Tracy Lawrence, Clay Walker to headline MAD’s May concert
Country artists Tracy Lawrence and Clay Walker are set to headline the first show at the Murphy Arts District Amphitheater since August later this year.
The musicians are set to be joined by opener Tracy Bryd in the show, set for May 26.
Lawrence is no stranger to the region, having grown up in Foreman, a small town just northwest of Texarkana, and attended college at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia.
Known for number one hits including “Sticks and Stones,” “Find Out Who Your Friends Are,” “Time Marches On” and more, Lawrence was one of the top country stars of the 1990’s, winning the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Award for Top Male Country Artist in 1993.
Over the course of his career, Lawrence has released 14 studio albums, one live album and eight compilation albums. His latest works, a three-volume set of records entitled “Hindsight 2020” began releasing last year and ended with the release of “Hindsight 2020, Vol. 3: Angelina” last month. The records celebrate his three decades in the business.
With more than 13 million albums sold, including the double-platinum “Time Marches On,” and 18 number one songs, Lawrence has garnered numerous Country Music Award and ACM awards and nominations, as well as a Grammy nomination for his album “The Rock,” which was nominated for Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album.
Walker, too, broke out in the country music scene in the 1990’s with his self-titled debut album in 1993, which contained hit singles including “What’s It To You” and “Live Until I Die.”
In his career, Walker has recorded 11 albums, the latest of which, “Texas to Tennessee,” returns the artist to his traditional country roots. An interview on his website quotes Walker as saying “Cowboy” is the record’s anchor.
Since 1996, Walker has battled multiple sclerosis (MS) and in the years since his diagnosis, he has become an advocate for awareness about the disease, including through his own nonprofit, Band Against MS, and through hosting an annual charity golf game, the Clay Walker Charity Classic at Pebble Beach.
Byrd, too, became known to country fans in 1993 when his single “Holdin’ Heaven” hit number one on the Billboard Country charts. His self-titled debut also included a cover of Johnny Paychek’s “Someone to Give my Love to,” helping to cement the artist’s place among country music traditionalists.
Byrd has released 11 albums over his career, selling over 500,000 copies of his first record and receiving critical acclaim for his first self-produced album, “Different Things,” which was named among Billboard magazine’s Top 10 Country Albums of the Year in 2006. His latest release, “Tracy Byrd: Live at Billy Bob’s Texas” also includes a separate DVD release containing interviews with him.
The concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 26, with doors set to open at 6 p.m. Venue pre-sale tickets are on sale now, and general public sales will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 11.
“This concert will be a great way to segue into Memorial Day weekend! We are excited to kick off the first of many shows at the MAD Amphitheater this year,” said Pam Griffin, MAD president and CEO.
MAD is also offering a limited number of VIP Experiences for concert attendees. The VIP Experience must be purchased separately from tickets, and includes includes 30 minute early entry, including early merchandise access; a Q&A with the artists; a VIP laminate; and a signed 8 in. by 10 in. photo of each artist.
Tickets for the event will be available for purchase at eldomad.com or by calling the box office at 870-444-3007. Tickets may also be purchased at the box office at 101 East Locust Street, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. VIP Experiences must be purchased by calling the box office.