Thunder Ridge art. Photo: Courtesy of ASM Global
There are hundreds of arenas, amphitheaters and rooms of various sizes across the nation that house memorable concerts every night, but there are only a handful of venues that reach icon status. Going to see a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, The Hollywood Bowl or the Ryman Auditorium, for example, are experiences that make a lot of music lovers’ bucket lists.
A new spot that will undoubtedly find its way onto must-see venue lists is the Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in Ridgedale, Missouri.
Located just a few miles outside of Branson, the 1,200 acres that make up Thunder Ridge showcase breathtaking views of the Table Rock Lake inlets and gorgeous forested Boston Mountains. With a capacity of 18,000, the arena is the perfect place to enjoy some music and appreciate the majesty of nature that is so beautifully showcased in The Ozarks. And showcasing that beauty is precisely the goal.
Morgan Wallen plays at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena. Photo: David Lehr
Thunder Ridge Nature Arena has been developed for over a decade by noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops Founder Johnny Morris. He is extremely dedicated to conserving The Ozarks, as the property’s land, its buildings and infrastructure have been donated and permanently set aside as part of a not-for-profit foundation committed to the cause of conservation.
Morris wants the venue to be “America’s most beautiful outdoor amphitheater.” He’s well on his way.
But in order to get fans in the doors, Thunder Ridge has to book great talent. They have partnered with ASM Global for that task.
The first artist to take the Thunder Ridge stage was country icon Garth Brooks, who played the venue before it underwent more finalizations. In May, superstar Morgan Wallen reopened Thunder Ridge and started the flow of concerts there this summer. Chris Stapleton also took the stage last month, and on deck for July are The Rolling Stones and Luke Bryan. Imagine Dragons and Pitbull shows are also forthcoming.
Jason Rio. Photo: Courtesy of ASM Global
“We’re learning about the market right now,” shares Jason Rio, SVP of Live Entertainment for ASM Global, who is intrinsically involved in the development of the live show experience at Thunder Ridge. “So far we feel like the market is across the board. Country is definite, and we’re doing some rock shows. It’ll take some time for people to understand what we’re trying to accomplish here, which is bringing great music to this part of the country, and giving the fans an experience that’s unlike anything that they have been part of.”
He adds, “If you live in Kansas City, St. Louis or Arkansas, you have your amphitheater that you would go to to see Tyler Childers or whoever it may be. Those venues are great, but seeing Tyler Childers here…Once you experience that, it will set a new bar for what the potential is.”
In his line of work, Rio is well-acquainted with the concert venues the United States has to offer, and notes that Thunder Ridge is in a class of its own.
“It’s a unique and special place given where it sits within the country and the world,” he says. “It’s so highly-curated. Getting to know Johnny and how he operates his business, with the attention to detail and the focus, it’s obvious how personal it is. It doesn’t take you long to realize why he is who he is.”
In addition to shows in a 18,000-seat amphitheater, Thunder Ridge provides the complete experience with Morris’ Big Cedar Lodge, a 4,600-acre rustic luxury resort close by, as well as miles and miles of walking trails with breathtaking views. There are limitless opportunities to hike, fish and enjoy the great outdoors.
Chris Stapleton plays at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena. Photo: Andy Barron
“As we’re advancing more shows and talking to more artists, the idea that the artist can show up a few days before, post up and relax is appealing. There’s a Tiger Woods-designed golf course [on the Big Cedar Lodge property]. There’s everything that you could want all within this area.”
The same is true for fans, who can drive in for just a show or make a vacation out of their trip to Thunder Ridge, adding potential for multi-day artist events or activations.
“It goes back to the unique experience that Johnny and his team are giving fans. The concert venue is another part of the package. There’s so many things to do there, and now you can go see an amazing show at an amazing venue,” Rio says.
Tasked with introducing the new venue to the music business, Rio states the only way to truly “get it” is to spend time at Thunder Ridge.
“Pictures are one thing, but you have to get out there. Having that big reveal when you come around the bend and see everything…I can’t put that into words,” he says. “In our business, there are so many shows and so many venues. The venues like Thunder Ridge are the exceptions to the rule. There’s a story behind it and deep meaning. You need to experience this in person because it is unlike anything that you have been a part of.”
LB Cantrell is Editor/Director of Operations at MusicRow magazine, where she oversees, manages and executes all company operations. LB oversees all MusicRow-related content, including the publication’s six annual print issues and online news. She is a Georgia native and a graduate of the Recording Industry Management program at Middle Tennessee State University.
