If you play it – they will come… For lovers of live music, there’s never been a better time to be in Florence. With Road to Country Thunder and Country Thunder marking their April returns, there’s no shortage of live music options this time of year.

Just in the last couple of months, Florence has been home to the Box Canyon Balloons & Bluegrass Festival, new event Battle of the Bands following our Historic Home Tour, the annual Florence Music Festival, weekly live music events at the Windmill Winery & River Bottom Grill, and Third Fridays, which often boasts multiple live acts such as local favorite 10th & Main and the jazz duo Interpolación, who make regular event appearances at The Station Coffee Company.

Remarking on what’s attracting musicians to Florence, Keith Rea, event promoter and co-developer of the Florence Music Festival, said “Musicians love performing in Florence because we have great audiences here in town that come to hear the band and dance; musicians love that the audience get into the music and participate”.

So, what’s on the horizon for live music in Florence? Rea gave the Town a glimpse, stating his team “plan on offering a full spectrum of festivals and events in the near future. We plan on promoting at least one event per month starting in October and continuing through April, our peak festival season.”

So great news for the live music scene here in Florence! There’s certainly a lot to look forward to and celebrate as we kick off the Country Thunder festival with the 7th annual Road to Country Thunder this Saturday, April 2, from 5:00 to 10:00 PM in historic downtown Florence. As in years past, The Town of Florence Recreation Department is proudly partnering with Country Thunder to present live music from some of Country Thunder’s Copperhead Stage performers free of charge.

The event will also feature multiple food vendors, a beer garden, a “Kiddy Zone”, and axe throwing, which is new this year. Parking will be available at a number of Town facilities including Heritage Park, Town Hall, Senior Center, and the Library and Community Center. The stage will be set on Main Street between 6th and Ruggles and will feature the following four acts:

  • 5:00 – 5:45 PM: Palmer Anthony
  • 6:00 – 7:00 PM: Ryan and the Renegades
  • 7:15 – 8:15 PM: 10th & Main
  • 8:30 – 10:00 PM: Ryan Sims

And don’t forget to bring your Country Thunder tickets along for the ride as you’ll be able to swap your tickets for wristbands in advance, which will be your only chance to do so ahead of the next week’s festival. And, as if saving time at the gates wasn’t enough, Country Thunder announced that “Everyone who brings their ticket to exchange for a festival wristband will be entered into the draw for artist meet & greet passes, side-stage seating, and the grand prize autographed guitar! This one-of-a-kind guitar will be signed by some of the biggest names in country music who will be taking our stage next weekend!”

No tickets yet? No problem! During Road to Country Thunder, you can enter to win one of three four-day passes provided by event sponsor KMLE beginning at 5:55 PM and continuing through the evening.

Road to Country Thunder is presented by the Town of Florence Recreation Division, Country Thunder, KMLE, Hensley, and the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Country Thunder Arizona begins next week on Thursday, April 7. To purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.countrythunder.com/az