'Loudest Show on Dirt' draws 500 at Flickerwood

The inaugural "Loudest Show on Dirt" that took place last Saturday at the Flickerwood Arena near Jackson brought in about 500 fans of independent country music, according to show co-organizer John D. Hale.

Hale, who fronts the John D. Hale Band, put the "Loudest" show together with the help of the management at Springfield, Mo.'s Snorty Horse Saloon, a haven for acts of the so-called "Red Dirt" independent country music scene. Singer/songwriter Billy Joe Shaver headlined Saturday's show, supported by the JDHB, Corb Lund and the Hurtin' Albertans, Chris Knight and The Dirty 30s.

Hale said some people traveled from as far away as Idaho for the show.

While 500 is about what Hale said he was expecting in attendance, he said he hoped the show would sell more tickets. But he said the show will definitely come back next year as an annual event.

-- By Matt Sanders

@SL_cutline_body:ABOVE: Fans in the front row rested against the rails during the Loudest Show on Dirt on Saturday at Flickerwood Arena. (Aaron Eisenhauer)