Diamond Rio, Bomshel, Against The Grain and Memories of Elvis Added to KUK lineup!
Kick’n Up Kountry is excited to announce more artists performing at this year’s Kick’n Up Kountry! Recently announced is: Diamond Rio, Bomshel, Memories of Elvis, Tony Mosti & the ATG Band from Las Vegas! Other artists announced last week: Jaron & the Long Road to Love, Tribute to Johnny Cash [Terry Goffee], Sammy Kershaw, Ashlee Hewitt and her Nashville band, Josh Whitlow [2010 Karaoke winner], and Whiskey 7 Band.
Diamond Rio
“It was no mistake that we wrote a song called ‘The Reason’ and it exactly answers the question. It’s the reason why we’re here. It’s our story.” – Jimmy Olander. “The Reason” and “Beautiful Mess” are just a couple of many hit songs they’ve had, with over 10 million albums sold, nine #1 hits and 22 top 10 singles. This six time Vocal Group of the Year (CMA,ACM) won a 2011 Grammy Award for their latest album, The Reason. They have had 14 total Grammy Nominations and were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1998. Long-time Spokespersons for “Big Brothers Big Sisters of America” and have raised over $750,000 for the charity. Diamond Rio made history in 1991 as the first group to have their debut single, “Meet In The Middle”, reach #1. They’ve had 15 consecu-tive County Music Association Vocal Group of the Year nominations (more than any other band in country music history). ‘The Reason’ is Diamond Rio’s first Christian release and features 10 brand new songs along with a new version of the fan favorite, “In God We Still Trust” Diamond Rio was 2010 Dove Awards Winner for “Country Album of the Year”.
Bomshel
Kelley and Kristy are musical counterparts and best friends. Well known for their vivacious personalities and sense of musical adventure, the Curb Records duo displays their more pensive side on the hit “Fight Like a Girl.” The song engaged country radio and served to wet appetites for Kristy and Kelley’s new project, a well crafted collection that finds the talented twosome hitting their stride as song writers and vo-calists. Other songs by Bomshel in-clude “19 & Crazy” and “JustFine”.The girls had their first serendipitousmeeting at a show in Michigan.Kristy describes it as, “The first timeI got nervous to follow another artist on stage was after seeing Kelley perform. She doesn’t just stand there and hold a microphone, she entertains her audience and puts on a SHOW.” Kelley grew up singing in local venues in Phoenix Arizona, where she used to introduce herself at ten years old, as “Curb recording artist Kelley Shepard!” She says, “I wanted to BE Leann Rimes, and I knew she was a Curb artist. Look at how crazy life is, I am a walking testament that dreams come true!” Kelley got her first break after sending a tape into the Ellen Degeneres show, where she was noticed by singer, Brian McKnight who began developing her early song writing career. Kristy is from a small town in Idaho, and started out touring the North-west and Canada in a group called The Fiddler’s Hatchery at four years old. She says she knew she wanted to be a country singer after watching Garth Brooks play New York on TV.
Against The Grain
TonyMosti, lead singer of Against TheGrain, debuted during the 2008 season of NBC’s hit show ‘NashvilleStar’ as one of only twelve finalists, out of 49,000 acts to appear on the nationally televised show. His amazing vocals also earned him a finalist spot in Kenny Chesney’s ‘Next Big Star’ competition, as well as second place on FOX networks ‘Fast Track To Fame’. He formed the Against the Grain Band, or ATG, directly after these National shows. Delivering gritty modern country, and southern rock to national audiences, ATG’s remarkable energy on stage, top the best in the business. Endear-ing audiences each time they take the stage, ATG not only charms, but delivers a top-notch performance for all to enjoy. This high-energy, gritty,modern rockin’ country band from Las Vegas was founded in 2010. They sound like Rascal Flatts and Jason Aldean and have over a decade of experience in the entertainment business. Tony has performed in Greece, Italy, China, Japan, Singapore, Diego Garcia, and throughout the United States. He has entertained political leaders, celebrities, the U.S. Military, major corporations and audiences of every age and nationality.
Chris Olson’s Memories of Elvis
Chis Olson is from White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Born in 1967, he always had a love for music. He was in a rock band with some high school buddies. Mary Ann, being a strong willed Elvis fan who has seen Elvis Presley live three times, is now Chris’ wife and booking agent. It was Mary Ann who recognized Chris’ singing talent. She knew the potential Chris had as the Elvis performer which Elvis fans had been missing since his passing in 1977.
Additional performances at Kick’n Up Kountry include winners of the adult Karaoke and the Little Kicker contests, as well as the winner of the “Battle of the Bands“ contest. Kick’n Up Kountry will be held at Wagon Wheel Ridge, one mile west of Karlstad, June 16, 17 and 18th. Tickets can be purchased online and from local merchants! www.kicknupkountry.com or call 1-877-KICKNUP. Early bird tickets are still available until April 1, 2011!
