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* REVIEW: Over 85,000 fans fill Saginaw's Ojibway Island for the KCQ Country Music Fest*

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

Jimmy Wayne headlines the 98 FM KCQ Country Music Fest on June 19, 2010.

by Jason Rzucidlo americajr@americajr.com

SAGINAW, Mich. -- More than 85,000 people came out to see Jimmy Wayne, Richie McDonald, Randy Houser and Jason Michael Carroll on Saginaw's Ojibway Island on June 19. It was all for the 98 FM KCQ Country Music Fest, an annual summertime tradition in Mid-Michigan. The island was turned into a sea of people for one day. This year's festival was bigger than last year with four main acts instead of three. Local and Stone Cold performed at 11 a.m. and in between the main acts. Country music fans came out by the thousands to enjoy a full day of free music.

The weather started out cloudy. But by 1 p.m., it became hot and steamy. Temperatures were in the lower 90's. That didn't dampen the spirit of country music fans, who waited hours to stake our their prime viewing spots on the island. Water was the most popular item at the festival.

The festival was completely FREE and open to the public. In addition to the music, there was a classic car show and a motorcycle show. There were a lot more classic cars than last year. In addition, there was no shortage of classic cars. There was an arts and crafts tent and a children's area as well. Inside the food tent, there was Famous Dave's BBQ, Jet's Pizza, Fat Philly's Classic Cheesesteaks and The Coffee Bar, among many others. Cider Slush was another popular drink at the festival.

The inflatable rock climbing wall for the kids was new to the festival this year. The U.S. Army had a big display with a simulator ride for fans to enjoy. Verizon Wireless had a tent set up to show off some of its new cell phones for the first time.

It all began with members of the U.S. Army Reserves who were on hand for the national anthem. Flint-based country band Stone Cold performed on the island stage during the festival for the second year in a row. The island stage was located to the left of the main stage. Stone Cold performed at 11 a.m. and in between each of the main stage performers.

Jason Michael Carroll was the first main act to perform at around noon. He performed all of his hits including "Alyssa Lies," "Livin' Our Love Song," "Livin' Our Love Song," and "Where I'm From." Carroll's latest album, Growing Up is Getting Old, was released on April 28, 2009. After his performance, he met a few fans and then took off to catch a flight to Ohio. He was scheduled to perform another show that same night.

Richie McDonald almost didn't make it to the KCQ Country Music Fest. He was performing a benefit concert the night before in Nashville. His flight from Louisville, Ken. to Detroit was cancelled. McDonald really wanted to do the show in Saginaw so he rented a car and drove straight to mid-Michigan on his own.

McDonald took the stage at around 1:15 p.m. He performed some Lonestar songs as well as some of his own material. McDonald entertains the crowd with Lonestar songs "Mr. Mom," "What About Now," and "Amazed." He also performed original songs "Six Foot Teddy Bear" and "How Do I Just Stop." McDonald's latest album, I Turn to You, was released on June 3, 2008.

Randy Houser performed on the main stage at 3:30 p.m. He performed his hit singles "Anything Goes," "Boots On," "Whistlin' Dixie" and his current single "I'm All About It." Houser's second album, They Call Me Cadillac, will be released on Sept. 14, 2010. He wrote the song "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" for Trace Adkins.

Jimmy Wayne took the stage at around 4:00 p.m. He performed all of his hit singles including "Stay Gone," "I Love You This Much," "Do You Believe Me Now," "Paper Angels" and his latest single "Just Knowing You Love Me." Wayne's latest album, Sara Smile, was released on Nov. 23, 2009. He stayed after his performance to meet every fan who wanted an autographed the merchandise tent.

WKCQ owner Ken McDonald told The Saginaw News that he would like to either expand the festival into two days in 2011 or add a much larger art fair at Hoyt Park and Old Town, across the river from Ojibway Island.

The Country Music Fest is organized by Saginaw radio station WKCQ 98.1 FM. The event started in 1992 with its first performers being Trisha Yearwood and Aaron Tippin. Ever since, it has grown into one of the largest FREE country concerts in the region.

Thanks for coming out to the 98 FM KCQ Country Music Fest. We look forward to seeing you in 2011...

Special thanks to 98 FM KCQ for giving us preferred seating passes so we could take these AMAZING photos for you.

 

PHOTO BY GLORIA RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

Saginaw's Ojibway island was filled with country music fans.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

A close-up of Randy Houser as he performs.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

Fans had the opportunity to get up close and personal with Richie McDonald.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

Randy Houser performs at the 98 FM KCQ Country Music Fest.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

A close-up of Jason Michael Carroll as he performs.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

Stone Cold performed at 11 a.m. and in between each of the main stage acts.

 

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