Jenny Johnson
Partner Content Written by Jenny Johnson
WE Fest is bringing in another legendary lineup at Soo Pass Ranch for the summer’s biggest bash.
For the past 40 years, WE Fest has hosted some of the biggest names in country music at Soo Pass Ranch in Detroit Lakes, MN. This legendary festival has seen performances by musical icons such as Alabama, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, George Strait, The Judds, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, Blake Shelton, Kane Brown, and Morgan Wallen.
While watching unforgettable performances by headliners is a major highlight of WE Fest, the festival also offers a platform for other incredible performers who may eventually become headliners themselves. So, if you’re looking to discover new artists and add some great tunes to your playlist, WE Fest is the place to be!
The Headliners
This year’s lineup features Eric Church, Parker McCollum, and Jelly Roll.
Jelly Roll‘s career has skyrocketed since his Grand Ole Opry debut in November 2021. He has become a fan favorite on country and rock music charts, winning the 2023 CMA New Artist of the Year, CMT Male Video of the Year, CMT Breakthrough Video of the Year, and Digital-First Performance of the Year for his hit song “Son of A Sinner.” This Nashville native recently wrapped up his sold-out 44-city Backroad Baptism Arena Tour, and WE Fest is thrilled to bring him to Detroit Lakes, MN.
Parker McCollum has made a big impact on the music scene in a short amount of time. McCollum won the 2022 Best New Male Artist at the American Country Music Awards and Breakthrough Video for his hit song “To Be Loved By You” at the CMT Music Awards. This summer he is set to embark on the 41-date U.S. Burn It Down Tour, bringing his electrifying live performance to audiences across the nation. McCollum shared, “2024 is going to be the biggest and best show we have ever put together. I can’t wait for all the fans to come see what we are working up. The Burn It Down Tour is going to be absolutely epic.”
Eric Church is a veteran of WE Fest, having performed on the Soo Pass Ranch stage four times before. During his white-hot career, he has been nominated for and won just about every country music award possible while amassing a passionate fanbase around the globe known as the Church Choir.
3 Days Full of Music
In addition to headliners, the festival features country classics, new hitmakers, and fresh faces.
The Classics
Trace Adkins has been a successful country music talent for over 25 years, selling over 11 million albums and charting over 20 singles. He is also a member of the Grand Ole Opry and has acted in film and television.
The Bellamy Brothers have been making music since the 1970s and are known for paving the way for country music duos. They hold the record for most duo nominations in the Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association Awards.
Lonestar has charted over 20 singles on the Hot Country Songs chart, including nine number-one songs. Their hit “Amazed” was the first country song to become number one on the Billboard Hot 100 since “Islands in the Stream” in 1983.
Hitmakers
Koe Wetzel is a country rockstar from northeast Texas who has reached over 1.3 billion streams to date and has racked up three RIAA GoldCertified singles. He has received acclaim from American Songwriter, Billboard, Rolling Stone, and many more.
Carly Pearce has won multiple ACM and CMA awards and had four No. 1 singles. This year, Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde made Grammy history, becoming the first female pairing to win Best Country Duo/Group Performance with their chart-topping hit “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.”
Elle King‘s hit single “Ex’s & Oh’s” earned her two Grammy nominations. King’s mega-hit “Drunk (and I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” with Miranda Lambert reached No. 1 in April 2022, becoming the first female duet to reach the top of the charts in almost 30 years. The song was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance, the Country Music Association Award for Musical Event of the Year, and won the Academy of Country Music Award for Video of the Year.
Warren Zeiders started his career co-writing and singing original songs, including the hit “Ride the Lightning,” which had over 500 million views on TikTok and debuted at number 30 on the Billboard Hot Country Song chart in 2021. Zeiders has built a passionate fan base, selling out shows with his outlaw-style country.
Texas singer/ songwriter, Paul Cauthen is nicknamed “Big Velvet” due to his smooth baritone. His outlaw-country influenced sound and vocal delivery recalls the classic giants Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash.
Jackson Dean is known for bringing a gritty, lyricdriven, old-school country vibe to his music. His hit “Don’t Come Lookin” had the fastest debut to reach No. 1 in 2022. He has also found success recently, having his music featured on the Netflix series, “The Ice Road” and “Yellowstone.”
You might recognize Corey Kent from Blake Shelton’s team on “The Voice.” Appearing on the show introduced him to a larger, wider audience, and he and his band spent plenty of time on the road playing for new fans. His current hits, “Hearts on Fire” and “Something’s Gonna Kill Me” hold top positions streaming and on radio.
According to music publication Holler, “Lauren Watkins is a country superstar in the making.” Born and raised in Nashville, TN, she’s been living in country music for as long as she can remember, spending her teenage years performing in downtown honky tonks. Watkins describes her sound as, “classic and sweet but with texture and grit.”
Stephen Wilson Jr., self-described as “Death Cab For Country,” draws upon indie rock, grunge, and country to create a distinct sound that is influenced by artists as diverse as The National, Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Nirvana. Wilson Jr. has gained critical accolades and a global base of music fans enamored by his emotive performance, skilled guitar prowess, and powerful vocals.
Emma Zinck is her own brand of powerhouse “Electric Country” and one to watch on the Nashville music scene today! Armed with her guitar, vocals, and dynamic presence, she captivates fans on any stage.
Taylor Goyette, a singer-songwriter celebrated for his deep lyrics and soulful tunes, has been making waves. Raised in a small town, Taylor’s music, has captivated audiences and industry insiders alike. Known for energetic performances, Taylor has shared stages with Jason Aldean and Carly Pearce, marking his rising prominence in the country music scene!
The Joe Stamm Band blends Midwestern roots with Red Dirt influences in their latest album, “Wild Man.” Known for their gritty spirit and dynamic country-rock sound, the band has risen from small gigs to notable acclaim. Their third album, recorded in Nashville, features powerful storytelling and a robust musical backdrop, epitomized by the lead track “Wild Man,” inspired by a biblical story and marked by profound lyrics and energetic instrumentals.
Newer to the Scene
Don’t miss Tanner Adell. Tanner is paving her own lane of country music. Raised in cowboy boots between the coast of Manhattan Beach, CA, and the rustic charm of Star Valley, WY.
Patrick Murphy, a native of Perham, MN, just landed his first publishing and major record deal.
Dakota Hale, who has made a name for herself performing across the Midwest since the age of 15, has now been featured as the “Top New Artist” on country radio in southern Missouri.
Don’t miss out on the incredible lineup at WE Fest 2024, taking place August 1-3. The event will be hosted by the legendary Cowboy Troy. And if three days of music is not enough for you, WE Fest is also bringing back the Wednesday night kickoff bonus concert. If you have a 3-day ticket, you can attend the free show featuring Corey Kent and Joe Stamm Band.
Get your tickets today for the best and biggest country music festival in the U.S. at wefest.com/tickets.
