Jamboree In The Hills Begins Today
By IAN HICKSArticle Photos
Fact Box
TODAY'S LINEUP
= Tristen "T-Bone" Smith
= Joe Zelek of Mount Pleasant
= Julianne Hough
= Chuck Wicks
= Jewel
= Brad Paisley
MORRISTOWN - For country music fans far and wide, the wait is over - Jamboree In The Hills 2008 is here.
This year's Super Bowl of Country Music will officially get under way this morning with the traditional "Running of the Rednecks," as thousands of fans - many of whom have been waiting since the campgrounds opened Monday - stampede through the outdoor amphitheater gates and jockey for position, hoping to garner the best seats in the house.
While some fan favorites are conspicuously absent from this year's festivities, the 2008 lineup should have plenty in store to keep the crowd roaring all weekend long.
Two Ohio Valley natives - Brad Paisley of Glen Dale and Joe Zelek of Mount Pleasant - will perform today. One of Zelek's newest singles, aptly titled "Jamboree In The Hills," has been adopted as the event's theme song.
Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Gary Allan and Crossin Dixon will take the stage Friday.
Reba McEntire and Brooks and Dunn headline the Saturday lineup, along with Rodney Atkins, Neal McCoy, The Chris Higbee Project, The Fabulous Bender Boys, Christian Simmons and The Hitmen of Music Row.
Sugarland, Keith Anderson, Loretta Lynn, Paul Thorn and Mayf Nutter will bring JITH 2008 to a close Sunday.
Nutter, who wrote the original JITH theme song in 1978, is making his first appearance at the country music extravaganza since 2001.
Through the years, the Jamboree stage in Morristown has seen the likes of country music legends Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, The Charlie Daniels Band, Merle Haggard and Hank Williams Jr.
Jamboree In The Hills fans are die-hard, as many will tell you - Patty Palenicek of Shadyside is making her third pilgrimage to JITH, but this year the event has special meaning.
Although she turned 50 on Monday, Palenicek decided to wait until Wednesday to celebrate the milestone - camping out at Jamboree In The Hills with 100 of her closest friends.
"We're going to make it a weeklong celebration," said Palenicek, who noted the group brought a portable shower and pool with them.
Palenicek said she is a relative of Tristen "T-Bone" Smith, who is slated to perform today. She's most looking forward to hearing him, Zelek and Paisley, and said she's having a wonderful time this week.
"So far, we've had a blast - the weather's been nice, and we've met a lot of nice people already," Palenicek said. "It's worth every penny - we're going to have a great time!"
Katie Matz contributed to this report.
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GETACLUE
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07-18-08 12:40 PM
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Gtwin ...You call me an KEYBOARD COWARD???? Comming from an INTERNET TOUGH GUY such as yourself who wouldn't cower in you ALL MIGHTY PRESENCE. Please seek out some treatment!!!
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Georgetwin
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07-18-08 9:37 AM
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KTBass, I thought Liberals were Tolerant and Inclusive? GAClue, G$U and Maestle put the lie to this theory and expose themselves for what they are, KeyBoard Cowards.
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whisperinghope
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07-17-08 7:18 PM
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I haven't been to this "drunken fest" since the 90's and it appears nothing has changed. but hey the county makes some money on those under age drinkers!!
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DasBoot
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07-17-08 5:24 PM
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I agree KT, half of these "artists" they have lined up wouldn't know what real country was if it bit them in the rear end. And to Good4u, go ahead and knock country music and it's "i lost my job themes" Because as we all know, the wonderful life lessons taught and song about in rap music have helped to rear up a generation of find upstanding citizens.
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redmajik
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07-17-08 4:21 PM
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I think it is so funny how people argue on here about everything. If the people going to JITH are not bothering you why put them down? I've been there and the entire event does not consist of drunkin hillybillies. Believe it or not some do go to enjoy the music.
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good4u
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07-17-08 3:32 PM
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Ktbas, Do u have a problem with rap music? Its a lot better than the twangy "I lost my job, my house and my sister/ wife". Or maybe those lyrics pertain to you and hit a nerve..... O just so u know it is music and not 'music'. Get a life, open your mind, and get your head out of your @&&!
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GETACLUE
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07-17-08 1:05 PM
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JITH = DRUNKEN HILLBILLY HUMP FEST
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good4u
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07-17-08 12:42 PM
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Yee haw! I would not go again, as the last time I was there I saw a guy throw a cooler at his girlfriend's head then get arrested! After that, and after moving to Pittsburgh, I got away from the country music scene and have not looked back. Those red necks can have at it and drink up! Get R Dun
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Georgetwin
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07-17-08 10:29 AM
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Well I know where my brother will be for the next few days.
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acousticportal
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07-17-08 10:09 AM
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You people who don't like having a good time, or like anything, apparently other than listening to yourselves spout whatever is in your brain at the time, it's good that you don't go to Jamboree or support anything that is happening in the area. There's many good things happening around the valley, and really, I don't want you there to ruin my good time. So blog away....from your home preferably. For those who have the ability to enjoy.....YeeeeeeeeHawwwwww!
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needanewmayor
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07-17-08 9:30 AM
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I agree. The lineup for this year is not nearly as good as it was in past. Maybe when JITH was taken over by Clear Channel the options went down? I know the prices went up and the service doesn't seem as good.
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popeye
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07-17-08 9:23 AM
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If you want to find out why our country is such a mess, head out to JITH and just observe. It's a shame they allow these retards to reproduce.
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