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Young country artists prove popular at amphitheater

While the Kearney Amphitheater has seen success with classic rock tribute bands, Ryan Marcotte said the city-owned venue is about to get into its “meat and potatoes” of summer entertainment.

Marcotte, the city’s recreation coordinator who books bands, has booked several up-and-coming country artists to perform at the stage in Jesse James Park. One concert, featuring The Band Perry and the Jessica Horn Band, already had young country artists on June 19. The next three shows will feature similar acts.

Marcotte and Eric Marshall, parks director, have seen success with these types of shows both in timing to book them and attendance. The Gloriana young country band costs at least 10 times the amount to book now as it did when Marcotte and Marshall booked it for last year — Gloriana performed July 31, 2009, in Kearney.

Marcotte said he’s hoping to build on the momentum of some of these bands for ticket sales to the amphitheater. The next concert is Justin Moore on Saturday, July 31. Moore is best known for his hit song “Small Town U.S.A.” Marcotte said he knew immediately after hearing that song that Moore would be a good fit for Kearney.

“Everyone can relate to that song that live in a small town,” Marcotte said.

Marcotte said he heard “Small Town U.S.A.” in February and booked Moore before the song hit No. 1 on the Billboard chart in September.

“There’s a certain intangible that a performer has or doesn’t have,” Marcotte said.

While Marcotte has developed an ear for young country, it’s not his first choice in music. He grew up a rock fan but finds music to play to the Kearney area demographic.

“If I’m not a country fan and think it’s a good song, we’re probably onto something,” Marcotte said.

Such was the case with Jamey Johnson, who performed in Kearney on Aug. 15, 2009. Marcotte said he could relate to Johnson’s “In Color” song. Johnson was already becoming a big name when he was booked to perform in Kearney and was soon thereafter nominated for several awards.

Marcotte and Marshall are expecting the same success as summer wraps up. Randy Houser was going to be the next Jamey Johnson-size performance in Kearney with a concert Saturday, Aug. 28.

“At the time we thought he would be, then Justin Moore …” Marshall said.

“Exploded,” Marcotte interjected.

Another up-and-coming country artist scheduled to perform at the Kearney Amphitheater is David Nail, a Missouri native, with hit songs “Anything Goes” and “Boots On.”

“His new song, ‘Turning Home,’ is getting crazy time on Q104 (104.3 FM),” Marcotte said.

For more information on Kearney Amphitheater concerts, visit www.kearneyamphitheater.com or call City Hall at 628-4142.

Kearney Editor Kevin M. Smith can be reached at 628-6010 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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