98 Country’s Parent Company Purchases WE Fest

Townsquare Media, 98 Country's parent company, has acquired WE Fest. The music festival, scheduled for August 6th, 7th & 8th, 2015 near Detroit Lakes, already has Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bently, and Jake Owen on the schedule.

Founded in 1983, WE Fest has grown into an annual destination event, drawing attendees from 48 states. Located at the Soo Pass Ranch, a picturesque 500 acre lakefront facility comprised of a natural amphitheater and more than 9,000 campsites, the festival welcomed approximately 45,000 people each day in 2014 and has featured some of the biggest stars in country music including Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Zac Brown Band, Florida Georgia Line, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood and Eric Church. The Country Music Association has twice nominated WE Fest for Best Special Event.

“We are very excited about the purchase of WE Fest,” said Dhruv Prasad, Executive Vice President, Live Events for Townsquare Media. “The addition of WE Fest to our portfolio of music festivals positions Townsquare Media as one of the leading country music festival owners in the United States. We look forward to continuing to grow the audience at WE Fest, along with the operating leadership team of the festival, including Bob Bliss, John Gourley, and Mark Schultz, who will be joining Townsquare.”

Rand Levy, owner of WE Fest, commented, “I am happy to deliver WE Fest to a company that shares my vision, and which will continue to operate WE Fest in concert with its leading event, broadcast radio, and digital assets focused on country music. It is the perfect way for this event to continue to thrive, and I am excited about WE Fest’s future.”

The 98 Country team is excited with the news, and look forward to seeing you there!