COUNTRYFEST 2026 To Launch At Spire Center for Performing Arts

The Spire Center for Performing Arts in Plymouth announced its inaugural CountryFest 2026 set for August 22,  bringing a full night of country music to the stage.

Headlined by Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum American country music duo  Thompson Square, the evening will also include performances with  Ashley Cushman, and Sarah Martin.  Tickets go on sale Saturday May 2

“We've learned over the past decade just how popular country music is with our South Shore audience. And so we've created the Spire's CountryFest 2026, which we plan to be an annual event.” said Bob Hollis, board president of the Spire Center for the Performing Arts. “With three standout acts and a lineup built for singing along and dancing, it's a night made for country fans. Plus, we'll be keeping the energy going between sets with additional music to keep the vibe going all night long,” 

The Spire's CountryFest will be headlined by Thompson Square, featuring the husband-and-wife team of Keifer and Shawna Thompson, who exploded out of Nashville a little more than a decade ago, with their multi-platinum mega-hit “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not.” In that time, the CMA  Duo of the Year has toured the world, won multiple awards, and appeared on The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, NBC's TODAY Show, and CBS This Morning among others. 

“Keifer and I really got back to our roots,” says Shawna of this country music homecoming, “But we've grown too, and the music reflects all of that.” The duo's new material promises all the hallmarks that made audiences fall for the Thompsons in the first place, as well as showcasing everything that life, touring and starting a family has taught them.  With their most recent release, upbeat “Livin In The Country” written by Keifer and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line, Keifer and Shawna take audiences on a trip back to the country where both spend the formative years of their life.  This is the kind of song that some can make up but when it comes to Thompson Square, Keifer and Shawna lived it and still do to this day.

New Hampshire's own April Cushman has been described as having the story telling of Lori McKenna and the grit and soul of Ashley McBryde.  She is a singer-songwriter who has toured nationally and abroad with her band as well as Darius Rucker's.

Sarah Martin is a Nashville recording artist, singer-songwriter, and full-time performer called “the tiny girl with the big voice and even bigger heart.” who creates high-energy, emotionally resonant performances that leave a lasting impression.

Other upcoming events at the Spire include   The Steel Wheels May 1,  BoDeans May 2,  Session Americana w/ Kris Delmhorst May 8,  A Band of Brothers May 9,  Forever Simon & Garfunkel May 10, Pat McGee May 15, Delta Generators Album Release Party May 22,  Shemekia Copeland May 23, Slambovian Circus of Dreams May 29, Draw the Line May 30, FJ-The Music of Foreigner Journey Friday June 5,  Carbon Leaf Friday June 12,  The Reckoners June 13,  Paul Thorn June 20,  Albert Cummings June 26, and An Evening with Livingston Taylor June 27.