Sikeston rodeo mixes riders and chart toppers

The 60th annual Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo begins next week, and features nationally ranked rodeo riders along with country music chart toppers.

The rodeo runs from Wednesday to Aug. 11, and is filled with a variety of activities including a parade, the Cowboy Up! Arts Festival, meet and greet with the rodeo clowns, live music, crafts, food concessions, pony rides, a petting zoo and special exhibits from the Bootheel Children's Museum and Southeast Explorer Mobile Museum.

"We're going to have a very exciting event this year," said entertainment organizer Craig Templeton. "I think those with a preconceived notion about the rodeo will be pleasantly surprised if they come. And the big music acts we have add something special."

The headlining music acts kick off with The Band Perry on Wednesday, followed by Jerrod Niemann on Thursday, Easton Corbin on Aug. 10 and Justin Moore on Aug. 11.

"We've got a little bit of everything within the country realm coming in," Templeton said. "Not only do we have the traditional country, but the up-and-coming artists, too."

The Band Perry's self-described "modern throwback" style combines classic country music with an infusion of rock, gospel and soul and is rounded out by three-part harmonies. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2010, has been certified Platinum. The group, made up of siblings Kimberly, Reid and Neil Perry, has already experienced award-winning success, including being named New Artist of the Year by the Country Music Association. They have also earned a CMA Single of the Year award, as well as several Teen Choice, AMA and ACA award nominations.

The RIAA has certified their chart topping hit "If I Die Young" Quadruple Platinum for sales exceeding 4 million. The band's singles "All Your Life" and "You Lie" have also been certified Gold, and their latest single "Postcard From Paris" has been in the Top 10 of the country radio charts since its release.

Releasing material since 2001, Jerrod Niemann has recorded four albums. In 2006, he first made the country music charts with the single "I Love Women (My Momma Can't Stand)."

In early 2010, Niemann released his newest album "Judge Jerrod & the Hung Jury," and singles "Lover, Lover," which eventually topped country charts, and top five follow up "What Do You Want." He has also co-written three singles for Garth Brooks, including "Good Ride Cowboy," "That Girl Is a Cowboy" and "Midnight Sun." His new album, "Free the Music," will be released in October.

Easton Corbin released his self-titled debut album in 2010, featuring two number one singles "A Little More Country Than That" and "Roll With It," as well as top 15 release "I Can't Love You Back." Corbin's second album, All Over the Road, will be released in September, and its first single, "Lovin' You Is Fun," was released in March to rave reviews.

Justin Moore has released two albums; a self-titled debut in 2009 and "Outlaws Like Me" in 2011. He has charted six times on the Hot Country Songs charts, including the number one hits "Small Town USA" and "If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away" and top 10 hit "Backwoods."

Templeton said he expects several sellouts during the week.

"Fans are already telling us they are excited about the entertainment by buying up a large number of tickets," Templeton said. "We are encouraging people to buy tickets early and save themselves the time standing in line."

Bleacher seating for the concerts and rodeo is $20 a ticket, and box seats are $30. For additional information or tickets, visit SikestonRodeo.com or call 800-455-2855.

jsamons@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

1220 N. Ingram Rd., Sikeston, MO