OCEAN CITY, Md. – Country Calling is back at the inlet this weekend, drawing beachgoers and country fans for three days of live music, food and coastal views. The festival opened Friday with a full slate of performers and a steady flow of attendees moving between stages as vendors served crowds under sunny skies.
For many, the draw is the chance to get close to artists in a unique setting. “We’re all here for country music. I’m so excited. I was here last year also and it was great,” said Sophia Robinson of Annapolis. Robinson said the festival’s layout makes it easy to see multiple acts. “I loved how awesome it was to get so close to so many artists and having so much exposure to different country artists all around,” she said, adding she was “Zach Top all the way” this year.
Some fans crossed oceans to attend. Di Rayner, who traveled from Darwin, Australia, said the trip is part of a long planned celebration with friends. “The three of us love our country music, so we feel like it’s a trip of a lifetime and you only live once, right?” Rayner said. She is most excited for one of the festival’s headliners. “Luke Combs! I can’t wait!” she said, noting she missed his Australia show. Rayner said the beach setting adds to the experience. “It’s so nice and cool here. So we’re really going to enjoy the weather, the atmosphere, the people.”…