Kip Moore Shines at Country In The Burg's Sixth Year

 The sixth edition of Country In The Burg brought the heart of country music back to the picturesque town of Cedarburg, transforming the charming small town into a hub of energy and connection. Over the years, this festival has grown into something much more than a showcase of incredible talent; it’s become a tradition that weaves together music, community, and philanthropy. From its humble beginnings as a one-day event in 2019, the festival has expanded into a two-day celebration, drawing fans from all over to experience the unique magic of Cedarburg.

All Photos By: Aaron R Shriver Photography

What makes Country In The Burg stand out isn’t just the impressive lineup of country music stars; it’s the spirit of giving that defines the event. Every ticket sold, every song performed, and every shared moment contributes to a greater cause. With over $435,000 raised and giving back to over 20+ local Charities/Organizations like Children’s Hospitals, Wounded Warrior Project, Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, Mel’s Charities of Ozaukee County, Local Food Pantries, Local Humane Society, Local Lions Club, Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, and Many more! It’s a reminder of the good that can come when people unite for a shared cause. The festival embodies the values of generosity and care that resonate deeply with attendees. The impact of this event reaches far beyond the music.

This year, the excitement was palpable as festival-goers filled Cedar Creek Park, ready to make new memories and reconnect with the spirit of togetherness that defines this event. The setting couldn’t have been more inviting, with the small-town charm of Cedarburg serving as the perfect backdrop. The festival’s roots run deep in the Cedarburg community, and that sense of belonging was visible from the moment fans began to gather. Whether it was longtime attendees reminiscing about past shows or first-timers eager to join in, there was a shared sense of anticipation and joy. For many, it’s not just a concert, it’s a chance to reconnect, to celebrate, and to feel part of something bigger.

This year’s lineup continued the tradition of excellence, with headliner Kip Moore returning to a crowd that has embraced him as one of their own. Joining him were other incredible acts like Brothers Osborne, Randy Houser, Morgan Evans, Emily Ann Roberts, and Travis Denning, each bringing their own energy and talent to the stage. Together, they created a weekend that celebrated not only the power of music but also the bonds that tie us all together.

Click The Image Above For The Full Miscellaneous Country In The Burg Photo Gallery

The magic of this festival extends far beyond the music. There’s a sense of comfort in how the event brings people together, not just as concert attendees but as a community, united by a shared love for country music and the values it represents. For first timers and returning fans alike, there’s a feeling of stepping into something meaningful, something that feels bigger than just a weekend of music. It’s a place where strangers become friends and music creates memories that linger long after the last note fades.

"Country In The Burg is all about giving back and supporting the local community and surrounding areas," Uhan said. "People from over 25 states will be coming in for CITB 2025, even people from Australia are coming to Cedarburg for the first time this August ... These types of artists usually would not stop in this area on a tour, as they would choose bigger cities to perform in. But because of the positive reputation Country In The Burg has built over the years, we now get Country Artists reaching out to us to come play in Cedarburg. It’s great to see people come into our city and support all the local shops throughout the morning and daytime, then the restaurants and bars in the evening," says Founder Alex Uhan

Travis Denning took the stage with a stripped-down acoustic set that immediately drew the crowd closer. Armed with his guitar and backed by two bandmates, he brought a refreshing intimacy to the festival’s opening moments. Sharing stories about his newborn back home, Travis connected with the audience on a personal level, even admitting he delayed his flight just to soak in Cedarburg’s energy. He launched into “Call It Country,” setting the tone for a laid-back yet lively performance. 

The crowd warmed up quickly, singing along to “Dirt Road Down” and the ever-popular “David Ashley Parker From Powder Springs,” their voices blending beautifully under the open sky. Travis’s playful humor added to the charm; he joked about his Taylor Swift T-shirt and teased the Wisconsin crowd, claiming this was the only state he’d consider trading his Georgia accent for. 

