ENTERTAINMENT

Walmart AMP’s Summer Lineup Offers Something for Everyone

By Anna VanHorn | Photos courtesy of the Walmart AMP

Miranda Lambert & Little Big Town

There’s nothing quite like live music outdoors in the summertime. The Walmart AMP has been bringing big acts to Northwest Arkansas for years, and this season’s lineup is no exception. The superstars from varying genres appearing at the Walmart AMP are a veritable who’s who of the music industry, with something for everyone to enjoy. 

A quick glance at the calendar will show you that country music fans are going to have a rip-roaring good time at the Walmart AMP this summer — starting when Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town share the stage. Later on, there’s not just one, but two famous country Codys on the schedule (appearing on different dates). Cody Johnson and Cody Jinks are both big names that have fans already snatching up tickets to see their respective shows. Kenny Chesney and Chris Stapleton are veterans of the country music scene who are each sure to put on a great show. And country music legend Willie Nelson will be filling the air with his signature storyteller’s baritone in July at the Outlaw Music Festival that also features Brothers Osborne, Steve Earle and Allison Russell.

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But country music isn’t the only genre that fans can expect from the Walmart AMP this season. Classic rock and the oldies are plentiful too! Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band will be making their Walmart AMP debut in an engagement that was rescheduled from last season. Steely Dan, an audience favorite, is returning to the Walmart AMP in an appearance rescheduled from 2020. REO Speedwagon with Styx and Loverboy is a ‘70s and ‘80s music lover’s dream show. James Taylor, Chicago & Brian Wilson, and ZZ TOP will also each take the AMP stage this summer — all superstars of yesteryear who are still relevant today.

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Speaking of oldies, it may be hard for some readers to believe, but music from the ‘90s now falls into that realm. The AMP has plenty for those nostalgic for the decade that gave us Beanie Babies, The Macarena and AOL. The ‘90s nostalgia will kick off with boy band royalty — The Backstreet Boys. (Backstreet’s back, alright!) Next up is a single evening with some of the biggest names to ever grace the TRL studios — Train, Jewel and Blues Traveler will all perform together for what is sure to be an unforgettable night.

Other notable performances include names from Christian and worship music genres — for KING & COUNTRY and Maverick City Music are both acts that fall outside the more traditional music acts at the Walmart AMP. A fun change of pace from musical performers is CHEER Live, featuring cheerleaders from the hit Netflix show “Cheer.” From the adult contemporary/classical crossover genre come the gorgeous vocal stylings of Josh Groban. Historic New Orleans music institution Preservation Jazz Hall Band will be the opener for Groban, in an exciting pairing for audiences.

Superstars will fill the stage and music of all styles will ring out in Northwest Arkansas this year. So, grab your sunglasses and don’t forget to rent a lawn chair because the Walmart AMP is the place to be this summer.

Visit www.amptickets.com to purchase tickets and check out full lineup and dates.

Dr. Dougherty