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Ask one of his countless fans - or even one of his peers - and they will tell you that Sammy Kershaw definitely qualifies as a country music original. In a day and age where individuality isn't something that is sought out as much as before, when you hear a Sammy Kershaw song about heartbreak, love or good times - you know who it is. You don't have to be told. And, in a career that has seen some amazing highs over the past thirty-five years, the best - as they say - is yet to come.
The Town of Forest City proudly presents country music legend Sammy Kershaw and Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute Tuesday's Gone at the Pavilion On Park Square (POPS) on Saturday, October 12th at 7PM. Since his debut on the music scene in the early '90s, Kershaw has remained one of the most consistent power-hitters in country music-both with a chain of major hit records and sell-out tours. Often referred to as the "heir apparent" to the legendary "voice" himself - George Jones - Sammy Kershaw helped make the '90s a shining decade for country music. His platinum albums were propelled into the record books by hits such as "She Don't Know She's Beautiful", "I Can't Reach Her Anymore", "National Working Woman's Holiday", "Love Of My Life", "Cadillac Style", "Don't Go Near The Water", "Haunted Heart" and many more.
Sammy Kershaw's plan for country music is reclaiming its roots and recapturing the spirit that made it great. "Man, for someone like me who had George Jones' music imprinted in my DNA before birth, the last few years have been rough as a fan of country music," noted Kershaw candidly in a recent national interview. "Country music is not a formula... it's a music with its own soul, and I'm all about saving that soul!" Kershaw's current album "Honkytonk Boots" promises to be a much-anticipated first step in that plan of salvation. For the newest Kershaw project, the singer's soulful sound and Cajun vocal kick is teamed back-up with the genius of producer Buddy Cannon-whose efforts, like Sammy's, have lined his walls with platinum. Sammy's vibe about his latest studio venture has all the earmarks of a proud father talking about his new arrival. "In music, everything is timing. I knew when we were in the studio working on the new album that we had something radio and fans are ready for... the feel of the album is a return to the kind of country music I, and a lot of other people, have missed."
Courtney Ashley, Marketing and Events Coordinator for the Town of Forest City, embraces the opportunity to host the first Town-sponsored ticketed event at POPS. "I can't think of a better concert to kick it off with," Ashley said. "Sammy Kershaw is one of the most-loved country artists in our area, and with the addition of the Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band Tuesday's Gone as the opening act, this concert offers something for everyone. Our first season at POPS has been an overwhelming success, and this concert will continue to make it bigger and better."
So make no mistake about it - you do not want to miss this show. The past has been a long and winding road of highs and lows for Sammy Kershaw, but to quote one of his past singles, his goal isn't to rest on the past but to be "Better Than I Used To Be".
POPS is located at 153 Park Square, formally known as Depot Street, in downtown Forest City right off of Main Street. The total capacity for POPS is 2,000, and a full house is expected for the concert. Guests will enter POPS through the ticket booth at Park Square, and general admission seating is first come, first serve. Doors open at 5PM so make sure you get there early. There are several parking lots located right beside POPS and off of Main Street, and you can find the parking diagram on the event page at townofforestcity.com. Low chairs and blankets are allowed in the grassy seating area.
Tobacco, smoking, vaping, pets, umbrellas, professional cameras, flash photography, recording equipment, laser pointers and weapons of any kind are prohibited. The concert is rain or shine. All bags and outside materials are subject to search. No outside food and beverages are allowed, but Explore Forest City will have a full concession stand featuring hot dogs, pizza, nachos, popcorn, candy, soda, beer and wine.
VIP tables sold out in just two days, but general admission tickets are available for only $15 (plus taxes/fees) and can be purchased online at foundationshows.org, or at 828.286.9990 or in-person at the Foundation.
For more information, call Courtney Ashley at 828.245.0365, visit townofforestcity.com or follow the Town of Forest City and POPS on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
