WE FEST

Thursday-Saturday: It's easy to get amped about the headliners at the Detroit Lakes country-and-camping hoedown, especially country's only stadium act, Kenny Chesney, and Brad Paisley, the funny man with the hot guitar licks. And the teens all love Rascal Flatts, with their harmonies and hairdos. But the most exciting thing about the 26th annual We Fest is the strong contingent of women: the red-hot Sugarland, fronted by sassy Jennifer Nettles (above); the rebounding and delightfully bluesy LeAnn Rimes; the fiercely independent Wynonna Judd; the harmony-happy Little Big Town (which could collaborate with Sugarland on "Life in a Northern Town") and prodigiously talented teen sensation Taylor Swift. And don't forget Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean and Billy Ray Cyrus. Sounds like another Up North party in overdrive. (Thu.-Sat. $75/day, $175/three days. Soo Pass Ranch, 25526 County Rd. 22, Detroit Lakes, Minn. 1-800-493-3378 or www.wefest.com).

JON BREAM