Big & Rich unveil summer trek
Multi-platinum country duo Big & Rich will return to the road following a yearlong hiatus for a round of US dates this summer.
The pair--Kenny Alphin and John Rich--will kick off the trek June 12 at Winsted, MN's Winstock Country Music Festival, followed by stops at casinos and festivals in 25 cities across the country through late August. Details are shown below.
The duo, which took some time off to allow Alphin to recover from a pre-existing injury incurred during a car accident with a drunk driver several years ago, continues supporting its most recent release, "Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace," which debuted atop Billboard's Top Country Albums chart in 2007. The record's lead single, "Lost In This Moment," became the band's first track to reach No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart.
Rich, the former bassist and backup vocalist for country act Lonestar, dropped his debut solo effort, "Son of a Preacher Man," in March.
"When we decided to take this year off so Kenny could focus on rehabilitation for a pre-existing injury, I asked Kenny if he was cool with me recording a solo project," Rich said in a 2008 interview with Billboard. "I would only do this with Kenny's blessing."
Alphin, who often goes by Big Kenny, released his solo debut, "Live a Little," back in 1999. During the pair's hiatus, Alphin focused on philanthropy, heading to Darfur in late 2007 to deliver medical supplies.
The musician recently hosted Nashville4Africa, an all-star event featuring the African Children's Choir, Faith Hill, Dierks Bentley, Martina McBride and other stars that raised money for his charity, Big Kenny's Love Everybody Fund. The proceeds from the April 22 show will help the country star deliver medical and school supplies to the Sudan, according to Big & Rich's website.
June 2009
12 - Winsted, MN - Winstock Country Music Festival
13 - Camden, NJ - Susquehanna Bank Center
16 - Friant, CA - Table Mountain Casino
18 - Santa Ynez, CA - Chumash Casino
19 - Rancho Mirage, CA - The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
20 - Primm, NV - Star of the Desert Arena
21 - Albuquerque, NM - Sandia Resort and Casino
25 - Riverton, WY - Wind River Casino
26 - Grand Junction, CO - Country Jam USA Grounds
27 - Greeley, CO - Island Grove Park
28 - Norfolk, NE - Divots Event Center
July 2009
2 - Mashantucket, CT - MGM Grand Theater
3 - Varysburg, NY - Buffalo Hill Village
10 - Cavendish, PA - Cavendish Beach Music Festival Grounds
16 - Bethel, NY - Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
17 - Morristown, OH - Jamboree in the Hills Festival Grounds
24 - London, Ontario - Harris Park
25 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre
26 - Saint Charles, IL - Pheasant Run Resort
August 2009
7 - Davenport, IA - Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds
8 - Detroit Lakes, MN - Soo Pass Ranch
11 - West Allis, WI - Wisconsin State Fair Park
12 - Sioux Falls, SD - W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds
22 - St. Petersburg, FL - Tropicana Field
29 - Big Flats, NY - The Summer Stage at Tag's
30 - Gilford, NH - Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion
- Artist Links:
John Rich Gallery Spotlight: Chicago, IL - Oct. 4, 2009 [October 2009]
Big & Rich singer records pro-McCain song [August 2008]
Republicans' turn to rock the house [August 2008]
Kenny Chesney rolls out expanded tour [April 2008]
Kenny Chesney leads ACM pack with 11 nominations [March 2008]



































