The inaugural Country Campout Weekend, scheduled to take place at Prado Regional Park in Chino on Nov.10-12, holds special importance for country artist Presley Tennant. Hailing from the neighboring city of Norco, this performance is very much a homecoming.
“There is seriously nothing better than playing in your hometown,” Tennant said during a Zoom interview ahead of the festival. “Chino is another city I feel like I grew up at. I used to play soccer growing up over in Chino, so I know the area and it feels like home. There’s definitely no better feeling than playing near my hometown because, I mean, it’s so cheesy to say, but there’s a special place in your heart with certain areas and whenever I get to play in these cities … those are my most favorite shows.”
Tennant’s upbringing in Norco, famously known as Horsetown USA, immersed her in the world of country music. Inspired by the sounds and powerful vocals of female artists like Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood, Tennant recognized the importance of forging her own musical identity. Thanks to her hometown, she found both the inspiration to flourish and the encouragement to soar, as friends and family rallied behind her decision to make her mark as a finalist on Season 16 of NBC’s “The Voice” during her teenage years.
“You know, I was only 16 years old when I got on ‘The Voice,’” she said. “It was a huge milestone in my life and I had no clue what was going to unfold from that. Looking back, it was kind of the start for everything else. I didn’t really know who I was or what music I was going to make, but from being on that show, I found myself. And as of late, it’s coming through more than ever.”
Now, Tennant is ready to introduce a fresh musical chapter to fans, with plans to release several new singles in the coming months, including the debut of some unreleased songs during her Country Campout Weekend performance. The setlist will also reflect a change in energy, as it now encompasses songs that resonate with her current stage of life, in which she’s prioritizing personal growth.
“I started releasing music at just 18 and to see where I’m at now is a completely different person, I feel like a woman now,” Tennant said. “As I grow, the music grows, and I become more outgoing and more myself, and I can put that in my songwriting. Even with the covers I’m going to do, it might not be what people expect, but it makes sense to me with where I’m at.”
Joining Tennant is headliner Chris Janson, as well as other acts like Drew Baldridge, Sean Stemaly, Catie Offerman, Daniel Bonte and Joe Peters. The Saturday, Nov. 11 concert event will also feature line dancing lessons, axe throwing, lakeside yoga, a redneck rodeo, mechanical bull rides, tailgating games like cornhole and horseshoes, among other activities. Tennant said fans will see her out enjoying some of the festival amenities as well.
“Of course, I’ll be on stage singing my heart out, but fans can expect I’ll be out in the crowds after the show, watching artists I love, but also enjoying the other activities there,” she confirmed. “Again, I’m a cheesy person, and there’s nothing better than being involved in something like this.”
Country Campout Weekend
When: 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10, 7 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11-Sunday, Nov. 12; 1 p.m.-10 p.m. for the Saturday concert.
Where: Prado Regional Park, 16700 Euclid Ave., Chino
Tickets: Saturday’s music event for general admission starts at $59. VIP tickets start at $119. RV camping companion passes start at $99; tent or car camping passes start at $89; tent camping start at $249; RV dry camping starts at $319; RV camping full hookups start at $479; VIP cabanas start at $1,200. Tickets are available at countrycampoutweekend.com.
