Country Throwdown Tour at Cruzan Amphitheatre, May 15, 2010

Premier Guide Miami was on the scene. Here is what we witnessed.

The first annual Country Throwdown Tour , presented by Rockstar Energy Drink, came to Cruzan Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach on May 15, 2010 — a multi-stage country festival that brought together established and emerging artists for what was billed as the biggest country party of the year. The lineup was genuinely impressive: Montgomery Gentry , Jamey Johnson , Little Big Town , and Jack Ingram anchored the bill, with Eric Church , the Eli Young Band, The Lost Trailers, Heidi Newfield, Ryan Bingham and The Dead Horses, Jonathan Singleton & The Grove, and Emily West rounding out the day.

The festival format — multiple stages, a Bluebird Café tent for emerging artists, autograph sessions, pre-show happy hour, and a full concourse of lifestyle vendors — gave the day a scope that went well beyond a standard concert. Doors opened at 1PM, and the crowd that arrived early was rewarded with a full afternoon of music before the headliners took the main stage.

Jamey Johnson's set was a highlight — his deep, traditional country sound and the emotional weight of his songwriting making him one of the most compelling performers on the bill. Montgomery Gentry closed the main stage with the energy and crowd connection that has made them one of country's most reliable live acts. Eric Church, still building toward the mainstream breakthrough that would come in the following years, delivered a set that left no doubt about where he was headed.