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Country Artists Take Stage For Concert
Parmalee
Parmalee

 

Summer is not quite officially here but with schools concluding and the temperatures rising the time to enjoy the great outdoors is upon us. For several years, the staff at KAT Country has tried to bring the community an all-star list of acts to perform in the Central Valley to show their loyal listeners some appreciation.

KAT Country 103 presents the Listener Appreciation Concert (LAC) on Saturday, June 6, with the show this year returning to the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway in Turlock. The gates open at noon and show time is at 2 p.m. with a stellar lineup of artists including Gloriana, Thompson Square, Waterloo Revival, Parmalee, Ruthie Collins, and Austin Webb.

The venue has changed this year after being at Weber Point in Stockton for the past five years, the concert has moved back to the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds where it was in the past to accommodate the 15,000 plus guests that they are anticipating to attend.

KATM Program Director Nikki Thomas is the person responsible for booking the talent, working with a multitude of people to make the show happen. Planning starts several months in advance.

This concert is free to Kat Country listeners as a thank you for their support throughout the year. To secure entrance into the show listeners had to visit a ticket stop, which were held throughout the valley. There are a few more opportunities to score a ticket today, Wednesday, June 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Health Plan of San Joaquin, 7751 S. Manthey Road in French Camp or from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Jackson Rancheria, 12222 New York Ranch Road in Jackson; on Thursday, June 4 at Health Plan of San Joaquin, 1012 10th Street Plaza in Modesto from noon to 2 p.m.; Motor Motion, 4724 Greenleaf Court, in Modesto from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and the final day on Friday, June 5 at Stockton Auto World, 2129 Auto Circle Center in Stockton.

Parmalee, which includes brothers Matt and Scott Thomas, their cousin Barry Knox and friend Josh McSwain, made their way to the West coast at the end of May and will perform with the other artists at the LAC.

Landing a record deal with Stoney Creek Records was a highlight for the band and with their new single “Already Callin’ You Mine” hitting the Top 40 at U.S. Country Radio things are going really well for them.

“Going overseas and playing for the troops was another highlight which was awesome,” added Matt Thomas. “It was really cool.”

They have toured with other artists like Jake Owen and Brad Paisley and have played at several festivals, fairs and clubs on their own.

“That is always a good time like all these festivals,” said Matt. “I like performing outdoors this time of year unless it is too hot, but the big outdoor festivals are fun, it is a big party.”

Parmalee will be touring all summer and will continue to work on new music in the studio and hear them harmonize and have a good time.

As far as booking the acts, KATM’s Nikki Thomas said they are in tune with their listeners, working to bring them the best.

“Artists that play here are our friends for life,” stated Nikki Thomas. “We are glad to share that friendship with our listeners.”