Courtesy Photo/Image Darius Rucker

Courtesy Photo/Image Gloriana

Darius Rucker will take center stage June 26 in North Platte, headlining the country music show at the Nebraskaland Days Summer Jam concert.

FREE Mobile Banking NOW AVAILABLE!

Rucker’s 2008 album Learn to Live has three number one singles — "Don't Think I Don't Think About It", "It Won't Be Like This for Long" and "Alright" — accroding to the U.S. Hot Country Songs chart.

Rucker is storming the country music genre. He was recently nominated for a pair of Country Music Association awards -- Best New Artist and the prestigious Male Vocalist of the Year – plus an American Music Awards nomination as Favorite Country Male Artist.

It’s an unusual accomplishment for a 40-something ex-rocker. Rucker is the former lead singer and rhythm guitarist for rock stars Hootie and the Blowfish. He's always had a thing for country music and he enjoys singing about real life.

“I realized I’m 42,” Rucker said. “I’m not going to write many songs about drinking, chasing girls or booty calls. I was going to write songs about having kids and stuff – songs about life.”

“We can't wait to see him in North Platte,” said entertainment committee co-chair David Fudge of Mix97One radio. ”As the best country albums do, Learn to Live takes the listener on a trip. The album’s arc covers major life themes such as falling in love, birth and death.”

Showstarters

The exciting young group “Gloriana” will open the Summer Jam country show. The band recently was nominated for an American Music Award as the top Breakthrough Artist. Their single is “Wild at Heart.” Brothers Tom and Mike Gossin are joined in the band by Rachel Reinert and Cheyenne Kimball.

Tickets

Tickets for the concert will go on sale in November, with a new pricing plan and ticketing system.

“The first 500 tickets for this show will be priced at $25 plus fees” said Nebraskaland Days Board President Brian Moore. “We understand the economy still has some people hurting.”

Once the first 500 tickets have been sold, the price will go up to $30 for the next 1,500 tickets, still under last year's price.

In addition, fans can buy tickets and print them right at their home computer, under an agreement that will modernize the ticketing operation.

Tickets are projected to go on sale Nov. 16 to sustaining members. The general public will be able to buy them on Nov. 23.

“I can't imagine a better Christmas gift than Darius Rucker and Gloriana,” said Fudge. “It's going to be an outstanding show.”

U.S. Cellular is the prime sponsor of the Summer Jam concerts.