE, buy expensive tickets early in exclusive pre sales, and (are you ready?) have EXCLUSIVE acess to the “insiders” FACEBOOK PAGE!
Yet, from the comments, you would think the promoters had walked on water.
IMHO, music industry insider and blogger Bob Lefsetz says it best:
“You’ve got to be in bed with your fans. They’re lifers, they’re your
family. The record company employees come and go, as do the agents,
promoters and even the managers.
Somehow, in the last thirty years, music has become equated with money.
We live in an attention economy, your biggest chore is getting people to listen, not to pay for your music.
And the entire music industry is rotten to the core, riddled with
egocentric businesspeople putting themselves first and responding not to
music, but money. Don’t listen to a word they say, it’s like asking a
child to deny he wants candy, it’s useless.
But somehow we live in a country where greed and self-interest have
been legitimized. If everyone else is doing it, why shouldn’t I do it
too? But people don’t need your music. They can live without it. It’s
not equivalent to food and water, it’s certainly not air.
Your job is to
make people feel it’s just that necessary, and it’s not about
marketing, but the music itself. And for thirty years, marketing has
triumphed. And what we’re left with is a carcass of a music industry
with no center”.
http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/index.php/archives/2012/01/19/which-side-are-you-on/
My advice: Go see a talented local music act, the lights aren’t as bright, and the stage is smaller, but the honesty and price are right.
Thanks. I’m hoping my 6 year old doesn’t find out that Rascal Flatts is coming. He’d loose his mind if they played “Life is a highway” I’d love to go to all the shows, but maybe they’ll come to Boston and we’ll make the trip down there. I don’t know for sure, but I’m guessing we’d save a bunch of money.
$697.00 for a ticket to listen to this trash. How about $6.97…..
OOOH COUNTRY! ALL COUNTRY….good job because I won’t be going
Country fest? Please, how about some diversity!
Blues, rock and roll. Dont turn this into country music only
Great line-up for those that enjoy country music. Now if only there were equally as talented and well known acts for those of us that bleed from our ears every time country music plays.
How about some contemporary Christian? Third Day, Aaron Shust, Bebo Norman, Building 429, Steven Curtis Chapman, MercyMe, Casting Crowns, Michael W Smith, etc…to name just a few. There are plenty to pick from and I am sure there are plenty of people who would get tickets and attend!
Only if I can drink lots of beer!!
You can stay home and do whatever your little heart desires, sweetie!
These acts still make noise and do not fit into the waterfront masterplan. There will still be those out there that will work like dogs to get these acts back on the highway and heading south. They will succeed in a matter of time. I plan on opening a temporary tatoo tent on railroad street the day of the show so on a personal level I can’t wait to inject some ink (alright, I’m going to pay someone to do that).
We play both kinds of music Country and Western… have a good day ya’ll!
Was this paid advertising ?
nope, news !
May-be, to a few.
Did it run the day after you signed an ad package ?
Or was it all news to you, too ?
LOL
Love the waterfront concerts! Now how about some Rock and Roll??!
4 country concerts out of 17 concerts??? I see alot of crying in the comments about country music..
They will come out with the rest of the names soon enough..
I am sure that there will be some concerts for the head banging crowd, You can share the concerts with you’re children and the bath salters.. I’m not a biggot/musicist and hope you you enjoy the concerts.. I’m sure the downtown businesses will weclome your money as well… Have Fun!!!
PINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Some of you are so quick to complain. They announced a couple concerts and people are already complaining about the acts. I’m sure just like last year they will have a variety of music…just be patient. Some of you read these articles just so you have something to complain about…how dull and negative your lives must be.
Great Job Waterfront Concerts! I saw six shows last year and can’t wait for 2012! For us old hippies, how about Doobie Bros., Grand Funk Railroad, Blue Oyster Cult, Allman Bros., Santana, Crosby Stills Nash, plus newer stuff Martina McBride, Anne McCue………keep it coming at us! All live music sounds good on the waterfront!
Thanks for the overwhelming support, we’ll see you again on the Waterfront in Bangor
====
i am soo happpyy, I’ve always wanted to see Rascal Flatss & Luke Bryan!! and Keith Urban is my number one guyyy! i love him so much<3 thank you bangor!!!! :D
We’ll see you July 6th & Sept 1st on the Waterfront :)
How bout Phish? Or Kid Rock would be nice to see again!
.
The tragedy here as always is the Festival organizers refusal to recognize honor and promote Maine’s
performers who are currently starving from the weight of their stardom.
To name just a few Dave Mallett
see http://davidmallett.com/
Tony Gaboury
see http://www.invisiblemusicrecords.com/?page_id=11
Paul Stookey
see http://www.noelpaulstookey.com/
Did I mention Stephen King’s H. P Lovecraft quartet?
Can’t please everyone all of the time. Would like to see an old classmate from PIHS, Ellis Paul. Still a great thing going on here. We take it all for granted.
Living between Shaw’s and Third Street, I’ll be “attending” the concerts whether or not I want to.
Anyone that likes these concerts should contact Live Nation and tell them they will support them. Without Live Nation these concert series wouldn’t be here, PERIOD. There is no way someone that couldn’t even successfully run a bar in Orono would be allowed access to the Bangor Waterfront to have some concerts. I don’t know the local promoter but from what I read, and have read in the BDN a few years ago, it is obvious that Live Nation is pulling the strings. I could care less about this stuff. I can’t hear the noise because I live too far away from the venue, or because my hearing aid is out at the time of night, I can’t be sure. So if these concerts are your thing, call live nation and ask to speak with someone that oversees the Bangor Market. Conversly, if you have a problem with something that is going on related to the concerts call Live Nation and give them that too. A good business wants to hear the negative just as much as the positive.
What the heck are you talking about? Have a personal problem with Mr. Gray?
@UVSHTSTRM……I AGREE totally with any of those bands…especially Dave Matthews. With the fan base they have I could see them selling out that venue in about 2 minutes, I have seen DMB over 50 times up and down the east coast and never been upset
country
What about the Allman Brothers Band?
I was really dissappointed when Gregg Allman dropped out of his show last summer
get PHISH to come!
So many complaining little whiners…If you don’t like these acts, don’t go. I’m not a fan of this “pop country” but many are and these shows will bring economic activity to Bangor. Waterfront Concerts has done a great job bringing a wide variety of acts to town each year and I’m sure that many are looking forward to attending these shows. The community should be a little more appreciative ………Peace and enjoy the shows
Ticket prices dont seem to be any higher than any other venues….
That would be nearly impossible….But that would be just awesome….Hmm that was supposed to be a reply to the Phish suggestion
A blues or Jazz fest would be cool too