Country Calling Day One: Sunshine, Country Stars & Ocean City Magic

After the Nor’easter pummeled Ocean City just days ago, there was one big question on everyone’s mind: Could they really put it all back together in time for Country Calling?

The answer was a resounding yes. And as if Mother Nature felt a little guilty for the chaos she caused last week, she delivered one absolutely gorgeous day for the first day of Country Calling in Ocean City. After days of wind, rain, beach damage and cleanup crews working around the clock, the sun came out, the stages were standing, the crowds arrived and country music took over the beach. And boy, did Ocean City show up.

Kicking Things Off

The earlier sets on the Boot Scoot and Boogie stages got the festival moving, with Kaitlin Butts and The Belles helping set the tone for a day that would only get bigger. By midday, Mitchell Tenpenny had a massive crowd packed in at the Scoot Stage, and the audience seemed to grow with every song. As his set continued, more and more country fans squeezed their way in to catch the action. Then Redferrin got the crowd fired up with a little help from a Jack and Coke onstage, while thanking the Ocean City crowd for their continuous support.

Russellmania Takes Over

And then came Russell Dickerson. Full disclosure: Russell Dickerson is my all-time favorite. So, yes, I may have been just a little excited for this one. His Russellmania stage setup, inspired by WrestleMania, is always a crowd-pumper, and Ocean City was ready to rumble. The crowd joined in for favorites like “Boots” and “I’m Yours,” while Dickerson brought his signature energy—and his WrestleMania-style poses—to the stage.

Honestly, those poses never get old. And neither does seeing Russell Dickerson in tip-top shape doing them.

Rascal Flatts Gets a Little Help From the Crowd

Over at the Boot stages, Rascal Flatts took fans on a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the many years they've spent performing their music for fans across the country. But the real wow moment came when the band essentially handed the microphones over to the crowd. The audience took over, passionately singing along to “Bless the Broken Road.” The band proudly reminded everyone that the song was written more than 20 years ago, and they were visibly touched to hear thousands of people still knew every word. It was one of those festival moments that can't really be planned. The band sang. The crowd sang louder. And for a few minutes, the whole beach became one giant choir.

Dierks Bentley Takes in the View

Then there was Dierks Bentley, who seemed genuinely amazed by one of Ocean City's biggest perks: the ocean. Standing on the Scoot Stage, Bentley pointed out that the water was literally right there and told the crowd how lucky we were to have the opportunity to experience a concert in a place like this. He even joked about how, just a week earlier, the ocean had been “right here where this stage is.”

Considering the Nor’easter that had just rolled through town, the comment hit a little differently. And when Bentley launched into “What Was I Thinking,” his live vocals could be heard far beyond the festival grounds—down the Boardwalk and, apparently, all the way out over the Atlantic.

Some lucky concertgoers decided that watching Country Calling from a boat was the way to go, and judging from the videos making their way around social media, the music carried beautifully across the waves. Not a bad concert seat if you ask me.

Lainey Wilson Brings the Night Home

And then came the moment many fans had been waiting for: Lainey Wilson. Decked out in a stunning red outfit, complete with her signature scarf-wrapped microphone stand, a gorgeous guitar and those evergreen-colored nails that practically scream fall is here, Wilson owned the stage. She danced, sang and worked the crowd like only Lainey can, giving fans exactly what they had been waiting for after standing on their feet all day.

But the sweetest moment of the night wasn't just about the music. It was about Kate. Lainey chose a young girl named Kate as her “Cowgirl of the Night” and invited her onto the stage. Together, they shared an incredibly sweet moment as Kate repeated affirmations including: “I am smart. I am strong. I am beautiful. I am talented.” There may have been more than a few teary eyes in the crowd. We already love Lainey Wilson. But seeing moments like that makes it pretty easy to love her even more.

One Beautiful Day

After everything Ocean City went through just days before the festival, Day One of Country Calling felt like a little gift. The stages were back. The sand was packed. The music was loud. The crowds were happy. And the sun was shining.

Day One was a gorgeous display of sunshine, country music and a whole lot of talent. So let's hear it for Mother Nature today. Because if the forecast is telling us anything, she doesn't seem quite as interested in being kind tomorrow.

But for today? We'll take the win. For continuing coverage and information about Country Calling, visit our website, www.oceancity.com.