Jugfest - Visalia , CA

Another fringe benefit of writing articles is - getting the whole scoop on upcoming events.
Here is one event that I am looking forward to attending.

Country music fest to rock Visalia

Jugfest to feature some of country's biggest entertainers Sept. 22.

By Esther Avila / Special to The Bee

09/14/07 05:34:27

More information

If you go

What: Jugfest 2007 -- 10 artists in back-to-back country music performances, with opportunities to meet and greet the artists; kids' activities.
When: Sept. 22, starting at 11 a.m.
Where: Plaza Park, Plaza Drive and Highway 198, Visalia.
Tickets: Advance -- all day and evening $15, general admission and $25 for preferred seating. At the gate, tickets $5 for daytime only or $25 and $35 all day/evening. Advance tickets available online at www.kjug.com or www.gorillatix.com and at Best Buy Market, 1300 W. Walnut Ave., Visalia; 1798 N. 10th Ave., Hanford and 1135 W. Bush St., Lemoore.
Details: (559) 553-1500.

A country music festival Sept. 22 will feature performances by 10 country artists at Jugfest, a day filled with back-to-back performances and opportunities for fans to meet several of the artists.

"We are excited to offer an event of this magnitude to the Central Valley. Currently there are no other country music festivals in our area," said Melinda Caz, marketing director at KJUG FM 106.7, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

"There'll be something for everyone -- for all ages," she said. "The best deal is to come early and stay all day, especially through the evening when we have our grand finale, a tribute to our troops."

The day kicks off at 11 a.m with performances on two stages by country artists Dusty Drake, John Berry, Ty Herndon, Whiskey Falls, Lance Miller and Sarah Buxton.

But Jugfest will offer more than just country music. A Kids' Zone area will offer a children's bounce houses, bungee run, jousting activities and a trampoline euro-power jump. In addition, there will be free face painting, magic shows and strolling clowns making balloon animals for the children. Plenty of local food vendors and craft booths will also be on site.

"Country music isn't what it was when I was a kid," Caz said. "With artists like Bon Jovi and Sheryl Crow releasing country songs, country music is expanding its fan base -- and, on the day of Jugfest, I think we are going to see that. We are expecting big groups of country music fans and families."

The station has received confirmations from people who will attend from San Diego, San Francisco, Arizona and Miami, she said.

As evening arrives, the main stage will heat up with more acts. At 7 p.m., country group Cole Deggs and The Lonesome will light up the main stage. They will be followed by recording artist Paul Overstreet. Overstreet has written hit songs for George Jones, Randy Travis, Tanya Tucker and Marie Osmond. Country group Little Texas will follow and is expected to rev up the audience with some of its greatest hits, including "God Blessed Texas" and "Amy's Back in Austin."

But it will be Darryl Worley who will take the stage and rock the arena with the grand finale -- a tribute to United States military men and women. Program listeners were encouraged to send a photo of someone in the military or a veteran to honor in a presentation at the evening concert.

Lawn chairs or blankets are recommended for the daytime concerts.

"Don't underestimate the power of country music; it's electrifying and the listeners are loyal," said Dave Daniels, program director for Westcoast Broadcasting, owner of KJUG. "Not everyone has the opportunity to go to Nashville and experience country music one on one."