Boyd County Tourism is proud to partner with Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. (SOAR) to host the Country Music Highway Tribute Show, presented by Double Kwik.
Here are the dates and locations:
- July 29 | Paintsville on Main and College Streets
- August 12 | Whitesburg at the Mountain Heritage Park
- August 19 | Prestonsburg at the Mountain Arts Center
US Route 23 is home to Kentucky’s Country Music Highway. It stretches from the Ohio border in Ashland, home of the Judds and Billy Ray Cyrus (in nearby Flatwoods), and southward to the Virginia state line. The stretch of road is home to others, including Ricky Skaggs, Patty Loveless, Dwight Yoakum, Chris Stapleton, Tyler Childers, and the late Naomi Judd, Keith Whitley, and Loretta Lynn.
The Country Music Highway Tribute Show launched in 2022 as part of SOAR’s Mini Summit in Ashland. It was then that the organization brought tourism agencies and performing arts venues along the Country Highway to discuss making this an annual event. All money raised from the Country Music Highway Tribute Show will be reinvested back into organizations supporting the performing arts along the Country Music Highway and help sustain the shows as an annual event.
“The Country Music Highway is something special, and we want to use these events to pay homage to the stars of the Highway, both past and present, by allowing the local and up-and-coming stars of the Highway to perform both covers and original content,” said Joshua Ball, Chief Operating Officer of SOAR. “Our shows have the unique opportunity to attract local and regional audiences, as well as tourists from outside the region and other states.”
The shows also provide a linkage to promote regional tourism to those from outside the region, as well as those from Eastern Kentucky.
“It’s easy to take for granted the natural beauty and tourism attractions that bring people to our region,” added Ball. “We want to provide a platform for locals and tourists to learn more about the communities, attractions, and amenities all across the Country Music Highway.”
The two outdoor shows — Paintsville and Whitesburg — will feature more of a festival-type atmosphere with food and arts and craft vendors lining the street. There will also be activities for children. Vendors can complete an application at www.cmhtributeshow.com. There also will be a free shuttle service provided in each community to ensure those attending can get to the event location with ease.
Performers wishing to participate in the Country Music Highway Tribute Show are encouraged to complete an online application at www.cmhtributeshow.com.
Tickets are on sale now for the August 19 show at the Mountain Arts Center. Tickets are $15.
The Country Music Highway Tribute Show is also looking for performers. The application can be found at www.cmhtributeshow.com.