Red dirt music festival coming to Hays
Special to The Hays Daily News
Rednecks & Red Dirt Music Festival is Sept. 4, about 13 miles north of Hays. Gates open at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance with free parking, free camping and $2 beers.
The festival comes to Hays after being in St. Francis on June 12 and also in 2009.
Everyone is encouraged to bring a lawn chair, as there is no seating provided. Inside the gates, there will be barbecue, beer and other concessions.
Free camping overnight is available. Registration is required to reserve a campsite. Tickets and camping registrations are available at www.rednecksandreddirt.com
The Rednecks & Red Dirt lineup is filled with up-and-comers from the red dirt music scene.
"We scout out the best new talent and provide a platform for these bands to gain exposure in a festival style event," said Matt Wilson, president and general manager of Rock County Entertainment.
The performers include the following, all independent artists:
* Phil Hamilton and the Backroad Drifters, from Fort Worth, Texas, is the hottest new band in Texas. The band released its first album in April and its first single, "Nothing To Lose," is at No. 15 on the Texas music charts. This is a band with a strong rock edge.
* 2 Steps Back's debut album is "Lovers and Fighters."
* The music of Ricky Fugitt, Great Bend, is heard on the radio throughout Kansas and Oklahoma.
"Having a major record deal is not the primary focus for these artists," Wilson said. "In red dirt music, it is truly about making great music and connecting with the fans. At Rednecks & Red Dirt, each artist will spend time interacting with fans -- taking pictures, signing autographs, etc. It is really cool for you, the fans. There are not many concerts that you can go to and meet all the artists.
"A big reason why we are so excited about Rednecks & Red Dirt is the music itself," said Wilson, who grew up in Oakley. "I know growing up in western Kansas, most everyone listened to either country music or classic rock. I would venture a guess that 75 percent of the population would say their favorite music was one of those two genres.
"Red dirt music is a great blend of outlaw country and classic rock, with a very current look and feel," he said. "Many of the artists in red dirt music draw country influences from Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Johnny Paycheck, etc. The rock influences could include Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers."