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HOT Fair music - Walker, Morgan and lots of familiar faces
The Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo has announced its music lineup for this year’s fair and it’s filled with performers who definitely know the road to Waco.
The fair runs Oct. 2 to 11 and here’s who’s on the Bud Light True Music Stage:;
Thursday, Oct. 2 - Cory Morrow
Friday, Oct. 3 - Stoney LaRue
Saturday, Oct. 4 - Todd Fritsch and Kevin Fowler
Sunday, Oct. 5 - La Ley Day (Hispanic performers booked by Spanish language radio station KWOW-FM, La Ley)
Monday, Oct. 6 - The Gimbles
Wednesday, Oct. 8 - The Bellamy Brothers
Thursday, Oct. 9 - The Randy Rogers Band
Friday, Oct. 10 - Craig Morgan
Saturday, Oct. 11 - Aaron Watson and Neal McCoy
The headliner for the Sept. 27 Western Roundup that precedes the fair - no longer a gala, but a more casual “roundup” - is Clay Walker, with Dave Alexander Band opening for him.
Walker, Morgan and McCoy are the closest to A-list talent booked for the fair, though they’re more B-list or B+ list. Of the rest, Morrow, the Gimbles, the Bellamy Brothers, the Randy Rogers Band, Aaron Watson and Kevin Fowler have performed in Waco within the last year (I can’t remember if LaRue has, but know he has played Waco in recent years).
I asked HOT Fair President Wes Allison about that and he said it’s a combination of what the fair can afford - expect to start at $25,000 for a nationally known act - and what audiences will turn out for. Last year’s entertainment lineup lacked big national names - and the fair cracked 200,000 visitors for the first time.
Permalink | Comments (5) | Post your comment | Categories: Music
Comments
By Contra
July 18, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
While I advocate bringing top-notch talent to the fair, I think you really missed it, Carl, in your talent assessment. I suspect you’re not a big country fan. Claiming that Walker, Morgan and McCoy are the closest to A-list talent is an insult to the Bellamy Brothers.
They’ve had more No. 1 country hits than the other three combined (like a dozen or so), have released 50 albums, and were nominated for CMA’s Vocal Duo or Group of the Year 18 times.
They haven’t had a big hit in a few years, but then again, neither has Willie Nelson, whom I’m sure would qualify as A-list.
I went out of my way last year to go to the fair on the night of the Bellamy’s and will do the same this year. They’ve had enduring success and rate higher than the other guys you’re saying are A- or maybe B-list.
And as a post script, Johnny Gimble is as A-list as you can get in western swing.
By Citizen
July 21, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
Do the HOT Fair organizers have any other options than Cory Morrow, Kevin Fowler, Aaron Watson nand Neal McCoy ? Geez! These guys play in Waco more than performers who live here. How about a little effort and variety? New concept, I know, but……..?????!!
By Brad
July 24, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
A good lineup for the fair. Quit whining. It’s free with admission.
By Brad B
July 25, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
I too would like to see more local representation with bands like Modern Day Drifters, Kimberly Kelly, Wayward Sons etc given the opportunity to open for those bigger names. Support local music!
By Citizen
July 25, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Maybe it’s so they don’t have to redesign posters for each event.(e.g. Margarita Salsa, Fair and Rodeo, Zach and Jim’s Party, etc. etc.) Same lineup each year, just change the dates and event name. Brilliant!! Saves time and money. I get it now.