Music entertainment lineup announced for Bootheel Rodeo

Standard Democrat

SIKESTON -- The Sikeston Jaycees are ready to rope in country music fans to the 51st annual Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo.

The Jaycees announced their lineup Thursday at the Sikeston Chamber of Commerce March luncheon, promoting this year's stars as an "excellent mix of solid country music talent and rising stars," said Tim Jaynes, entertainment co-chairman for this year's rodeo. "We believe this year's lineup will really appeal to everyone."

This year's rodeo lineup begins with Brad Paisley, who will perform on opening night, Wednesday, Aug. 6. Trick Pony will perform Aug. 7, followed by Chris Cagle on Aug. 8 and Chris LeDoux on Aug. 9.

Paisley made his debut in 1999 with "Who Needs Pictures," and has been a Best New Artist Grammy nominee and won two Country Music Awards.

His most recent hit, "I'm Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin' Song)" was selected by CMT as a "Flameworthy Concept" Video. His most recent release is "Part II," on Arista Records.

Best-selling group

Trick Pony was country music's best-selling group in 2001, when they released their self-titled debut. "Pour Me" and "On a Night like This" both hit No. 1 on the charts. The group capped their first year with a gold record, an American Music Award for Favorite New Country Artist and the Academy of Country Music's award for Top New Vocal Group.

The Jaycees described the trio as a "high-energy group, that will have the crowd rockin' and rollin' at the rodeo."

Chris Cagle will "Play It Loud" on the rodeo's Friday night, typically a sell-out. Cagle's debut album, "Play It Loud," is described as a blend of rock and roll's energy with the soul of country. The songs on the album include "My Love Goes On and On," which debuted as a top 15 single; "Country by the Grace of God;" and ballads "Safe Side" and "Lovin' You Lovin' Me." These were followed up by "I Breathe In, I Breathe Out," another top 15 hit.

During 2001, Cagle played over 200 concerts, then spent 2002 touring with Brooks & Dunn.

Returning to the rodeo stage is Chris LeDoux, who will finish the four-nights of entertainment with his show on Saturday. LeDoux last performed at the rodeo in 1996 and was described as a "favorite" by the Jaycees. With a long history of recording, LeDoux most recently brought out 11 of his favorite early songs about his western lifestyle in the album, "Cowboy." It is his 22nd album.

LeDoux considers himself first and foremost a cowboy. He competed on the rodeo circuit and won the world championship in bareback bronco riding at age 28. After he retired from rodeo competition, LeDoux jumped full force into his music career.

His songs gained national recognition when Garth Brooks referred to his works in his song "Much Too Young (To Feel This Damned Old)" then with a duet, "Whatcha Gonna Do with a Cowboy" with Brooks.

Rob Clay, rodeo chairman, summed up the entertainment as a "solid lineup. Each of the entertainers in our lineup has songs that are big hits, especially top-40 caliber. They are good entertainers and all well-known."

But the entertainment is just one reason to buy a ticket to the rodeo, said Clay. "We hope people will support the rodeo because the money the Jaycees get from rodeo will be given back to other organizations or other events," he said.

For each ticket purchased today, the Jaycees will donate a dollar to St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., for their telethon.

For more information about the 51st Annual Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo can be found online at www.sikestonrodeo.com.