Mark Chesnutt comes to Cocopah Casino Feb. 9
A big name in country music is coming to Yuma to celebrate this area's love of rodeo.
Mark Chesnutt comes to Cocopah Casino Saturday, Feb. 9, for an outdoor concert, with part of the proceeds benefitting the Yuma Jaycees Silver Spur Rodeo.
Casino officials say that country fans' love for the singer's music, combined with their passion for rodeo, promises to draw a huge crowd that night for the all-ages show.
“... Not only do people get to come to a great concert, but they are supporting a great cause and a tradition that has been part of the Yuma community for nearly 70 years,” said John Giles, marketing director at Cocopah Casino. “Mark Chesnutt has been on the charts for 30 years. He has had eight No. 1 hits and 50 top 10s. People are very excited and he has a huge following here in Yuma.”
Gates will open at 7 p.m. for the concert, which will take place on the casino's event lawn. Opening act Marshal Reign will take the stage at 7:30 p.m.
Chesnutt says he's looking forward to meeting Yuma.
“My favorite part is meeting all my fans. I love going out on stage and performing, but meeting the fans is the best,” the singer told the Yuma Sun during a recent interview. “And meeting the fans that are posting messages on my Facebook page is pretty cool. I get to put a face with a name.”
He added that Yuma folks will like what he's got planned for the stage Feb. 9.
“My band and I put on a great show every time we go on stage. We have fun, and in turn, the fans have fun,” Chesnutt said. “Anyone that comes out to see us in Yuma, you're gonna have a great time and hear some great music.”
Chesnutt released his first album, “Doing My Country Thing,” in the late 1980s. His big break came with the hit single “Too Cold at Home” in 1990. His album “What a Way to Live” was certified gold in 1994. His most recent release was “Outlaw” in 2010.
Chesnutt says he's enjoyed seeing the country music scene evolve over the years and he's quick to say that he thinks the genre is standing at its strongest point ever.
“Country music is always evolving. Right now I think we have more artists than in any time in history,” he said. “I guess the reason is a bigger audience – more kids and more sales. Even ‘American Idol' encourages kids to sing country music. That didn't happen a year or two ago. I think it's great to have all these artists.”
Tickets for Chesnutt's concert are $50 for VIP and $25 for general admission. Children ages 3 and younger may attend free of charge. Those tickets are available through Cocopah Casino.
The Yuma Jaycees are also offering a special pass, which includes the concert and four events at the upcoming Silver Spur Rodeo. Those passes are available at the Jaycees Clubhouse, located at 2577 E. Co. 14th. They can also be ordered by calling 344-5451.
