Frank Erwin Center | Press Releases

Austin, TX - Texas poet Curtis Grimes edged out Joral Segura in a night of pretty amazing music at legendary Stubbs’ Barbeque last week to win the coveted first slot for Kenny Chesney’s show at the Frank Erwin Center on May 1. The event was part of Kenny Chesney’s Next Big Star Competition for the opening slot at each of the stops on his Poets & Pirates 2008 Tour.

For Chesney, the three consecutive and current Academy of Country Music and three time and reigning Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year, the idea of taking his opening slot and opening it up to the best local musicians in the places he performs seemed like a great way to share what is already the summer’s best party with the people he’s coming to play for.

“This is everything I could’ve hoped for,” said Chesney, who’s in the midst of finishing rehearsals for the 55-truck marathon that will take him to 14 NFL stadiums, as well as a myriad of arenas and amphitheatres this summer. “To me, it’s how do we get the kids with their dreams and their songs closer to a record deal... Curtis Grimes is doing the very same thing I did when I was his age… and it’s a thrill to be able to put him up in front of us. I can’t wait to get to Austin and hear him.”

Grimes, whose original songs recall early George Strait, has an earnest quality and straightforward romantic sense that hits the same bullseye for fans who see themselves in Chesney’s songs about coming of age, falling in love and finding one’s way. With three judges, including KASE’s Music Director, a Corona Rep, an independent radio promoter, and a very vocal audience, it was exactly the kind of event to bring a musical community together and celebrate the best of an original music scene.

Tickets for Kenny Chesney with special guest LeAnn Rimes at the Frank Erwin Center Thursday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m. are $59.50 and $69.50 and are ON SALE NOW at all Texas Box Office Outlets (includes select H-E-B stores in Austin, Bastrop, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Kyle, Leander, Pflugerville, Round Rock, San Marcos and Temple; Ft. Hood ITR and Renaissance Records in Killeen), charge-by-phone at 512-477-6060 or 1-800-982-2386 or order online at TexasBoxOffice.com. Convenience charges may apply. All information is subject to change. The Frank Erwin Center is a smoke-free facility. Convenient parking is available within walking distance in nearby state and University lots. For more information, visit uterwincenter.com.

For all ticket inquiries, please contact Texas Box Office at
512-477-6060 or 1-800-982-2386.