Thousands have attend the annual Small Town Throw down in downtown Berlin.

Country tunes to take the stage on Saturday 

By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer

(Sept. 7, 2023) Berlin residents and visitors will be polishing their cowboy boots and kickin’ up their heels for the annual Small Town Throw Down Country Music Concert from 1-6 p.m. on Saturday,

Baltimore’s Red Dirt Revolution will deliver a “nonstop-high energy show of country music,” with classics such as “Folsom Prison Blues,” and “Friends in Low Places,” and their own originals, including “County Fair” and “A Place Like This.” They’ll knock out some rock songs too, like “I Want You to Want Me” and “Shook Me All Night Long.”

Maryland born, Texas bred Crystal Sands and her band will take the stage with some original songs from her latest album, including “Straight Tequila,” “The One that Got Away,” and “Rock Like a Rollin’ Stone.”

DJ Jon Boesche will keep the beats going between sets, so the crowd will have an entire day of music in downtown Berlin.

The annual concert, produced by Fager’s Island and the Atlantic Hotel, will once again shut down Main Street to accommodate the crowds, which could be in the thousands based on past years’ attendance.

“John Fager [owner of Fager’s Island and the Atlantic Hotel] initially started this as a way to bring Nashville to Berlin. He went to Nashville and loved what he saw there. He puts it on each year to benefit all of Berlin,” Laura Stern, the manager of the Atlantic Hotel, said.

“We are bringing the fun Nashville vibe to Berlin. It’s a great way to kick off the fall and all the fall events we have.”

The Berlin Chamber of Commerce will be hosting The Street Kitchen, Sessa’s Hot Dogs and Kona Ice as well as Jun & Juice, Clare’s Nutty Concoctions and Eastern Shore Kettle Korn.

The stage will be set opposite the Atlantic Hotel. Visitors have the option of using any of the free parking lots in town, including Stephen Decatur Park on Tripoli Street. Additional parking may be available for fee or donation at the Berlin Fire Company or Buckingham Presbyterian Church on South Main Street.

“We’re all very happy to enjoy Mr. Fager’s and the Atlantic Hotel’s support. We’re still looking for volunteers that may want to help operate the event, and Fiddlers’ Convention as well. We try our best to recognize and appreciate those who give their time so generously,” Ryan Nellans, the executive director of the Berlin Chamber of Commerce, said.

Street closures will start at 6:30 a.m. The event is free. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.  No outside coolers or alcohol is permitted.