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Chester County Press

Citadel Country Spirit USA brings superstars to the stage

08/14/2019 08:13AM ● By J. Chambless

The scenic Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds will be packed with thousands of country music fans next weekend.

Next weekend, thousands of country music fans will converge for Citadel Country Spirit USA, a country music festival being held Aug. 23 to 25 at the Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds.

The inaugural three-day event earned rave reviews in 2018. Event producers, sponsors and community leaders have set out to make the 2019 festival even better.

The concert features 20 performers on two stages. The GMC Sierra Stage lineup includes headliner Billy Currington on Friday, Little Big Town on Saturday and Old Dominion on Sunday, plus big names such as Lee Brice, Lauren Alaina, Brothers Osborne, Eli Young Band and more.

Showcasing country music powerhouse performers, Old Dominion is the reigning Academy of Country Music (ACM) and Country Music Association (CMA) Vocal Group of the Year. Little Big Town was the ACM Vocal Group of the Year from 2015 to 2017 and CMA Vocal Group of the Year from 2012 to 2017.

The selection of tri-state area bands for the Citadel Rising Star Stage is new this year. Finalists competed for a stage slot in a concert held Aug. 7 and 8 at Valley Forge Casino. Also new this year, the Dover Air Force Base will open each day’s main stage performance with a patriotic Honor Guard.

Citadel credit cardholders are invited to the new Citadel Mastercard Lounge for an exclusive, VIP experience, including a free drink and appetizers, private restrooms, swag, activities and giveaways. For information and to make a reservation, visit www.citadelbanking.com/Lounge.

From quintessential Philly favorites to nachos, tacos and quesadillas, the festival’s food lineup has something for all. The Sierra Nevada Beer Camp is expected to be a popular watering hole again this year, as is Barefoot Wine’s beach party set and second-story viewing area.

Crown Royal is new to the mix this year. Crown Royal invites festival attendees to participate in The Purple Bag Project, writing notes and stuffing care packages being sent to active service men and women all over the world. While there, visitors can take a spin on the Crown Royal mechanical bull, with proceeds benefitting the Chester County Hero Fund, providing financial assistance to the families of first responders who are injured or killed in the line of duty.

In preparation for the festival, capital improvements are being made 33-acre Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds, located at 5 Nantmeal Road.

Hosted by Chester County's Brandywine Valley, Citadel Country Spirit USA attracted 22,000 attendees from 26 states and two Canadian provinces in 2018. Again this year, a portion of all ticket sales will be donated to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). A total of $100,000 was raised for the nonprofit organization in 2018 -- $50,000 from tickets sold and a $50,000 match from Citadel.

Single-day tickets are priced from $89 plus fees. Three-day passes are priced from $249 plus fees. Purchase tickets and premium parking online at www.CountrySpiritUSA.com. To charge by phone, call 1-800-514-3849.