“We decided to bring this festival back to Fort Dodge because of the great entertainment opportunity for everyone,” said Mark Miller who is one of the organizers of the event. Miller said it will be an afternoon full of great music, wonderful atmosphere, “just a super time for all,” said Miller.
“Entertainment wise this is poised to be one of the biggest parties in the Heartland,” he said. “Especially with a headliner like Montgomery, who’s music has touched the lives of people all over the world.” His album, Cowboy Songs was the first cowboy music album to achieve gold status since Marty Robbins.
Miller said Montgomery is a country singing legend, but also very down to earth, with Midwestern values. “His singing is very “ballad-like” said Miller, and he’s been to Fort Dodge many times, and says it reminds him of home.
During the day-long event, there will be many vendors selling food; “we opened this up to non-profit organizations in Fort Dodge; they won’t pay a fee and will be able to keep all the proceeds for their particular organization. To date, those that will be involved include; the Lions club, Moose Lodge, Fort Dodge Baseball Association, St. Paul Schools, Fort Dodge Senior High Drill Team, and the National Wild Turkey Federation.
The Entertainers
Since the days when “Life’s a Dance” turned him from an unknown artist into a national star, John Michael Montgomery’s rich baritone has carried that most important of assets, believability. Now, with the release of Time Flies, which he co-produced with Byron Gallimore, John Michael takes another big step forward, strengthening his position as one of the most versatile and compelling vocalists on the country scene.
He says he still selects material the way he always has, “When I go after songs,” he says, “It’s almost like we’re looking for each other. It’s like digging for rocks until now and then I find the shape I’m looking for, and one by one I see how they fit together and where it’s all going.”
Montgomery’s modest beginnings started in Danville, Kentucky with parents who imparted a lifelong love of music. “Where most people have chairs and sofas in their living rooms,” he said, “we had amplifiers and drums.”
As the years went on, Montgomery says you get to know your fans, what they like more and more, and you “gravitate towards one another.” Asked what he thinks gave the edge in a career that calls millions but gives stardom to just a few, he said, “I reckon it was good genes and good blood,” he says. Few who know the depth and breadth of his own growing legacy would disagree.
With four Grammy nominations and a host of awards and accolades, Jamie O’Neal is someone to watch. She launched her career with back-to back number one hits, “There is No Arizona” and “When I think About Angels” along with the tribute to Moms everywhere, “Somebody’s Hero”. Then there’s “Like A Woman” which talks about reconnecting with the spark of love and romance that launches relationships.
“Sometimes in the day to tday routine of children and errands, she says, “We lose touch with that basic need to we all have to be recognized and appreciated as a woman. That feeling and that need is what this song is about. It’s something women everywhere would want to say to their husbands, and men like hearing the message as well. Both can relate to it, and I like that in a song.” O’Neal has toured with Reba McEntire, Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, Alan Jackson and Toby Keith.
Arriving in Nashville with guitar in hand in 1994, Andy Griggs made a name for himself on the country scene. He recorded his debut album, You Won’t Ever Be Lonely and racked up two top 10 hits with the title tune, “I’ll Go Crazy.” Soon after, his single, “She’s More” became his third consecutive top 10.
The gates open at 3 pm, with entertainment beginning at 4:00 pm. Children 12 and under are free with an adult. For more information on the Country Music Bash, go to www.sticksandstonescountrybash.com or call 573-8898.
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