Why was the line-up for the first night of Chicago's LakeShake Festival such a big deal? Because it wasn't just the first night of the 3-day fest. It was actually the first night that eleven women took the two stages, one after the other. These women were absolute pioneers, paving the way for other festivals to do the same, and to fill the schedule up with the female country singers who country fans adore.

With the exception of some music from Dee Jay Silver throughout the day on Friday (June 21), it was all women from afternoon until long after the sun went down on the Lake Michigan beachfront outdoor venue.

This is what the very first girls-only country festival looked like:

Miranda Lambert

Pistol Annies

Maren Morris

Lauren Alaina

Cassadee Pope

Lindsay Ell

Clare Dunn

Rita Wilson

Rachel Wammack

Kassi Ashton