Kelly Pickler performs at 7 p.m. Thursday.

TWIN LAKES — The Country Thunder music festival kicks off Wednesday and runs through Saturday at Shadow Hill Ranch, 2305 Lance Drive, Twin Lakes.

This year, the festival will be featured on the Great American Country television network.

Great American Country festival hostess Suzanne Alexander will be filming from the festival grounds and visiting with country music stars and their fans. » Read More

The Ramsey Lewis Trio performs June 27 at Music by the Lake.

WILLIAMS BAY — Musical lovers can catch another impressive slate of performances at the Ferro Pavilion beginning with the June 27 appearance of the Ramsey Lewis Trio.

Other headliners for the Music by the Lake lineup include Johan Stengard on July 26, Michael Bolton on Aug. 1 and a tribute to James Taylor on Aug. 15.

The Natalie Cole concert, originally scheduled for Aug. 8, has been canceled.

For tickets, call (262) 245-8501 or (866) 843-5200, or e-mail to mbtl@aurora.edu. For information, go online to www.musicbythelake.com.

For a preview, read the e-edition of Weekender HERE.

For lodging, dining and event guide, visit www.greatgenevagetaway.com

Music by the Lake