Nobody knows how to party like small-town America, entertainer Kid Rock said a few months ago.
Louisiana will see if the headlining artist is correct in his assessment when Gonzales hosts the first leg of the inaugural Rock the Country music festival Friday and Saturday at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center.
"Rock The Country is for everyone who makes this country run and loves America," Rock also said.
The new festival is organized by the same producers behind Rock the South, another massive country festival in Cullman, Alabama.
Rock the Country also will stop in Ashland, Kentucky; Rome, Georgia; Ocala, Florida; Mobile, Alabama; Poplar Bluff, Missouri; and Anderson, South Carolina.
It's far from Rock's first time playing to a Louisiana audience. Early on in his career, he performed at New Orleans UNO Lakefront Arena and the Cajundome in Lafayette, both in 2002. He was back in New Orleans in 2013 for the Voodoo Music & Arts Experience, and on a smaller scale, played John Schneider's birthday bash in 2019, among other shows in the Bayou State.
Rock made headlines just last week by weighing in on the Tickemaster/Live Nation fees and business practices controversy.
“I’ve actually talked to several of them (elected officials in Tennessee) about really taking a hard look at Ticketmaster. They have a monopoly," Rock said during the "This Past Weekend" podcast with Theo Von. "I’ll be the first one to admit, I’m overpaid. There’s no reason to make this much money. But I can’t control it, because the market dictated, and Ticketmaster.”
Rock, 53, has sold nearly 30 million records worldwide, with rap-rock hits of the '90s such as “Bawitdaba” and “Cowboy,” the country-rock crossover “Picture,” a collaboration with Sheryl Crow, and the smash hit “All Summer Long,” which topped charts in eight countries. The singer also has dabbled in acting ("Joe Dirt," "Biker Boyz," "Osmosis Jones"). His latest album, "Bad Reputation," released on his Top Dog Records label, features hits such as “Don’t Tell Me How To Live,” “We The People” and “My Kind of Country,” co-written with Eric Church and Adam Hood.
Other festival headliners will be Grammy nominee and quadruple-platinum-selling artist Jason Aldean ("Burnin' It Down," Tonight Looks Good on You," "Dirt Road Anthem") and the Shreveport-born Hank Williams Jr. ("A Country Boy Can Survive," "Family Tradition," "Old Habits").
Other acts on the bill include Koe Wetzel, Travis Tritt, Big & Rich featuring Gretchen Wilson, Uncle Kracker, Elvie Shane, Kolby Cooper, Gavin Adcock and Sadie Bass.
Last month, Rock the Country added a "huge surprise guest" to the lineup, but didn't offer any hints. The mystery performer will take the stage on Saturday before Kid Rock.
Ticket prices are as follows:
- Two-day general admission - from $189.99
- Two-day elevated seating - from $249.99 (wait list)
- Two-day VIP - From $399.99
- Two-day VIP elevated seating - From $419.99 (wait list)
Camping and parking packages also are available.
For more information, visit www.rockthecountry.com.
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Friday
Noon: Parking opens
3 p.m.: Doors open
4 p.m.: Kolby Cooper
5 p.m.: Elvie Shane
6 p.m.: Travis Tritt
7:45 p.m.: Koe Wetzel
9:30 p.m.: Jason Aldean
Saturday
Noon: Parking opens
3 p.m.: Festival gates open
3:30 p.m.: Sadie Bass
4 p.m.: Gavin Adcock
5 p.m.: Uncle Kracker
6:15 p.m.: Big & Rich featuring Gretchen Wilson
7:45 p.m.: Hank Williams Jr.
9 p.m.: huge surprise guest
9:45 p.m.: Kid Rock