SIKESTON -- The news a lot of people are waiting for is finally out -- Bret Michaels is the Saturday night performer at this year's 62nd annual Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo.
"We have been working on this deal with Bret for awhile," said Craig Templeton, entertainment chair for this year's rodeo. "It took time to work out all of the details of the contract."
The Jaycees decided to bring in Bret Michaels for a different twist on entertainment this year. "He's a classic rock legend," said Templeton. "When you think of Poison, you automatically think of Bret Michaels. We figured this would be something different and bring a real excitement to the live entertainment this year."
Michaels first gained fame as lead vocalist of the band Poison, with several hit singles and albums, most notably the No. 1 single "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," and "Talk Dirty to Me." He has several solo albums to his credit, including the soundtrack album to the movie "A Letter from Death Row," as well as a classic Poison-style rock album, "Songs of Life."
Michaels has had fame in several reality shows, Templeton noted, including winning "The Celebrity Apprentice." Michaels has a fan base spanning several ages.
His new CD "Bret Michaels: Jammin with Friends" features legendary artists, who just happen to be great friends of Michael's. They include Joe Perry (Aerosmith), Loretta Lynn, Jimmy Buffett, Ace Frehley (Kiss), Michael Anthony (Van Halen) and members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, to name a few.
"Bringing him in is similar to what we've done before with Lynyrd Skynyrd and 38 Special," said Templeton. "They always bring out a big crowd, and everybody knows all of the songs they sing."
While there are a lot of newer artists at this year's rodeo, set from Aug. 6-9, the Jaycees are excited about every act they have booked. "We feel like every freshman artist we book turns into gold," Templeton said. "Lots of times people will say 'who is that' (about an entertainer) but once they hear the song, they will be like 'Oh yeah, I want to go see them."
Other entertainers were announced at a press conference held in March, in conjunction with the Sikeston Regional Chamber's membership luncheon. Kicking off the rodeo on Wednesday night will be Josh Thompson. Following up on Thursday night, husband and wife duo Keifer and Shawna Thompson of Thompson Square will perform. Dustin Lynch will take the stage on Friday night.
"We are very pleased with the entire lineup for this year's rodeo," said Daniel Beck, general chairman for this year's event.
"Josh Thompson has been on the country music scene for awhile but he's the up and comer for the younger generation," said Templeton.
With a new album "Turn It Up," released earlier this week, Thompson's current hit single is "Cold Beer With Your Name On It." He's already had two albums, and hit songs including "Way Out Here," "Won't Be Lonely Long" and "Beer On The Table."
Thompson got his start as a songwriter, with his tunes landing spots on albums of country singers Jason Aldean and Gary Allan, among others.
"We really felt that Josh Thompson would be a great artist to kick off our rodeo," said Templeton. "He's an up and comer that's popular with the younger crowd, and it coincides well with our bullfighting."
Thompson Square, which will take the stage on Thursday night, are a well-known, family-oriented duo, said Templeton.
"Thursday night will be a great night to come out as a family and see quality entertainment," said Templeton. "People know who Thompson Square is, and they know they can bring their kids and feel comfortable."
Thompson Square is one of the acts that Templeton has seen perform live "and they did wonderful," he said.
The couple has recently released their sophomore album "Just Feels Good."
Hit singles of the group include the No. 1 double-platinum-selling "Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not," which was the most-heard song on country radio in 2011, as well as "I Got You," and "Glass." They've won several awards and had 25 total nominations through the CMA, ACM, CMT and ACA, as well as two Grammy nominations. In April 2013, they won the ACM Vocal Duo of the year for the second consecutive year. One of their current hit singles is "If I Didn't Have You," which is their fastest selling and rising to date.
Dustin Lynch's debut single, "Cowboys and Angels" quickly rose up the country chart, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard charts in 2012.
Lynch's "She Cranks My Tractor" became his second Top 20 hit in early 2013, followed by "Wild In Your Smile," which made the Top 30. Currently playing on the radio and garnering a lot of air time is his single "Hurricane."
In 2012, Lynch was nominated for Music Video of the Year and Single of the Year at the American Country Awards for "Cowboys and Angels," and in 2013, nominated at the CMT Music Awards for Breakthrough Video of the Year for the same hit song.
"This is another artist we brought in to cater to the younger generation," said Templeton. "We figure Dustin Lynch is going to be a big star sooner than later and now is the time to book him."
Ryan Lindsey, co-chairman for this year's rodeo, said the Jaycees are pleased with the lineup.
"We're excited about the entertainment this year," he said. "We've followed our format of past years, bringing in award-winning country artists that will be popular for years to come."
The entertainment acts will follow rodeo events each night of the rodeo. Tickets are $20 for bleachers and $30 for box seats, and available at the rodeo ticket office, by calling 1-800-455-BULL, or may be purchased online at www.sikestonrodeo.com.