Cullman, Alabama has once again hosted its popular two day country music festival Rock the South August 13 & 14, 2021, with headliners Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, and the Marshall Tucker Band. The festival began in 2011 following a disastrous tornado in hopes of once again rebuilding the beloved town. Since then, it has raised over $639,000 back to its area through charities Cullman City Parks and Recreation, The Link of Cullman County and Cullman Caring for Kids. This year’s event helped raise even more money to present back to the community with an attendance of at least 30,000 people. Needless to say, fans were excited for this years lineup of Nelly, Ashley McBryde, Jordan Davis, Ingrid Andress, Flatland Cavalry, Trey Lewis, Drew Parker, Alex Hall, Josh Kiser, Laine Hardy, Dee Jay Silver, Meghan Patrick, Bailey Zimmerman, and Breland.
Day one of RTS was hot to say the least, but nevertheless fans were piling in once the gates opened up. Whether they were tailgating in the parking lot or planting themselves in the perfect spot somewhere along the field, the attendee number was nearly filled up by the third act. But, what started out as a sweaty music filled afternoon turned into a mud filled party. Storm clouds rolled in and decided to drop down some rain. There was a temporary pause in events but that didn’t stop fans from dancing their boots off. I know you’ve heard of a snow angel, but what about a mud angel? That’s right, fans decided to make the most of the night and create what could have been an upsetting moment into something unimaginable and memorable. As they say, the show must go on!
After a wet and wild day one, fans were prepared for whatever may come their way during day two. Unfortunately, the festival had to be pushed back due to weather from the previous day but that didn’t stop anyone from tailgating and prepping to have a good time. RTS team members worked hard to restructure the lineup and clean out the still muddy field. Everyone arrived in gear awaiting the arrival of the second portion of the storm, but until then opening acts had the crowd rambunctious and singing along to every song. Midway through Trey Lewis’ set, the storm clouds once again rolled in and put the festival on its second pause over the two days. Several people deemed the situation too muddy to stick around, while several others threw on their rain jackets and boots and headed back out to wait on the festival’s clearance to begin once more. Although set times were being cut left and right that day, the RTS team made sure each and every artist performed on that stage as promised. Miranda Lambert closed out the night and the festival with a bang and left the audience in awe.
With a few unexpected road bumps here and there, Rock the South did the best with what they had and was able to provide Cullman with yet another amazing (and diverse) lineup for 2021. We look forward to what they will bring to the table in 2022 and can only hope that it will be just as good or even better than this year’s event!
Follow Rock The South Online:
