×

LOCASH to headline Downtown Country Jam

New concert will replace Shellabration’s annual fall event at Oleson Park

— Submitted photo Shellabration has announced LOCASH as the headliner of the inaugural Downtown County Jam in downtown Fort Dodge. The event takes place Saturday with gates opening at 5:30 p.m.

FORT DODGE — Country music stars LOCASH are set to headline Shellabration’s first ever Downtown Country Jam Saturday.

This new venture will replace the organization’s annual fall Oktoberfest themed event that took place at Oleson Park each of the past eight years.

“In our present desire to do the uncommon and create new, unique events for the greater Fort Dodge region, this event will highlight our beautiful downtown area and get people looking at it from a totally different vantage point,” Jim Reed, Shellabration president, said. “We hope modern country music enthusiasts will be excited for this new event.”

Downtown Country Jam will take place in the downtown historic Fort Dodge area at the corner of Central Avenue and Ninth Street utilizing a similar but smaller footprint than Market on Central. A large stage and roof structure like the one utilized for Shellabration will sit between Wells Fargo and the Trolley Center with a large thrust or “catwalk” out into Central Avenue. Sound will be projected south towards the Municipal Building.

“The sight lines up and down Central Avenue and greenspace at Central Plaza are outstanding,” said Shellabration Vice President Ted Bodensteiner. “When people see how well it all fits together at that corner, they will be blown away with how cool it looks. Our goal is to take a place that people are familiar with and have them see it in a totally different light.”

Fort Dodge’s own Jessica McClintock will kick off the celebration beginning at 6 p.m. with an acoustic set.

“Jessica is extremely popular around the Fort Dodge area to as far away as Okoboji,” Reed said. ”We are excited to bring her talent to the big stage right here in her hometown.”

Following McClintock at 6:45 p.m. will be Farm Rock, a top 4-country rock act playing well known and original songs. “This act covers modern country tunes that get the crowd on their feet and dancing,” Reed said. “They are known for their high energy live performances and were the perfect choice to get the party started.”

Current members include frontman Kendall Obermier, lead guitar player Ryan Van Arkel, bass player Kurt Obermier, and drummer Jeff Rients.

LOCASH will take the stage at 8:30 p.m. The band is compromised of Chris Lucas and Preston Brust.

“The Downtown Country Jam represents our first foray into hot country music featuring an artist with currently charted hits,” Reed said. “As an ACM nominee for New Country Duo of the Year in 2017, we’re definitely catching LOCASH on the rise in what could be the most fortuitous band booking ‘get’ we have ever had.”

The duo released its debut album in 2010, which included singles such as “Here Comes Summer,” “Keep In Mind,” and “You Got Me.”

Brust and Lucas co-wrote Keith Urban’s 2011 single “You Gonna Fly,” and Tim McGraw’s 2012 single “Truck Yeah.”

In 2015 they released their second album and the first single, “I Love This Life,” peaked in the Top 10.

The band achieved its first No. 1 single, “I Know Somebody” in 2016. Some of its other singles include “Ring on Every Finger,” “Chase A Little Love,” and “Best Seat in the House.” The pair will join Tim McGraw and Faith Hill on tour in October 2017 for select dates.

Concessions will be available throughout the concert including burgers, brats, ribeye sandwiches, ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. Beverages include Blue Ribbon Pelham water, Pepsi products, and a wide array of Anheuser Busch products.

“There will be amazing BBQ, grilled meat, and cold brew to wash it down with for guests to enjoy,” Reed said.”This event promises to be an incredible outing in Fort Dodge’s historic downtown business district.”

Tickets cost $20. They will be available for purchase in Fort Dodge at Hy-Vee, Northwest Bank, Availa Bank, Great Western Bank, and Wells Fargo. Kids 12 years of age and under are admitted for free if accompanied by an adult.

Tickets can also be purchased for $25 at the gate.

All tickets are general admission with festival style seating. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chair. No coolers and outside food or beverages are allowed.

For more information regarding the event, contact Reed at 515-570-0176.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $3.46/week.

Subscribe Today