By Andrew Ellis, Editor

​Watching your favorite Midwest CMA artists just got easier. Big Wood Stock recently announced they’ll also be adding a Midwest CMA Stage to their lineup, which is being headlined by national recording artists the Cadillac Three.

“We wanted to give some of the members an opportunity to perform on a bigger stage in front of a national act,” says Big Wood Brewery CEO Jason Medvec. “This is something that they can use on their resumes and is important for them as they advance their careers.”

Formerly the Dellwood Country Fest, it was rebranded this year as Big Wood Stock and moved to its new location at Big Wood Brewery. Doors will open at noon on Saturday, August 3rd, and festivities will start off with Yard Olympics at 1:00 pm. Music will kick off on the Main Stage at 3:00 pm with White Bear Lake residents the Jesse Lee Band. There will also be several local food trucks on location.

The local brewery is a longtime supporter of the local music scene, and is one of the original venues to hold the monthly Midwest CMA Songwriter Showcase. They regularly book artist members, and have recently ventured into the local comedy scene as well. Medvec has been active in the music scene for years in various roles, most notably for almost 6 years as the lead guitarist for the Devon Worley Band. And they’ve been playing the festival circuit for years.

“Playing stages like that were vital to the band’s career. It gives you the experience in a setting that is not your typical intimate bar show,” he says. “Shows like these are very different and help artists get a first-hand experience with the next level.”

If the side stage won’t satisfy your thirst for local music, they’ve got you covered on the Main Stage. Along with the Jesse Lee Band, local blues favorite Ken Valdez will take the stage afterwards. Midwest CMA New Artist of the Year Anderson Daniels will follow up with his full band, and the Devon Worley Band will keep the crowd on their feet with their high energy show.

“We’ve had a great partnership with Big Wood Brewery since the beginning of the Midwest CMA,” says founding Midwest CMA board member Paul Thomas. “They’ve been a huge champion of supporting regional independent and ORIGINAL music, and Big Wood Stock and our Midwest CMA Stage is just the next step of our growing partnership.”

Tickets are available at www.BigWoodStock.com