Country Music Highway Tribute Show Announced

LEFT TO RIGHT: Courtney Hensley, Visit Ashland, Samantha Johnson, Prestonsburg Tourism, Jeremiah Parson, Paintsville Tourism, Wes Kingsmore, Lawrence County Tourism Commission, Colby Hall, SOAR Executive Director, Chris Jobe, Lawrence County Tourism, Lee Adams, Letcher County Tourism, Whitney Justice, Double Kwik Marketing Director, Missy Matthews, Double Kwik President and Brandy Clark, Visit Ashland were present at the Mountain Arts Center for the announcement.

By Lilly Adkins

BSN Associate Editor

REGIONAL — SOAR held a meeting at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg June 1, during which they announced the kick off of the Country Music Highway Tribute Show.

There will be two free outdoor shows, one in Paintsville on July 29, and one in Whitesburg Aug. 12, featuring music, food, arts, and crafts and much more. The finale will be at the Mountain Arts Center on Aug. 19, in Prestonsburg which is a ticketed indoor show, and all proceeds go toward supporting future shows. Tickets for the Aug. 19, show are on sale now and are $15.

The Country Music Highway is home to icons of the industry and includes Chris Stapleton, Ricky Skaggs, Wynonna Judd, Tyler Childers, Noah Thompson, Patty Loveless, Dwight Yoakum, Naomi Judd, Keith Whitley and Loretta Lynn.

SOAR is partnering with tourism organizations and venues to pay homage to the stars and create a stage for the next generation of starts to shine at the Country Music Highway Tribute Show presented by Double Kwik.

“I know how important it is that we work together as a region, as a community, as a group, to promote all of our assets. We are very fortunate to have one of the most beautiful areas in the whole world that we liv in, that we can call ‘home’ every day. To have the Country Music Highway Tribute Show as a hook that could maybe bring some tourists in here to see what we see is amazing,” President of Double Kwik, Missy Matthews said.

“Next year, it will be Paramount, Louisa and Russell,” Chief Operating Officer at SOAR, Joshua Ball said. “It’s a collaboration of all tourism, with musicians and bands from all up and down the highway. There will also be a silent auction to support along the highway.”

Performers wishing to participate in the Country Music Highway Tribute Show ar encouraged to complete an online application at www.cmhtributeshow.com.