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Country’s Big & Rich to play Kingsford centennial in 2023

Kenny Alphin, left, and John Rich, right, of the country music duo Big & Rich tape a song in December 2016 for Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Rise Telethon in Nashville, Tenn. The duo plan to perform at Kingsford's 100th anniversary celebration in August 2023. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, file)

KINGSFORD — County duo Big & Rich are coming to Kingsford to help celebrate the city’s 100th birthday next year.

John Jessen of the Kingsford Centennial Committee made the announcement Wednesday on Frog Country 101.5.

The band will perform Friday during the three-day event planned Aug. 3-5, 2023, at Lodal Park in Kingsford.

The duo of John Rich and Big Kenny (born William Alphin) are known best for their hit “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy” off their platinum-selling album “Horse of a Different Color.” Other hits include “Coming to Your City,” “Holy Water,” “Lost in this Moment,” “8th of November,” and “I Play Chicken with the Train,” with Cowboy Troy,

“We’ve been looking at a lot of acts and it’s one that we had high on our list,” Jessen said.

He gave a “a big shout out” to local musician Andy Gibbons, who lives in Nashville, Tenn. “He was key in making this happen for us,” Jessen said.

Gibbons has been in Nashville for a few years and played at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge before switching earlier this year to the Redneck Riviera, which is owned by John Rich.

“He’s gotten to know John pretty well and he introduced him to me and I had a few conversations directly with him that allowed us to bring this act to our area,” Jessen said.

This is the first of many more acts to be announced, he said. They are working on another national country act to open on that night. They are also looking at mix of ’70s, ’80s, ’90s rock for Thursday and Saturday.

Jessen also announced ticket prices have been locked in for the event.

“We want to keep ticket prices as low as possible so families can come out and enjoy the three days,” he said.

Early bird advance tickets for the three days will be on sale in early December for $30. Advanced tickets afterwards will be $45 and tickets at the gate will be $60 for a three-day ticket or $30 for a one-day ticket. There will also be a limited number of VIP packages sold for $100 that include seating, private bar and bathroom, a souvenir mug and potential meet and greets.

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