A standout moment came when Travis introduced “Sick Of Being Sober,” an unreleased track that felt like an exclusive gift for the fans. Covering Tom Petty’s “Running Down A Dream,” he showcased his versatility, mixing heartfelt nostalgia with his own signature style. He then pulled from his songwriting credits with Morgan Wallen’s “Devil Don’t Know,” which sparked a powerful sing-along. 

Click The Image Above For The Full Travis Denning Photo Gallery

By the time he closed with his hit “After A Few,” the audience was fully captivated. Each note carried a sense of warmth and relatability, reflecting his easygoing yet passionate approach to live music. Fans were left with smiles on their faces and a buzz of excitement for what the rest of the festival had in store.

Randy Houser brought an undeniable spark to the stage, igniting the crowd from the very first note of "Boots On." The energy in Cedarburg was electric as fans sang along, their voices filling the night air. Randy’s commanding presence and deep, soulful vocals created a magnetic connection, pulling everyone into the heart of his performance. With “Whistling Dixie,” he gave a nod to his Southern Mississippi roots, delivering a raw and authentic sound that resonated with the crowd. 

The set unfolded with hit after hit, including “Goodnight Kiss,” where the audience swayed and danced, fully immersed in the moment. Randy’s ability to blend grit with heartfelt emotion shone through when he performed George Strait’s “Troubadour,” a cover that felt like an intimate tribute to country music’s roots. The crowd’s energy briefly dipped during songs like “Note To Self” and “We Went,” but Randy’s dedication to his craft never wavered. 

Click The Image Above For The Full Randy Houser Photo Gallery

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Randy turned up the intensity with “Like A Cowboy,” his voice cutting through the twilight with stirring power. The audience clung to every note, the emotional weight of the song underscored by the backdrop of the Cedarburg evening. Closing with “Running Out Of Moonlight,” Randy lit up the park one last time, leaving fans on their feet, dancing and singing as if the night might never end. Each moment felt personal, a shared experience that left the crowd buzzing long after the final chord.

This year’s headliner, Kip Moore, has become something of a staple at the event. His return marked his fourth time taking the stage at Country In The Burg, and his connection with the Cedarburg crowd runs deep. The moment Kip stepped on stage, it was clear he was there to give the Cedarburg crowd everything he had. Launching into “High Hopes” from his latest album, "Solitary Tracks," Kip set the tone with a mix of emotion and raw energy that immediately pulled everyone in. As the music swelled, he rolled seamlessly into “Only Me” and the title track “Solitary Tracks,” giving fans a taste of his new work while keeping the energy sky-high.

The crowd came alive as he transitioned into classics like “Damn Love,” “Crazy One More Time,” and “Wild Ones,” with voices echoing back every lyric. While newer tracks like “American Heartbreak” showcased his evolving sound and storytelling. With every chord, he seemed to deepen the connection with the audience, his performance raw and unapologetically real.

Between songs, Kip took the time to talk directly to the audience, his words reflecting a sincerity that’s rare in large-scale performances. Fans hung on his every word, whether he was sharing the story behind a track or simply joking with them about being lifelong listeners. There was an authenticity in how Kip navigated his set, balancing high-energy hits like “Beer Money” with moments of pure emotion during Tennessee Boy, She’s Mine, More Girls Like You, & Live Here To Work. Kip also turned the spotlight back on the crowd several times, drawing energy from their enthusiasm. When he asked how many "OG fans" were in the audience, the roar of response led him to perform a deep cut, “That Was Us,” which had longtime followers cheering and singing every word. Another standout moment was Kip’s rendition of “Dreams” by the Cranberries. It was unexpected, yet the crowd immediately embraced it, singing along with an energy that felt almost celebratory. The harmonies from the audience echoed across the park, creating a rare and magical unity between performer and fans.

“I see a lot of Pretty Girl requests, I don’t really play that song much anymore.”

The night was filled with moments that showcased Kip Moore’s unique ability to connect with his audience on a deeper level. One unforgettable highlight came when Kip picked up his acoustic guitar and paused, saying he wasn’t sure what to play next. The spontaneity of the moment made what followed even more special, a stripped-back performance of “Hey Pretty Girl” that had the entire crowd swaying, many visibly moved by the intimacy of the song. It felt like time stood still as the lyrics washed over Cedar Creek Park, leaving everyone entranced. 

