With their 40th anniversary at hand in 2013, legendary country band Alabama embarked on their first tour in more than a decade and released an officially endorsed tribute album titled “Alabama and Friends.” The album features current country stars covering some of Alabama’s country-rock classics — including Kenny Chesney on “Lady Down on Love,” Jason Aldean on “Tennessee River,” Luke Bryan on “Love in the First Degree,” and the Eli Young Band on “The Closer You Get” — along with two new Alabama songs. It was a fitting tribute for the most successful band in country music history, which logged 34 singles that topped Billboard’s country singles chart between 1980 and 2011 and has sold more than 75 million albums.
With Special Guest:
Lee Greenwood
Brett Eldredge – The world first fell in love with award-winning Illinois-born and Nashville-based multiplatinum singer, songwriter, producer, and entertainer Brett Eldredge in 2010. Since then, he has affirmed himself as an eloquently clever songwriter and a show stopping performer. Simultaneously, his catalog has expanded at a prolific pace, boasting a pair of Gold-certified albums and nine singles certified either Gold or Platinum by the RIAA. Beyond gathering billions of streams, he has notched seven #1’s on Country Radio, launched two albums into the Top 3 of the Billboard 200, and taken home various honors at the CMA Awards, ACM Awards, and BMI Country Awards.
With Special Guest Stacey Ryan
Sawyer Brown has released 18 studio albums and has charted over 50 times on the Hot Country Songs charts, including three No. 1 singles: “Step That Step” (1985), “Some Girls Do” (1992), and “Thank God for You” (1993). The band’s sound is largely defined by country pop and rock music influences, with cover versions of songs by George Jones, Michael Johnson, and Dave Dudley also among their hit singles. Artists with whom they have collaborated include Randy Scruggs, Joe Bonsall, and Mac McAnally.
JO DEE MESSINA IN CONCERT:
Country music just wouldn’t be the same without Jo Dee Messina’s spunky collection of hits and trademark red hair. Her catchy country tunes have dominated the charts since the ’90s, and they’re even more compelling live. Whether she’s showcasing her vocal prowess on hits like “Head Carolina, Tails California” or sharing her spirited attitude with adoring concertgoers, Messina definitely knows how to get the crowd going, leading fans in fun sing-alongs and telling stories along the way. With the 2014 release of Me, her first new album in almost 10 years, Messina has fans fired up for her highly anticipated upcoming tour dates.
Zach Top, a rising star in country music, is a 25-year-old artist known for reviving the classic vibes of ’90s traditional country music. The Washington-native honed his skills as a member of bands like North Country and Modern Tradition before making his mark in Nashville upon relocating there in 2021. Zach’s 2022 single “Like It Ain’t No Thing” off of his self-titled album topped the Bluegrass Today chart, showcasing his talent as a traditional instrumentalist and storyteller. Zach Top’s new album, Cold Beer & Country Music, is set to be released in 2024.
With Special Guest : Cole Goodwin
Cody Johnson – Known for his explosive live shows and electrifying stage presence, COJO Music / Warner Music Nashville Platinum recording artist Cody Johnson has established a following of passionately loyal fans who regularly sell out shows across the country. MusicRow predicted Cody “just might be the future of real country music” as his career has skyrocketed with three celebrated albums, Human The Double Album, A Cody Johnson Christmas and Cody Johnson & The Rockin’ CJB Live, and an award-winning feature-length documentary “Dear Rodeo: The Cody Johnson Story.” He has 17 career RIAA certifications, a Pandora Billionaire Award and nearly 5 billion global streams after increasing his streams in both 2021 and 2022 by one million each year with a current career tally nearly 5 billion global streams.
With three consecutive No. 1 singles in 2012, Lee Brice decisively crossed out the next from his reputation as country’s next big thing. Brice’s second album Hard 2 Love contradicted its title with loveable hits like Parking Lot Party and A Woman Like You, earning him a No. 2 spot on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. The South Carolina native is about as all-American as it gets before topping the charts, Brice performed music at his family’s church, attended university on a football scholarship, and penned hits for country icons including Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw. The title track from his 2010 debut Love Like Crazy earned the distinction of having the longest run of any song in history on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. On the road for The Other Side Tour in 2013, Brice delighted ticket buyers across the country with his down-home charm and highly personal live concerts.
Marrying pop with country is an art form all its own, and Rascal Flatts is proof positive. The harmonious trio from Ohio create both melodic ballads and thumping dance numbers. Comprised of Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney and Jay DeMarcus, the group has a penchant for meaningful lyrics and a sense of soul. Rascal Flatts live performances are rousing and welcoming. The energy in the crowd is frenetic, and the large live band creates an unparalleled buzz through the air. The band appeals to a young demographic and has earned the CMA award for Best Vocal Group of the Year and the ACA Decade Artist Award, along with other acclaim. Rascal Flatts earned the No. 1 spot on the U.S. Country Music charts for more than a dozen of their songs, including “Fast Cars and Freedom” and “Here Comes Goodbye.” Rascal Flatts tours include the 2016 Rhythm and Roots Tour, 2015 Riot Tour and 2014 Rewind Tour.
With Special Guests
Lauren Alaina
Chris Lane
Easton Corbin – Born and raised in rural Gilchrist County, FL, Easton Corbin remembered wanting to be a country singer as early as three or four years old. He spent a good deal of time at his grandparents’ cattle farm following his parents’ divorce, and aside from helping on the farm and being active in the local FFA and 4-H chapters, Corbin fell in love with the various Opry television shows that aired on Saturday nights. He also spent time exploring his grandfather’s record collection, which included several titles left behind by his father and his aunts. Corbin began taking guitar lessons at the age of 15, turning to his mentor, former Nashville session guitarist Pee Wee Melton, for instruction. Soon, he was playing lead guitar in a local band while also honing a solo act. A fortunate audition at a local music store led to a solo spot on-stage at the nearby Suwannee River Jam festival, and soon he was securing opening slots for national acts like Janie Fricke and Mel McDaniel.
Known for his explosive live shows and electrifying stage presence, COJO Music / Warner Music Nashville Platinum recording artist Cody Johnson has established a following of passionately loyal fans who regularly sell out shows across the country. MusicRow predicted Cody “just might be the future of real country music” as his career has skyrocketed with three celebrated albums, Human The Double Album, A Cody Johnson Christmas and Cody Johnson & The Rockin’ CJB Live, and an award-winning feature-length documentary “Dear Rodeo: The Cody Johnson Story.” He has 17 career RIAA certifications, a Pandora Billionaire Award and nearly 5 billion global streams after increasing his streams in both 2021 and 2022 by one million each year with a current career tally nearly 5 billion global streams.
With Special Guests:
Ashley McBryde Drew Baldridge