Country or Rock?

dueling mega concerts span Def Leppard to Trace Adkins

Brett Bachman |

 Running at the end of July, the ECCT’s production of All Shook Up kicks off a summer and fall full of events, including an Eau Claire version of The Amazing Race.
Stone Temple Pilots played Rock Fest in 2011.

It’s always nice when there’s something to spice up your weekend, and the Chippewa Valley always seems to have an event or two up its sleeve to do just that. But it’s even better when you have a choice between two of the largest musical festivals in Wisconsin. I am, of course, talking about Country Jam and Rock Fest, two summer staples for the sconnie music buff, which just happen to fall on the same weekend this year. On July 19, the stages in both Cadott and Eau Claire will light up for a few short days, hosting some of the world’s most renowned recording artists in both country and rock. Shinedown, Godsmack, Iron Maiden and Def Leppard headline Cadott’s four day Rock Fest, while Eau Claire spends three days with Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry, and Jason Aldean. Camping is available at both sites, which allows attendees to take in all that is going on throughout both events. A daily shuttle is also available from various local hotels and locations to both sites. Camping passes and/or tickets for either concert series are available online and at their respective corporate offices. In addition, Gordy’s County Market and various Express Mart Locations sell Rock Fest tickets, while Festival Foods and Mega Holiday sell Country Jam tickets. Vendors selling everything from food to jewelry will be at both events.