The final day of the inaugural Country Calling festival in Ocean City, Maryland, ended on a high note as fans enjoyed an impressive lineup of country artists, with performances running from 12:30 p.m. to late into the night. The clear skies and ocean breeze created the perfect backdrop for a day of diverse and energetic music, culminating with headline performances by Bailey Zimmerman and Tyler Childers.
Alana Springsteen Kicks Off the Day
Alana Springsteen opened the day with an intimate 12:30 p.m. set. Her soulful vocals resonated with the crowd, making an immediate connection. Known for her storytelling and heartfelt lyrics, Springsteen’s early slot was a soft yet compelling start to the day’s events. Fans who arrived early were treated to songs that reflected her emotional depth and maturity as an artist, setting the tone for a long day of music ahead.
Drayton Farley and Nikki Lane Keep the Momentum Going
Drayton Farley took the stage at 1:45 p.m., bringing his blend of Americana and folk-inspired country music to the festival. His performance was raw, emotional, and grounded in deep storytelling, with songs that touched on themes of working-class life and resilience. Farley’s set was well-received by fans who appreciate the more introspective side of country music.
By 2:30 p.m., Nikki Lane brought her signature outlaw country style to the stage, adding a retro flair to the day’s performances. Her raspy voice and infectious energy brought a spark to the mid-afternoon crowd, who responded with enthusiasm. Lane’s set mixed new material with fan favorites, her sound a nod to the rebellious spirit of the country greats who came before her.
Dasha and Parmalee Energize the Afternoon
At 3:15 p.m., fans had a choice between catching Parmalee’s set or experiencing Dasha’s soulful performance. Parmalee’s energy was electric as they performed hit after hit, blending country with pop sensibilities. Their polished sound and tight harmonies had the audience singing along, lifting the mood as the day wore on. On the other stage, Dasha’s soulful melodies provided a more mellow but equally captivating performance, showcasing her vocal versatility and unique sound.
Tanya Tucker Brings Legendary Status to the Stage
Tanya Tucker, a legendary figure in country music, took the stage at 4:15 p.m. and immediately commanded attention. Her storied career and unmistakable voice were on full display as she performed classics like “Delta Dawn” and “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane,” much to the delight of the crowd. Tucker’s performance was a nostalgic highlight, reminding festivalgoers of her enduring place in country music history.
Dual Performances from Dwight Yoakam and Paul Cauthen
At 5:15 p.m., festival-goers were again faced with a difficult decision between catching Dwight Yoakam or Paul Cauthen, both delivering performances that captivated their respective crowds. Yoakam’s honky-tonk classics, including hits like “Guitars, Cadillacs” and “Fast as You,” showcased his distinct sound that has made him a staple in the genre for decades. His twangy voice and signature style had the crowd dancing along and singing every word.
On another stage, Paul Cauthen delivered a performance steeped in gospel, country, and rock influences. Known for his deep, commanding voice, Cauthen brought songs like “Cocaine Country Dancing” and “Holy Ghost Fire” to life, giving his performance a unique, high-energy edge that had his crowd buzzing.
Brothers Osborne and Lainey Wilson Fire Up the Evening
As the evening progressed, Brothers Osborne took the stage at 6:15 p.m., delivering an electric set filled with their signature guitar-driven, rock-infused country sound. With songs like “It Ain’t My Fault” and “Stay a Little Longer,” the duo kept the energy high, and their passionate performance was one of the most energetic of the day. Their ability to fuse rock with country made for a dynamic performance that kept the audience on their feet.
At 7:15 p.m., Lainey Wilson, fresh off her CMA Female Vocalist of the Year win, brought her own powerful energy to the stage. With hits like “Things a Man Oughta Know” and “Heart Like a Truck,” Wilson’s performance was met with roaring applause from the crowd. Her commanding stage presence and powerful voice turned the late afternoon into a memorable experience for festival-goers, ensuring her status as one of the most exciting performers in modern country music.
Bailey Zimmerman Prepares the Crowd for the Finale
Bailey Zimmerman’s set at 8:30 p.m. was one of the day’s highlights, as he performed a mix of hits from his growing catalog. Zimmerman kicked things off with the emotional track “Religiously,” before moving into the high-energy “Never Comin’ Home” and the intense “Warzone.” Songs like “Change” and “Get to Gettin’ Gone” showcased his range, moving between heart-wrenching ballads and up-tempo anthems. The crowd sang along to popular hits like “Fall In Love” and “Chase Her,” while his powerful delivery of “Fix’n to Break” and “Holy Smokes” kept the momentum going. Zimmerman closed out his set with fan favorites “Rock and a Hard Place” and “New To Country,” leaving the crowd energized and ready for the night’s final act.
Tyler Childers Closes with a Captivating Finale
Tyler Childers took the stage at 9:30 p.m. to close out the festival with a set that perfectly embodied the spirit of modern country music. He opened with “Shake the Frost,” a song that immediately resonated with the crowd, before moving into tracks like “Country Squire” and the emotional “I Swear (To God).” Childers’ unique blend of folk, bluegrass, and country was on full display as he performed “Rustin’ in the Rain” and “All Your’n.”
The crowd was treated to an eclectic mix of songs, including a rendition of Hank Williams’ “Old Country Church,” which Childers delivered with reverence. His set continued with fan favorites “Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven?” and “Whitehouse Road,” before transitioning into songs like “Honky Tonk Flame” and “Way of the Triune God.” The performance culminated with “Universal Sound” and “Heart You’ve Been Tendin’,” leaving the crowd in awe of Childers’ raw talent and emotional depth.
The final day of Country Calling 2024 was a resounding success, with a lineup that offered something for everyone. From the rising stars to the seasoned veterans, the performers left their mark on the festival’s inaugural year, ensuring that this event will be remembered fondly by all who attended.
