Stomping cowboy boots performing the two-step, hands clapping along, 10-gallon cowboy hats, flannel shirts, bolo ties, and men and women with slow drawls – these are all images we tend to associate with the country music scene. And, while it’s commonly known that the country music scene and culture is alive and thriving in places like Nashville, Tennessee, West Texas, and other Southern states, many people assume it’s hard to find good country music, bars, festivals, and bands in other places.
Fortunately for those of us living in San Diego who love country music and its culture, the rock, alternative, and indie music scenes have not drowned out country music. In fact, the San Diego country music scene is pretty robust once you take a look around!
San Diego Country Music Radio Stations
Tagged as “San Diego’s #1 for New Country,” KSON-FM is the best radio station to tune into when you are craving some country music. Whether you want to hear about country music events and news, need some country music ballads to create the perfect atmosphere for work, or want fun country songs to listen to at a tailgate or party, KSON-FM features a fun and interesting mix of new country and classics. Listeners can find the San Diego country music they want to hear by turning to either 97.3 or 92.1.
With several highly rated country music programs, KSON-FM is sure to help you get your San Diego country music fix. Starting off the weekday mornings with John & Tammy, a duo that’s brought in the highest ratings for the station in its history, listeners may not want to get out of their cars to go to work or school. And with a full lineup for the rest of the day and week, featuring a special Sunday morning country top 40 with Bob Kingsley, KSON-FM continually ranks in the top for not just San Diego country music radio, but across all genres.
Must-Visit Country Music Venues
Honkytonks, hole-in-the-wall country bars, and rustic music halls are featured prominently in several cities throughout the U.S., notably Nashville. However, country music lovers in San Diego don’t have to miss out on their favorite music here in America’s Finest City!
One of the most notable venues for the San Diego country music scene is InCahoots, a two-step night club that was ranked as number 1 by voters on BestOf.com. With several levels, including an outdoor deck, country music lovers have plenty of space to relax while listening to country music. Catering to seasoned two-steppers and beginners alike, InCahoots offers free country dancing lessons five times a week.
Local San Diego Country Music Events and Festivals
Though Nashville’s Country Music Awards Festival and the I Heart Country Music Festival may be some of the more recognizable country music events in the United States, San Diego is close to several large country music festivals and events that any country music lover would be excited to attend.
Stagecoach Festival, one of the top country music festivals in the US, tops the list. Held in Indio, California, it’s a mere two and a half hours away from the heart of San Diego. Since the first festival in 2007, Stagecoach has hosted many of the top names in the country music business, as well as up-and-coming artists. Ranging from bluegrass country music and folk to top 40 country to roots, alt-rock country, and more, this festival has every style of country music you could wish for. The festival allows attendees to camp out, similar to the famous Coachella festival. With past musicians including Taylor Swift, Brooks and Dunn, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban, anyone attending this festival is sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Learn to Play Your Favorite Country Songs
Wouldn’t it be cool if you could actually play your favorite country songs on the guitar, or sing just like your favorite country musician? Taking private guitar lessons offers a great opportunity to take your country music fandom to the next level. With TakeLessons.com, you can easily find music teachers in your area who can teach you the basics and work with you on your favorite songs. Who knows – maybe you’ll be the next country star!
Photo by @giovanni
Megan L.