SIKESTON - August nights will rock when the Sikeston Jaycees roll some of the top names in country music into town for their annual rodeo.
The Sikeston Chamber of Commerce got first peek at this year’s entertainers for the Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo. Announced at today’s monthly meeting of the Chamber was the entertainment lineup of the duo Sugarland, opening the Rodeo on Wednesday, Aug. 8, followed on Aug. 9 by Dierks Bentley. Clay Walker will be the featured performer on Friday, Aug. 10 with Eric Church closing out the four-day event on Aug. 11.
“I think we have a really strong lineup,” said Scott Balcer, entertainment co- chairman for the Jaycees. “We think ticket sales will be brisk so people should buy their tickets early.”
The Jaycees also announced a change in the ticket pricing structure. Tickets will be $19 for bleacher seats and $26 for boxseats on Wednesday and Thursday nights. The cost on Friday and Saturday nights will
Dierks Bentley |
be $16 for bleacher seats and $23 for boxseats.
The rodeo isn’t just about entertainment, emphasized Rodeo Chairman Nate Hawkins. The event, he explained, has enabled the Sikeston Jaycees to raise thousands of dollars to assist organizations and individuals in need.
Again this year, the Jaycee Rodeo will set aside a day to promote cancer awareness through the “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” campaign.
“Last year was our first year and it went over pretty well,” said Hawkins. “This year we hope to make it even bigger.”
In 2006 as a result of the “Tough Enough To Wear Pink” campaign, the Sikeston Jaycees donated more than $14,000 to the local American Cancer Society.
A special video on th
Eric Church |
e entertainers was presented by the Jaycees at the Chamber luncheon.
Since releasing their newest album “Enjoy the Ride” in 2006, Sugarland, made up of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush, is continuing to enjoy a successful ride to success. The album opened at No. 4 on the U.S. Top 200 and at No. 2 on the Country Chart.
This album follows their successful, “Want To,” which has now gone platinum. Also “Want To” earned them nominations for CMT’s Video of the Year as well as “Duo Video of the Year.”
Balcer said the Jaycees watched them perform in Omaha at the Summer Rodeo Finals and were impressed by their show.
Bentley, who performed at the 2005 Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, has two platinum albums - 2003’s “Dierks Bentley” and in 2005, “Modern Day Drifter,” and has emerged as one of the hottest young stars in country music, he said.
His latest hit, “Every Mile a Memory,” is the first single from the album “Long Trip Alone.”
Also back by popular demand is Clay Walker. “Clay seems to have an innate sense of what it takes to please an audience,” Balcer said. “He gives 100 percent.”
Adding this is Walker’s third time to perform here, Balcer said he is a good fit for Sikeston Rodeo fans.
Walker, who has been a part of the country music scene since his first single “What’s It to You” topped the charts in 1993, has continued to earn honors for his work. His newest album is due next month.
Balcer describes Church as a “high energy entertainer” and noted his latest album, “Sinners Like Me,” features several popular songs including “How ’Bout You,” “Two Pink Lines” and “Guys Like Me.”
“He is one of those guys who may not have the name recognition, but people are hearing his songs and starting to know more about him. He puts on a fantastic show and we felt it would be good to finish with an up-and-coming artist,” said Balcer.
For those who want to ensure they have their favorite spot at the Rodeo, the ticket booth at the Jaycee Rodeo Grounds will be open through Saturday. Orders are also accepted online at www.sikestonrodeo.com.
