Grand National Country Music Concerts

	GARY ALLAN Friday, April 6 @ 8:00 pm

Over the course of five albums, including his 1999 breakthrough Smoke Rings in the Dark, singer-songwriter Gary Allan has established himself as a country artist who knows exactly and communicates richly his own mind. He is a native southern Californian who always has believed that vintage choices -- '50s guitar tones; rhythms from honky-tonk clubs where people gather, talk, and dance; lyrics unafraid to deal with whatever appears on the table at the time -- should form the bedrock of country music...
[more on Gary Allan...]

	HEART Saturday, April 7 @ 8:00 pm

Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson are the creative spark behind one of the most innovative and enduring musical partnerships of our time. It's a creative chemistry that has, to date, yielded sales of well over thirty million albums, with over twenty Top 40 hits and live shows that sell out stadiums wherever Heart performs. Their new album, Jupiter's Darling, is the latest chapter in an extraordinary saga. Produced by Nancy Wilson and featuring sixteen riveting selections written primarily by the Wilson sisters, this long-awaited collection of new Heart originals marks a triumphant return to form for a band that, in reality, has never really been away...
[more on Heart...]

	GRETCHEN WILSON Thursday, April 12 @ 7:30 pm

Gretchen Wilson�s debut, Here For The Party, kicked the world of Country music�s ass, selling more than 5 million copies, worldwide. Wilson took home just about every award she was nominated for including the prestigious CMA Horizon Award, Top Vocalist and Best New Artist at the ACM�s and Best Country Female Vocalist at The Grammy Awards. Not since Loretta Lynn and perhaps Dolly Parton has a female artist in country music been so brutally honest in song about her own lifestyle and the people around her. "What I�m doing has definitely been done before, it just hasn�t been done in a long time," Gretchen says. "It�s not perfect and it�s not glamorous..."
[more on Gretchen Wilson...]

	MONTGOMERY GENTRY Friday, April 13 @ 8:00 pm

Since their debut in 1999, Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry have been a cornerstone of the most important movement in country music since the Outlaws. Just as Waylon, Willie and the rest kicked open the genre's doors in the 1970s, Montgomery Gentry has helped kick-start 21st century country. The elements consist of straightforward lyrics reflecting the realities of modern life, a tour and stage show that are completely inclusive of their audience, and a gritty rock edge that has captured the imaginations of untold millions. Theirs is a world of blue-collar anthems, tales of life, work, love, loss and patriotism balanced by the hard-partying spirit that takes the edge off --"the good, the bad, the ugly, and the party on the weekends," as Montgomery has long capsulated it...
[more on Montgomery Gentry...]

	WESTERN UNDERGROUND at The Buckin' Ball Saturday, April 14 @ 8:00 pm

After sixteen years as the driving, rodeo rock 'n' roll sound behind legendary Chris LeDoux, Western Underground hits the road to create their own identity, and to pay tribute to their longtime boss, mentor and friend. Filled with LeDoux�s powerful and energetic music, the show reaches out to fans and gathers everyone in for a night of great sounds, good memories, and a glimpse of the future. "We wanted to do mostly Dad�s songs for the first year or so", said Ned LeDoux, one of two drummers with the band, "but still give the audience a taste of our own music too." Country singer Dustin Evans covers the majority of the vocal work, bringing with him some great songs, an incredible voice, and a charismatic stage presence all his own. Keyboard player Bobby Jensen and guitarist Mark Sissel have been with the band since its inception, along with longtime drummer KW Turnbow and bassist Lyle Evans. Together they bring the powerful sound of Western Underground to this year's Grand National Buckin' Ball.
[more on Western Underground...]

	GREAT ENTERTAINMENT ON THE WRANGLER STAGE

Before every performance, be sure to stop by the Wrangler Stage located in the Mercantile. The talent is outstanding and the dancing an added plus. In addition to the live performances, there is always recorded country music, old and new, playing throughout the day. Your Wrangler Stage DJ is Paul Hale, The Lonestar Kid. Paul doesn't just play the music - he dances, too! Don't miss Paul doing the Two Step, the Swing, the Drifter, the Cowboy Cha Cha, and the Horseshoe! It's all FREE with your rodeo ticket.