Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo starts today with four nights of country acts

A Southeast Missouri tradition, the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, kicks off tonight with the first of four nights of rodeo and concerts by popular country acts. For information or tickets call (800) 455-2855.

Today -- Sugarland

Sugarland's rise to the top of the country world has been nothing less than meteoric -- in just three years they've become one of the hottest acts in country music, with hits like "Baby Girl" and "Something More" from their 2004 major-label debut "Twice the Speed of Life" and a 2006 tour with Kenny Chesney.

Thursday -- Dierks Bentley

Dierks Bentley held a fan's hand while he sang at the Show Me Center on March 9. (Kit Doyle)

Only a few months have passed since this huge country star performed in Cape Girardeau, bringing his headlining gig to the Show Me Center. Bentley made a splash on the country music scene in 2005 with the release of the album "Modern Day Drifter."

Friday -- Clay Walker

Compared to acts like Sugarland and Dierks Bentley, Clay Walker is an old man on the country music scene. His first major-label record was released in 1993, and his first four studio albums were certified platinum. His latest album is called "Fall," released in April.

Saturday -- Eric Church

Church hails from the mountains of North Carolina and is the newest face to play this year's rodeo. His first album, "Sinners Like Me," was released in 2006 on the strength of Church's single "How 'Bout You."

-- From staff reports