CMT DukesFest to Feature Two Days of the Best in Country Music

CMT DukesFest to Feature Two Days of the Best in Country Music

BRISTOL, Tenn., May 25 /PRNewswire/ -- CMT DukesFest 2005, the mega- celebration of "The Dukes of Hazzard," will bring two days of country and bluegrass music to the Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway on the weekend of June 4-5.

"There is a lot going on in those two days," said Ben Jones, who played "Cooter" on the show and is one of DukesFest's organizers. "There will be stars of the show, car stunts, a Mopar show, a hundred General Lees, plenty of dragracing, kids' activities and the chance to ride around the track in a 'General.' But I'm really excited about the music. Among other things, DukesFest is a two day outdoor concert and we'll have everything from classic country to bluegrass to the latest stuff from Nashville!"

John Schneider, who played heartthrob Bo Duke, will take the stage both days to perform his hits, including "What's A Memory like You (Doing in a Love Like This)?" and "Country Girls."

Also appearing both days will be James Otto, who opened for Shania Twain and for MuzikMafia pal Gretchen Wilson. Otto will bring his earthy brand of country, including his hit single "The Days of Our Lives" to DukesFest.

On Saturday, Keni Thomas and Cornbread will take the stage for a set including the single "Not Me," which recently brought down the house at the Grand Ol' Opry. Thomas, a former Army Ranger who was decorated for heroism during the "Black Hawk Down" battle, will perform a salute to America's Armed Forces.

Rising star Glenn Cummings will also perform on Saturday, featuring tunes from his latest album "Big." Cummings, who recently performed at the CMA Awards, hit the charts with "Good Old Days."

On Sunday, Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys will bring their beloved brand of traditional mountain music to the stage. "Ralph II has a voice as fine as any in country music," says Ben Jones. "He grew up singing with his Daddy and the Clinch Mountain Boys and there is no better musical education than that!"

Closing the festivities on Sunday afternoon is another performer with famous musical bloodlines, Shooter Jennings. The son of Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, Shooter is forging his own way with a hit album and a hot video.

"Ol' Shooter is hotter than a two dollar pistol," says Jones. "His album 'Put The O Back in Country' has put him in the spotlight where he belongs."

Jennings father, the late Waylon Jennings, was the narrator of the "Dukes of Hazzard" and wrote the show's hit theme song, "Good Ol' Boys." Shooter Jennings will appear with his band, the 357s.

Also appearing both days will be Jones and his country-rock group, "Cooter's Garage Band," who recently performed at the Grand Ol' Opry.

"Besides everything else that is going on, we're gonna have a world class music festival," says Jones. "And Two Foot Fred with the Big & Rich gang is going to help me emcee and I'll bet you he's bound to do some dancin'!"

According to Jones, the performers will be available for pictures and autographs and will have merchandise for sale at the event.

Advance tickets for CMT DukesFest are $15 for a single day or $25 for a two-day pass. Children under age 10 and military personnel with ID will be admitted free of charge. Tickets are also available online at http://www.cootersplace.com/ or by calling Cooter's Place at 865-430-9909 or the BMS ticket office at 423-764-1161.

Source: CMT DukesFest 2005

CONTACT: Sarah Margulies for DukesFest, +1-703-534-4600 x218,
sarah@bwfcom.com; or Amanda Murphy of CMT, +1-615-335-8408,
amanda.murphy@cmt.com

Web site: http://www.cootersplace.com/

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