The country superstar duo headlines fourth iteration of popular West Coast one-day country festival
Brooks & Dunn returned to the Country Music Capital of the West for the first time in 20 years to headline Boots in the Park in Bakersfield on Friday (Mar 7th). It’s the fourth iteration of the Bakersfield event, and the first of the 2025 season.
Country music’s best selling duo headlined the six-hour outdoor festival with Jackson Dean, Owen Riegling, and Joe Peters warning up the crowd on an unseasonably cool late winter evening. However, the crowd didn’t seem to mind too much as they had plenty of music and activities to keep them occupied.
Peters kicked off the evening with a 90s country sound, performing a mix of originals and covers, including Tim McGraw’s “Real Good Man.” He delighted the crowd for a 45-minute set as many fans made their way into the gates.
Riegling made his Bakersfield debut with his first show of the year. The Canadian also had a 90s country rock sound that was well received. He wrote a song called “Church” that honors his musical hero, Eric Church, and name drops some of his most famous songs. The Canuck now calls Nashville home as of a couple of months and will soon be a rising star as he plays to more crowds.
Big Machine’s Jackson Dean played his brand of 90s country and western songs to an enthusiastic crowd. The audience began to fill in the general admission venue as he took the stage sharply at 8 pm. His hour-long set included songs that spanned from country rock to traditional with the rarely heard harmonica and flute. His cover of 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up (What’s Going On)” had the crowd on their feet as they sand along to the famous chorus. Dean, who’s made a name for himself in recent years, was a crowd favorite with his latest single, “Heavens to Betsy,” receiving the biggest response of his set.
Peters returned to the stage ahead of the headliners to honor our nation’s flag with The Star Spangled Banner.
Brooks & Dunn took the stage shortly after 9:30 pm, performing a 100-minute set that kicked off with their first single, “Brand New Man.” Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn brought the heat as they ripped through hit after hit, including “My Next Broken Heart,” “She’s Not the Cheating Kind,” “Mama Don’t Get Dressed Up For Nothing,” and many others.
Kix mentioned that the last time the duo was in town, Buck Owens — who died in 2006 — took them to his Crystal Palace to show them the Cadillac he had mounted on the wall of the famous venue. Ronnie also stated that the duo flew into town the night before their Boots in the Park performance. He joked that their buses broke down en route and “it’s a long way out to Bakersfield but well worth it.”
The temperature was in the mid 40s by the time Brooks & Dunn hit the stage. The duo kept fans on their feet with singalongs like “Ain’t Nothing Bout You,” “Red Dirt Road,” “Lost and Found,” “Hard Workin’ Man” (and women, too), and others. Ronnie explained that “Cowgirls Don’t Cry” was written after he purchased several horses for his youngest daughter but had to sell them when she left home.
“Neon Moon” is always a highlight of the set. Several years ago, the song went viral on TikTok, leading to a resurgence of the neo-traditional 1991 hit. Each night, Ronnie encourages the audience to sing the chorus with the band pausing towards the end so the crowd can be heard.
The end of the set consisted of Kix singing and playing harmonica on “Rock My World (Little Country Girl)” before Ronnie sang lead on the Eddy Arnold and Cindy Walker-penned “You Don’t Know Me,” which he called a “possible $10,000 song,” referring to the strict 11 pm curfew they passed by ten minutes.
They closed the main set with “My Maria,” before returning to encore with “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” and the patriotic “Only in America.” As they do for each show, local veterans were brought out in uniform and full salute as they sang the final chorus.
Boots in the Park is a great family-friendly event (although some of the language used on stage may not be suitable for younger ears). Bakersfield is one of many variations of the traveling festival that spans the western US. Each location is transformed into a country music party for one day and features a varied lineup.
General Admission area includes ample space to enjoy the show, food and merch vendors, restrooms, line dancing, art installations and more. VIP provides a secluded and spacious area closest to the stage with express entry, dedicated VIP bars, food vendors and private flushable restrooms.
Brooks & Dunn return to headline the Norco Boots in the Park tonight (Sat, Mar 8th) with Parker McCollum, Jackson Dean, Rodney Atkins, Owen Riegling, Bryce Leatherwood, and Joe Peters. Doors open at noon with the event ending at 10 pm.