Whether rocking the stage or sharing quieter, intimate moments, Kip’s performance felt like a personal conversation with the crowd. His passion and dedication were evident in every note, and it was clear that he was there not just to perform but to connect. Each song brought with it a memory, a feeling, or a spark of joy that lingered long after the music stopped. Kip told the crowd it was time to test the true OG Wisconsin fans as he pulled out Dirt Road. His set rolled on with “The Bull,” a defiant anthem that had the entire park alive with energy. Fans were clapping, stomping, and singing along during “Heart’s Desire”, feeding off Kip’s undeniable stage presence. Without missing a beat, he launched into the crowd favorite “Somethin’ Bout A Truck,” which sparked an uproar of cheers as voices joined together in unison, creating a moment of pure joy and celebration, only to be elevated by “Come And Get It”.

Throughout the night, Kip Moore made it abundantly clear how much Cedarburg means to him. He shared heartfelt stories with the crowd, reflecting on the deep connection he feels with the town and its people. It wasn’t just another stop on his tour; it felt like a gathering of old friends. Early in the evening, Kip spoke about a pivotal choice he made, to play this festival instead of a larger festival in Milwaukee. The decision wasn’t driven by fame or money but by the bond he shares with this community.

“I have no way to express the gratitude that we all have on stage for this amazing state and how y’all have been with us all these years. We appreciate the hell out of y’all, thank you so much Wisconsin.  Wherever I go, when I do interviews all over the world, I always talk about Wisconsin, every F***ing time”

Kip also expressed his gratitude to the people who come to his shows year after year. He talked about how the familiar faces in the crowd remind him why he does what he does. It wasn’t just about singing songs; it was about building something lasting. He often paused to soak in the atmosphere, visibly moved by the passion and loyalty of the fans before him. These moments of connection weren’t just part of the performance; they were the heartbeat of the evening, and they made the night feel as much about the people of Cedarburg as it was about the music itself.

Just when it seemed the night had reached its peak, Kip ended the set with “Last Shot,” a song that brought a mix of exhilaration and emotion, the kind that lingers in the air long after the final note fades. Yet, even as the last chords rang out, the audience’s energy didn’t waver. They called out for more, their cheers blending into one collective request.

Click The Image Above For The Full Kip Moore Photo Gallery

Kip returned to the stage once more, saying he had one more song for them. He delivered “Lipstick,” igniting another wave of excitement. But as the crowd held on to every moment, Kip decided to give something extra to his longtime supporters. With just his acoustic guitar, he closed the night with an intimate, stripped-down version of “Guitar Man.” The hush that fell over the park during this heartfelt performance was unforgettable, as if everyone knew they were part of something truly special.

Country In The Burg 2025 left a lasting impression on everyone who gathered in Cedar Creek Park for a weekend filled with connection and incredible music. The festival showcased not only the immense talent of its performers but also the deep bond between artists and fans. Each performance felt personal, creating a sense of unity that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.

As Day 1 of the festival came to a close, there was an undeniable feeling of gratitude in the air for the music, the memories, and the people who made it all possible. Country In The Burg continues to stand out as an event that celebrates not just country music but the connections it inspires. It’s a reminder of the magic that happens when music brings people together, leaving everyone already counting down the days until next year.

Don’t Miss Country In The Burg 2026 On August 28th & 29th 2026

Kip Moore Set List:

High Hopes

Only Me

Solitary Tracks

Damn Love

Crazy One More Time

Wild Ones

American Heartbreak

Beer Money

Tennessee Boy

She’s Mine

More Girls Like You

Live Here To Work

That Was Us

Dreams (Cranberries Cover)

Hey Pretty Girl

Dirt Road

The Bull

Heart’s Desire

Somethin’ Bout A Truck

Come And Get It

Last Shot

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Lipstick

Guitar Man