Cody Jinks, Turnpike Troubadours Headline 2022 Under The Big Sky Fest

photos: Brad Coolidge, c/o BBR

In what is quickly becoming both one of the biggest and most important festivals in independent country and Americana in just its third year, Under The Big Sky Fest in Whitefish, Montana has announced its 2022 lineup for July 15-17, and once again it’s a doozy.

Drawing from an informed pool of talent that combines the biggest names in independent country, some of the most critically-acclaimed artists in the up-and-coming ranks, and even showing no prejudice against some of the best in the mainstream, Under The Big Sky Fest’s lineup is like an ideal illustration of what the top tier of country music should look like.

Along with monster acts Cody Jinks and the Turnpike Troubadours headlining, Under The Big Sky has also tapped Lord Huron, which as Saving Country Music assessed, showed sincere reverence and adroitness with classic country influences on their last record, while also remaining monsters of the indie rock realm.

Other big names include the surging Zach Bryan and Sierra Ferrell, Paul Cauthen and Jamey Johnson, Trampled by Turtles, American Aquarium, and the major label-signed Morgan Wade, and ample up-and-comers worthy of attention like Jaime Wyatt and Leah Blevins. Meanwhile, Midland and Lainey Wilson will represent the mainstream, which are two of the artists whose appeal crosses over to the true side of country quite easily. They even booked the singing, yodeling, whistling, mulleted and mustachioed country music weirdo of our time, Nick Shoulders.

And not to overlook the local talent in Montana who can use the opportunity to expand their name outside the mountain West, Under The Big Sky has also made room for The Lil Smokies, Hannah King, Michelle Rivers, and Emily Clark.

If you want to read what you can expect from Under The Big Sky, you can check out Saving Country Music’s 2021 recap of the fest. But after Saturday of last year’s festival got way out of hand when it came to the number of folks let in the gate, they have promised 2022 will feature more bathrooms, more free water stations & cheap bottled water, more parking, reduced attendance, and more open space at both stages, including the expansion of the “Creekside Stage” (the smaller of the two) to accommodate more folks. So yes, they listened after some of the logistical snafus on Saturday of last year.

Under The Big Sky Fest will commence on Friday, July 15th on the 350 acres of the Big Mountain Ranch with the Turnpike Troubadours and Paul Cauthen playing the kickoff party, with the rest of the performers playing on the two stages Saturday and Sunday. There will also be rodeo festivities on the grounds, as well as a petting zoo and other features.

For more info, camping and logging offers, visit underthebigskyfest.com . Tickets go on sale on February 4th at noon MOUNTAIN Time.

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