BIG SKY BASH 2016 to be held July 9, 2016
by CARD Foundation 1
January 17, 2016
The CARD Foundation is pleased to announce its 6th annual BIG SKY BASH concert to benefit the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD). Country Music Legend, John Michael Montgomery and The Devon Wade Band will be performing in Libby on Saturday, July 9th, 2016, with gates opening at 5pm, and music playing from 6pm until midnight at J. Neils Park.
John Michael Montgomery has turned an uncanny ability to relate to fans into one of country music's most storied careers. Behind the string of hit records, the roomful of awards and the critical and fan accolades that have defined his phenomenal success lies a connection that goes beyond his undeniable talent and his proven knack for picking hits. Since the days when "Life's A Dance" turned him from an unknown artist into a national star, John Michael’s rich baritone has carried that most important of assets--believability. Few artists in any genre sing with more heart than this handsome Kentucky-born artist.
It is readily apparent in love songs that have helped set the standard for a generation. Songs like "I Swear," "I Love the Way You Love Me" and "I Can Love You Like That" still resonates across the landscape--pop icon and country newcomer Jessica Simpson cited "I Love The Way You Love Me" as an influence in a recent interview. It is apparent in the 2004 hit "Letters From Home," one of the most moving tributes to the connection between soldiers and their families ever recorded, and in "The Little Girl," a tale of redemption that plumbs both the harrowing and the uplifting. It is apparent even in the pure fun that has always found its way into John Michael's repertoire--songs like "Be My Baby Tonight" and "Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)," where John Michael's vocal earnestness takes musical whimsy to another level.
Devon Wade is an independent country music artist out of Sandpoint, Idaho with a strong love for what country music has always been songs about real life and things that matter most in life. Most recently opening for such acts as Jerrod Niemann, The Josh Abbott band, and Roseanne Cash, Devon has become known for his strong country voice coming from such influences as George Strait, Clint Black, and Garth Brooks, as well as his lively shows.
"Performing music has always been about the people, I want everyone at one of my shows to have a great time, it isn’t about me, but it should be about them. I want people to hear the memories, either it be from one of my songs, or a cover of another artist that they can request. Many times during a show, I have even learned a song someone requested that I didn’t know from an MP3 of the song or the internet, and if I can’t learn it then they are welcome to come up and sing it themselves" says Devon.
Being a frequent concert-goer himself he understands what makes for a memorable experience and he is always trying to make everyone feel special at each of his shows.
"My most memorable concert experience was seeing Chris Ledoux live, I can still hear the crowd, the songs, and still remember the way I felt after that concert… I said to myself…that’s what I want to do. I may not be as popular as Chris Ledoux, but when I am on the stage with the band, that’s who I imagine myself as. I want people to walk away from a show and feel the same way I did."
With his songwriting skills coupled with his energetic shows he has become a favorite among country music fans everywhere. "For me, making it big in the music business is not what really matters, but if I can make a new fan of country music out of someone in the audience then I couldn’t ask for anything more".
Tickets will go on sale May 1, 2016. Ticket prices will be $30.00 for advance purchase and $35.00 at the gate. All proceeds from this event will go to the CARD Foundation, the fundraising arm of CARD, to support CARD in its ongoing efforts to provide healthcare, research and outreach to benefit all people impacted by exposure.
|
