Rodney Atkins photo courtesy of Curb Records

May 30, 2007 — The Fourth of July isn't only about pausing to reflect on our considerable history. It's also about having fun, being inspired, and celebrating our remarkable freedoms with friends and family. So whether it's late night fireworks, a neighborhood barbecue, or dressing up like Uncle Sam, it's time to party! And country music can help you get into that red, white and blue holiday spirit with awesome shows from some of your favorite artists.

Rodney Atkins, Taylor Swift, and Van Zant
Music City 4th of July Concert Spectacular
Riverfront Park, Nashville, TN
Airs LIVE on GAC at 9 p.m.!

Ranked among the Top 10 Independence Day celebrations in the country, this party at Riverfront Park features family events, a huge concert line-up, and an amazing fireworks display. Sponsored by GAC, this year's concert features Rodney Atkins, Van Zant and Taylor Swift, joined by the Nashville Symphony Orchestra for an explosive live concert spectacular from Music City! For more information, go to visitmusiccity.com or call 800-657-6910.

Montgomery Gentry on the Orange Carpet at the "42nd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards," Tuesday, May 15, 2007. Photo by David Vespie.

Texas tunes will fill the air at Houston's All-American Fourth of July celebration with headlining duo Montgomery Gentry. In addition to great country music, this festival, sponsored by Chevy, offers Chevy's Liberty Park, showcasing displays of military artifacts and vehicles, the Printing Museum of History, NASCAR vehicles, new General Motors vehicles and a Kids Zone. Festival-goers can kick back and relax at the Budweiser Beer Garden, offering six different Budweiser beers with a prime view of the Bud Light Texas Volleyball Championship. For more information, log on to chevysfreedomovertexas.com or 713-247-3500.

Willie Nelson
Gorge Amphitheater, George, WA

Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic has been an Independence Day staple since 1973. And for the first time in 33 years, the celebration will leave Willie's home state of Texas for the west coast. Count on performances from Son Volt, Old 97's, and Drive-By Truckers. For more information, visit ticketmaster.com or livenation.com.

Sara Evans
TRAC Facility, Pasco, WA

Last year's ACM Top Female Vocalist and one of People magazine's Most Beautiful, Sara hops on her tour bus to Pasco, a city that boasts 300 days of sunshine a year. The former "Dancing with the Stars" contestant shines at 8 p.m. For more information, go to saraevans.com or call 509-543-2999.

Sugarland performs at the Nightly Concert at LP Field on Sunday, June 11 in Downtown Nashville during the 2006 CMA Music Festival. Photographer: Jim Hagans / CMA

Blake's in town for the 21st Annual PRCA Rodeo and Youth Celebration, where top rodeo cowboys and cowgirls compete against each other. BS takes the stage in the Capitol of the Navajo Nation at 9:30 p.m. For more information, log on to najavonationfair.com or 928-871-6647.

Sugarland
McMenamis Historic Edgefield Manor, Troutdale, OR

This Grammy-nominated duo gives another high-octane performance on this 38-acre estate at the mouth of the Columbia River Gorge. The fiery and dynamic duo of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush can be heard at 6:30 p.m. For more information, go to ticketmaster.com.

Big & Rich
PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA

Muzik Mafia's multi-platinum duo stops their tour bus to perform in the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. For more information, log on to bigandrich.com.

Jason Aldean performs at the Nightly Concert at LP Field in Downtown Nashville during the 2006 CMA Music Festival. Photo courtesy of the CMA.

Featured on the tour will be this season's final four, along with John Bohlinger and the Nashville Star Band. Each of the four will have their own time on stage to perform a set of music, including both original and cover material. The show progresses through each of the finalists in the order they were eliminated, until it gets to "Nashville Star" winner, Angela Hacker. For more information, visit nashvillestar.com.

Jason Aldean
Performing Arts Center, Bainbridge, GA

This 2006 Academy of Country Music Top New Male Vocalist takes his musical stylings to small-town Georgia for a red, white and blue celebration. For more information, log on to jasonaldean.com or call 229-246-4774.

LeAnn Rimes
Lions Club, Hamlin, WV

Ten years after winning a Grammy, LeAnn still has a career to be reckoned with. She hits the small town of Hamlin (population 1,100) to celebrate Independence Day. For more information, log on to leannrimes.com.

Tanya Tucker
Fort Monroe, Hampton, VA

This Texas Tornado has had a career that has generously spanned several decades. The songstress marks the independence of our nation with the soldiers at Walker Air Field at 8:30 p.m. For more information, go to ticketmaster.com.