Sugarland, Dierks Bentley among acts for Sikeston Jaycees rodeo

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo has announced its entertainment lineup for the August event, with Sugarland, Dierks Bentley, Clay Walker and Eric Church rounding out the bill.

Performers were announced at Thursday's monthly meeting of the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce: Sugarland opens the rodeo Aug. 8, followed by Dierks Bentley on Aug. 9. Clay Walker will be the featured performer Aug. 10, with Eric Church closing out the four-day event Aug. 11.

"I think we have a really strong lineup," said Scott Balcer, entertainment co-chairman for the Jaycees. "We think ticket sales will be brisk, so people should buy their tickets early."

Again this year, the Jaycee Rodeo will set aside a day to promote cancer awareness through the "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" campaign.

Sugarland's newest album, "Enjoy the Ride," was released in 2006. The album opened at No. 4 on the U.S. Top 200 and at No. 2 on the Country Chart.

This album follows their successful "Want To," which has since gone platinum. "Want To" earned Sugarland nominations for CMT's Video of the Year as well as Duo Video of the Year.

Bentley, who performed at the 2005 Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, has two platinum albums -- 2003's "Dierks Bentley" and 2005's "Modern Day Drifter." He recently performed at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

His latest hit, "Every Mile a Memory," is the first single from the album "Long Trip Alone."

Also back by popular demand is Clay Walker, performing at the rodeo for the third time. Walker, who has been a part of the country music scene since his first single "What's It to You" topped the charts in 1993, has continued to earn honors for his work. His newest album is due next month.

The ticket orders are accepted online at www.sikestonrodeo.com.